In a country renowned for its winemaking heritage, it takes something truly extraordinary to stand out. At Dekkersvlei Vineyards (formerly known as Mellasat Vineyards) that moment came with a bold experiment that would rewrite the rules: the world’s first White Pinotage.
What began as a curious question in the cellar became one of the world’s most surprising and celebrated wine innovations. Here’s how it happened and why it continues to intrigue wine lovers across the globe.
What Is Pinotage?
Before we can understand White Pinotage, we need to explore the grape behind it.
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape variety – a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (historically referred to as Hermitage), developed in the 1920s by Stellenbosch professor Abraham Perold. The idea was to combine the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir with the hardiness and productivity of Cinsaut – creating a cultivar that could thrive in the Cape’s unique climate.
Over time, Pinotage developed a strong identity of its own: bold, rich, often smoky, with notes of dark cherry, plum, and earth. For decades, it was primarily produced as a red wine – until Dekkersvlei (then Mellasat) asked a simple but daring question: What if we vinified it like a white wine?
Home to the First White Pinotage
In 2007, Dekkersvlei Vineyards (previously Mellasat Vineyards) made history by releasing the world’s first White Pinotage.
The idea was unconventional, some might say controversial. Pinotage is a red grape, and red grapes are typically fermented with their skins to extract colour and tannins. But what if the skins were removed before fermentation? Could the grape express itself in a completely different way?
By pressing the Pinotage grapes gently and fermenting the juice without skin contact, the winemaking team created a wine that looked nothing like its traditional counterpart. The result was a crisp, elegant white wine with delicate aromas, lively acidity, and subtle hints of tropical fruit, citrus, and vanilla – all while retaining the underlying character of Pinotage.
What’s the Difference Between Red and White Pinotage?
Though made from the same grape, red and white Pinotage differ entirely in style, structure, and winemaking technique. Traditional red Pinotage is fermented on its skins, which gives the wine its deep ruby hue, fuller body, and complex tannin structure. It’s known for bold flavours such as dark berries, earthy spice, and a characteristic smokiness.
In contrast, White Pinotage is crafted by removing the grape skins before fermentation – much like a white wine. This gentle approach results in a wine that’s lighter in body, golden in colour, and refreshingly crisp. The flavour profile is also markedly different: think citrus, pear, melon, and subtle vanilla, with a bright acidity that makes it both food-friendly and easy to enjoy on its own.
While red Pinotage is bold and age-worthy, White Pinotage is a contemporary, innovative expression of the same grape – a tribute to the versatility and potential of South Africa’s signature varietal.
How Is White Pinotage Made?
The process behind White Pinotage mirrors that of most white wines:
- Early Harvesting: Grapes are picked slightly earlier to preserve acidity and freshness.
- Gentle Pressing: Berries are pressed immediately to separate the juice from the redskins before any colour can be extracted.
- Cool Fermentation: The juice is fermented at cooler temperatures to retain delicate aromatics.
- Ageing: Depending on the winemaker’s vision, the wine may be aged in stainless steel for freshness or in lightly toasted oak barrels to add complexity and creaminess.
At Dekkersvlei Vineyards, this process is carefully refined to bring out the wine’s distinctive elegance – a true expression of innovation, yet deeply rooted in the Paarl terroir.
Why White Pinotage Matters
The creation of White Pinotage wasn’t just about novelty. It was about pushing boundaries and showing the world what South African wine could be.
In a landscape where tradition often takes centre stage, Dekkersvlei dared to ask “What if?” – and in doing so, expanded the language of Pinotage and South African wine. The result is a wine that’s both approachable and thought-provoking, suitable for warm afternoons, gourmet pairings, or simply raising a glass to the unexpected.
Experience it for Yourself
Today, White Pinotage remains a cornerstone of Dekkersvlei Vineyards’ portfolio, a symbol of the farm’s pioneering spirit and creative energy. Whether you’re visiting for a tasting, exploring the vineyards, or discovering it on a wine list, it’s a wine that invites curiosity and rewards exploration.
Also read: The History of Dekkersvlei Vineyards
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About White Pinotage
What is White Pinotage?
White Pinotage is a white wine made from red Pinotage grapes. Instead of allowing the juice to remain in contact with the grape skins (which give red wines their colour), the juice is pressed off immediately after harvest. This creates a pale, golden wine with bright fruit flavours and a refined texture – a complete reimagining of South Africa’s signature grape.
Where did White Pinotage originate?
The world’s first White Pinotage was created right here at Dekkersvlei Vineyards in Paarl. This innovative expression was born from a desire to showcase Pinotage’s versatility and redefine perceptions of what the grape could be. It marked a pioneering moment in South African winemaking history – turning a bold red varietal into a fresh, elegant white.
How does White Pinotage differ from traditional red Pinotage?
While both come from the same grape, the winemaking approach creates very different results.
– Red Pinotage is full-bodied, with dark fruit, spice, and smoky undertones.
– White Pinotage is fresh, fruit-driven, and aromatic, often displaying notes of pear, stone fruit, and subtle floral or tropical hints.
It’s lighter, crisp, and perfect for those who enjoy the sophistication of Pinotage in a new form.
What does White Pinotage taste like?
White Pinotage typically offers aromas of peach, apricot, citrus blossom, and melon, with a clean mineral finish. Depending on the style, it may also show delicate oak or creamy undertones from barrel ageing, balancing freshness with texture.
How is White Pinotage made?
Once the Pinotage grapes are harvested, they’re gently pressed, separating the juice from the red skins almost immediately. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel for purity or French oak barrels for depth and complexity. The result is a white wine with structure, freshness, and subtle Pinotage character shining through.
Can White Pinotage age well?
Yes. While many examples are made to be enjoyed young for their freshness, high-quality White Pinotage – such as Dekkersvlei’s – can develop gracefully over a few years. Ageing brings out deeper honeyed notes, a rounded mouthfeel, and greater aromatic complexity.
What foods pair best with White Pinotage?
White Pinotage pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its crisp acidity complements seafood, sushi, grilled chicken, and fresh salads, while its creamy texture also works with pasta, mild curries, and soft cheeses. It’s equally enjoyable on its own – a refreshing companion for warm afternoons in the Cape Winelands.
