Wines!
Pinotage is a thing. It’s a grape varietal, actually… but I believe it to be very misunderstood. Let’s just start with the difference between what is a “hybrid” verses Vitis Vinifera and the “crossing” of two or more species of grapes. Back in the day, and it can still happen now, there were these little louses (Phylloxera) that decimated European vineyards. And I mean DECIMATED. I’m sure you’ve heard it said during wine tastings before, but it’s a thing. So, viticulturalists and scientists tried to create Phylloxera-resistant grape varietals by splicing European varietals with North American rootstock. This worked, but in doing so changed the flavor profiles and tannic structure of the wines they intended to preserve and strengthen so much that they were not allowed in many European wine-growing regions and (cuz the French, lol) have been given the moniker “Modern Varieties” or “inter-specific”. However, these varietals have taken hold in many, many North American wine regions, predominately Michigan through Ontario. Some notable hybrids are Muller-Thurgau and Alexander.
NOW, Vitis Vinifera crossing happens when one or more plant of the same genus cross-pollinates with the other. Hybrid species are known to be hermaphroditic, while vinifera often have male and female flowers on separate plants. This is the most common grape varietal and nearly all grapes that are known to us fall under this category. The most major of them being Cabernet Sauvignon whose momma is Sauvignon Blanc and daddy is Cabernet Franc (or switch the genders, it don’t matter, this is way cooler than gender will ever be). And another example of this is… PINOTAGE! Which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault! A long way to go for this, and I am sorry, but I feel like it’s important to note the differences. I feel like Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park, “life finds a way.”
Pinotage is like every other grape varietal in that it depends on where it’s grown and how it’s made into wine that determines if it’s good or not. To people who dismiss Pinotage, I say this: if you had one or two bad grilled cheese sandwiches, would you never try another grilled cheese sandwich? Let us come together and try these wines! Who’s with me!?
Kumusha Sauvignon Blanc- 2022
Pale, straw color. Beautiful aromatic, herbal pear on the nose. Finishes with fresh citrus.
$17.99/btl $2.50/taste
Kumusha Cinsault Rose- 2022
YUM, strawberry and cream.
$17.99/btl $2.50/taste
Kumusha Pinotage- 2021
Rich red fruit with very herbal tannins that linger on the palate like plum sauce. Mild citrus components, as well. Very cool.
$22.99/btl $2.50/taste
McNab Pinotage- 2018
Deeper richness to the fruit on this California counter-part. More of a velvety texture, to me. Sweeter, even. But, STILL COOL! I’ll let you be the judge.
$19.99/btl $2.50/taste
Beers!
ESOTERIC
Etheral
Belgian Blonde that is Herbal and Savory, perfectly crisp and refreshing!
Rated 3.7 on UNTAPPD
Rated 3.8 on BeerAdv.
$11.99/6pack
Luminati
A light and crisp German Helles Lager! No ADD-JUNK!
Super crushable! Pefect for GAME-DEY!
Rated 3.6 on UNTAPPD
$9.99/6pack
Odyssey
A uniquely HaaaAAAAzzzZZzy IPA , HUGE juicy notes of Pineapple and orange peel.
Rated 3.9 on UNTAPPD
Rated 3.7 on BeerAdv.
$12.99/6pack
Dahlia
An American brown ale that is easy drinkin'! Notes of Chocolate, Toasted Bread, Nuts and Caramel Toffee!
Rated 3.7 on UNTAPPD
Rated 4.2 on BeerAdv.
$11.99/6pack