Radford Dale Frankenstein Pinotage 2025

Radford Dale Frankenstein Pinotage is a light, fresh take on South Africa's own grape, grown at the foot of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch.

The name is a nod to Dr Abraham Perold, who created Pinotage at Stellenbosch University in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault, and to Mary Shelley's famous doctor and his misunderstood creature. Radford Dale set out to show that the variety, handled gently, can be pure and fine-boned. The fruit comes from mature vines on unusual white clay soils and is picked and sorted by hand. The usual approach is a mix of whole bunches and whole berries fermented in a large oak vat, with some carbonic fermentation, a light basket pressing and maturation in large 500 and 600 litre barrels with no new oak. The result is modest in alcohol, at 12.5 per cent, and free of the heavier, smoky character some people associate with Pinotage.

Think of it more like a Pinot Noir or a good Beaujolais when it comes to serving. Give it a light chill, around 14 to 16 degrees, and pair it with roast lamb, duck, charcuterie, grilled tuna or mushroom dishes. Lovely to drink now, with enough structure to hold for several years.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.