Name of Winery – The Grape Grinder

Name of Wine – The 2014 Grinder Pinotage

Region produced in – Swartland, South Africa

Types of grapes in wine – 100% Pinotage – (a unique South African crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault)

Characteristics of wine – Medium bodied with well-integrated medium tannins and red fruit. Great structure.  Awarded silver medal at 2015 International Wine and Spirits Challenge.

Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 89-90 points

Look – Ruby Red

Smell – Coffee, chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, hickory and toasted oak character.

Taste – Cherry, Blackberry and carob on the palate. Big flavor.

Finish – long

Food Pairing – Pinotage never has the elegance of a fine burgundy, but it will go with the same sort of dishes as a more robust, rustic Pinot Noir.  Suggested pairings are:  grilled meats, smoked or pulled pork, French Bistro selections as in baked pasta or pizza, strong cheddar or blue cheese, fruits as in figs or blueberries, vegetables as in peppers, portabella mushrooms and dark chocolate.

Served at our meeting on May 3:

1)      Small slice of meaty pizza, which brings in the flavors of meat, cheese and has a French Bistro feel

2)      A piece of strong cheddar cheese; Balderson – Vintners Cheddar Cheese, extra old

3)      Fruit selection of grapes and dried figs

4)      A treat of a piece of Coffee Crisp Chocolate bar, thereby complimenting the coffee and the chocolate of the wine.