Bellevue Estate Pinotage 2020 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

No estate is more closely tied to Pinotage than Bellevue, where the first commercial example of the grape was made. Its Estate Pinotage is the entry point to that legacy, an honest, well-priced red that lets you taste the variety on its home turf without stretching to the Reserve or Heritage bottlings.

Made from 100 percent Pinotage grown on the estate’s decomposed-granite soils, this is a punchy, approachable style rather than a big, oaky one. The winemaking keeps the fruit fresh and juicy, with just enough structure to partner food. It is designed to show the friendly, everyday side of a grape that can also be deadly serious.

The 2020 vintage was a very good one for the Cape, a balanced season that gave ripe, concentrated red grapes with good natural acidity. For an approachable Pinotage, that meant plenty of juicy fruit and a friendly, well-rounded shape, the kind of vintage that makes an everyday red taste better than its billing.

The nose mixes classic Pinotage plum and ripe berry with a savoury, earthy depth, cured-meat hints, tilled earth and warm Christmas spice. The palate is juicy and approachable, its crunchy red and black fruit lifted by bright acidity and framed by soft tannins. Punchy but easy-drinking, it is best enjoyed young. Ideal with grilled meats, burgers or a weekend braai.

Greg Sherwood MW scored the 2020 a well-earned 91 points, describing a punchy, approachable style. If you are new to Pinotage, this is a great place to start; if you know it well, it is a reliable midweek pour. Either way, there is something rather nice about drinking the grape where it all began.