L’Avenir Pinotage 2012, South Africa
Pinotage is a cross of two French grapes, Pinot Noir and Cinsault, developed in South Africa but often criticised for making wines that somehow have odd aromas from burnt rubber to banana. Whilst it is true that Pinotage wines were highly variable, the Cape winemakers have tamed the beast by and large and there are many good examples that show Pinotage at its buoyantly fruity best. This comes from L’Avenir, a French-owned estate that is part of the Advini/JeanJean group. It has lots of bold, ripe cherry and plum on the nose, a little touch of spice too – all very orthodox. On the palate it is a solid wine, drinking nicely with its rounded cherry fruit with some chunkiness but fruitiness too. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this at full price, but on offer it is well worth trying. More details and food matching ideas in the video. 6.99, Sainsbury’s until 31 December 2013. Full price 9.99.
