PINOTAGE

Pinotage is South Africa’s very own wine, but there has never been a book written about it until now. 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the world’s first Pinotage wine and in PINOTAGE: Behind the Legends of South Africa’s Own Wine author Peter F May tells the story of this uniquely South African grape variety and of its creator, Professor Abraham Perold. During researches in South Africa Peter F May uncovered information that differed from the standard definition of Pinotage in text books. Turning detective, May investigated various legends about Pinotage's parentage and origins. “I felt like Sherlock Holmes,” he says, “as winemakers told me things in confidence that contradicted everything I'd read about Pinotage.” May travelled to and interviewed winemakers and winery owners in four continents for the book which details how Pinotage is grown, made and marketed. As well as covering growing making and marketing Pinotage in South Africa, he provides a comprehensive review of Pinotage in other countries. PINOTAGE: Behind the Legends of South Africa’s Own Wine tells of Peter F May's infatuation with the Pinotage variety and follows his investigations into its origins. He identifies when it was created and first planted and he discovers the oldest living Pinotage vineyard. There's a history of winemaking in South Africa and a biography of Pinotage's creator, Professor Abraham Perold. In the second part of the book May discusses growing, making and marketing Pinotage wines with case studies of classic South African vineyards. Various styles of Pinotage are discussed, the Cape Blend controversy is covered and criticisms of the variety are analysed. In the third section of the book, May takes a look at Pinotage in other countries. His travels take him from South Africa to California and Virginia, Canada, Israel and New Zealand. This is a book for anyone interested in wine and wine making, and those who wants to know the truth about South Africa's wine gift to the world.