Black Elk Wines: Wines of the World, A Voyage of Discovery.

South Africa’s vineyards are mostly situated in the Western Cape near the coast. Producers here are situated amongst the scenic, breathtaking beauty of the Western Cape, uniquely located at the confluence of two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. This area, steeped in a richly diverse history of Dutch and French influence, produces wines often referred to as “the bridge between Old and New World” wines. Blessed as one of only three Mediterranean winegrowing climates in the world—mild, wet winters with cool breezes from the sea, followed by dry, sunny summers—the ideal conditions are created for wine growing.

Pinotage is a wine grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (called Hermitage in South Africa and parts of Europe, hence the portmanteau name of this grape variety). Pinotage was created in South Africa in 1925 by Abraham Izak, a professor at Stellenbosch University. He was attempting to combine the best qualities of Pinot Noir, a grape that can be difficult to grow but with excellent wine-making properties, with the Cinsault, which is very prolific and sturdy.

For over forty years after its introduction, Pinotage was relatively unknown outside South Africa. However, after the apartheid system fell, international boycotts were lifted, and Pinotage began to spread commercially. Pinotage has a distinctive, refreshing and very fruity flavour.

This area, steeped in a richly diverse history of Dutch and French influence, produces wines often referred to as “the bridge between Old and New World” wines.