MAN Vintners Pinotage

Pinotage polarizes — this one does it in a pleasant way. With this wine, MAN Vintners shows what is possible with the South African flagship grape variety when you don't overtax it.

MAN Vintners is a joint project of three winegrowers from the Bottelary Hills area in Stellenbosch. The name stands for Mehrens, Albertyn, Naudé — three farming families who pool their vineyard sites to produce accessible, cleanly made wines. The focus is on fruit and drinking pleasure without heaviness.

In the glass, it shows a deep dark ruby red. The nose reveals blackberry, plum, and a hint of smoked herbs — typical for Pinotage, but without the rustic rubbery tones that sometimes accompany the variety. On the palate, velvety tannins, moderate acidity, and a finish with mild vanilla and dark chocolate. The 13 percent Shiraz portion gives the wine roundness and a bit of pepperiness in the finish. 30% of the wine matured for twelve months in American and French barriques (25% new) — this explains the subtle wood notes without the wine being dominated by them.

Serving temperature 16–18 °C. Pairs with grilled lamb chops, beef burger with cheddar, or a spicy bean stew.