A distinctly South African grape, Pinotage is a cross bred grape from the mating of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, which was historically called 'Hermitage' in this country. When planted in a warmer site, it tends to produce wines of intensity and structure that are similar to the wines of the Rhone Valley. When planted in a cooler site, it takes on some of its Pinot Noir heritage and develops into a much more refined and elegant wine with intense fruit and medium body.