Pinotage Rosé: Everything You Need to Know

Picture yourself on a warm afternoon in the Cape, the sun gently dipping behind the vineyards, and a glass of chilled Pinotage Rosé in hand. Rosé is a style of wine that has captured the imagination of wine lovers across the world, but when crafted with South Africa’s signature Pinotage grape, it brings a whole new dimension.

At HER Wine Collection, our mission goes beyond the glass. We are a women-led brand, built on sustainability and empowerment, with our roots firmly in the Cape Winelands. Each wine we produce tells not only a story of terroir and flavour but also of opportunity and progress. This blog will explore what is Pinotage Rosé, its taste, whether it leans dry or sweet, its value, pairing ideas, calories, and why our interpretation of this wine is worth discovering.

What Is Pinotage Rosé?

To understand Pinotage Rosé wine, it helps to know the grape behind it. Pinotage is South Africa’s very own red variety, created in 1925 ( Professor Perold )  by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Known for its bold fruit character and versatility, Pinotage has become an integral part of the South African wine identity.

How Is Rosé Wine Made?

When it comes to making Rosé, winemakers use a few different methods. With Pinotage, the most common approach is short skin contact. Once the grapes are crushed, the juice is left in contact with the red grape skins for just a few hours. Because the skins carry the pigments, the limited contact creates that delicate pink hue without the deeper tannins you’d expect in a red wine.

Another technique is called the saignée method, which literally means “to bleed” in French. In this process, winemakers begin fermenting a red wine, then draw off a portion of the lightly coloured juice early in the process. That juice is then fermented separately into rosé. This not only creates a fresh, fruit-forward wine but also concentrates the red wine that remains.

The third approach is blending, where a small amount of red wine is mixed into white wine to achieve the desired colour and flavour. This method is less common for fine rosé but can produce beautifully balanced wines when done with precision.

HER’s Chenin Blanc and Pinotage Rosé is made by blending fresh Chenin Blanc with a kiss of Pinotage. We capture the crisp acidity of Chenin while introducing the berry notes and structure of Pinotage, creating a style that’s both refreshing and distinctive.

Pinotage Rosé Taste & Style

So, what does a Pinotage Rosé taste like? Expect bright red berry flavours such as strawberry and raspberry, complemented by refreshing acidity. Depending on the style, you might also pick up floral or citrus notes that add elegance and balance.

Our version is crafted to be light, crisp, and effortlessly drinkable. It as the perfect wine to enjoy with friends. An approachable blend that still speaks to South Africa’s winemaking heritage. Unlike a full-bodied Pinotage red, which can be rich with ripe fruits and velvety tannins, our Chenin Blanc and Pinotage Rosé focuses on vibrancy, freshness, and a playful character with a blend of white peach and ripe pear, hinted by flavours of candyfloss and strawberry.

Is Pinotage Rosé Sweet — Dry or Sweet?

One of the most common questions is: is Pinotage Rosé sweet? The answer is not always straightforward. Rosé wines can range from bone dry to semi-sweet depending on how the winemaker chooses to vinify the grapes.

So, is Pinotage Rosé dry or sweet? HER Wines Rosé leans toward the drier side, making it a versatile companion to food. The fresh, lip-smacking character comes from its crisp Chenin base, while the Pinotage adds body and structure without excessive sugar. This balance makes it refreshing on its own and adaptable with a variety of pairings.

Pinotage Rosé Price & Value

When it comes to the Pinotage Rosé price, HER Wines offers excellent value. Our Rosé is listed at just R100.00 per bottle, making it an accessible yet boutique option. Compared to many South African Rosés in the same category, it strikes the right balance between affordability and premium quality.

Beyond the price tag, there is a deeper value in every bottle. HER Wines is not just about making great wine; it is about creating opportunities, supporting women in wine, and building a sustainable future. That makes enjoying our Rosé not just a pleasure but also a purposeful choice.

Pinotage Rosé Pairing Ideas

Food and wine are meant to be enjoyed together, and Pinotage Rosé pairing options are wonderfully versatile. Rosé in general pairs well with lighter dishes, and HER’s Pinotage Rosé is no exception.

Think fresh seafood platters, sushi, or grilled prawns. It works beautifully with light salads, especially those with a berry vinaigrette. Tapas, soft cheeses, and even mildly spiced dishes like Thai curry also shine alongside a glass of our Rosé. And of course, it is equally delightful served on its own while sharing stories with friends.

Pinotage Rosé Calories & Nutrition

Health-conscious wine lovers often ask: what about Pinotage Rosé calories? On average, rosé wines contain between 70–90 calories per 100 ml, which translates to about 120–125 calories in a standard 150 ml glass.

HER’s Rosé has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12%. This places it firmly within the lighter calorie range for wines, making it a refreshing yet balanced choice for those who want to enjoy a glass without too much concern. Of course, moderation is always the best approach when it comes to wine.

Why Choose HER’s Chenin Blanc and Pinotage Rosé?

There are many Rosés on the market, but HER’s Pinotage Rosé stands out for more than just its flavour. It embodies our brand ethos: women-led, sustainable, and proudly South African.

The unique blend of Chenin Blanc with Pinotage is not a common approach, and it results in a wine that is both familiar and excitingly different. When you choose HER, you are not only buying a bottle of wine; you are supporting empowerment, inclusivity, and progress in an industry where women have traditionally been underrepresented.

How to Serve & Store Pinotage Rosé

Serving Pinotage Rosé correctly can really elevate the experience. It should be well chilled, ideally between 8–10 °C, to enhance its crisp and fruity character. Serve it in a tulip-shaped glass to capture the delicate aromas and maintain freshness.

As with most Rosés, it is best enjoyed young. Store bottles in a cool, dark place and drink them within a year or two of purchase. Once opened, reseal and refrigerate; a half-finished bottle will stay fresh for two to three days.

Try HER Wines Rosé Today

HER’s Pinotage Rosé tells a story of empowerment, sustainability, and community. It is wine with a purpose and we invite you to experience it for yourself. Visit our online shop to order a bottle or visit us at Schoon Organic Vineyard and Cellar, Voorpaardeberg Road, for a wine tasting. Our tastings are available by appointment only and bookings can be made by calling is at 021 111 0210. With HER, every sip is a celebration of flavour and a toast to possibility, and we look forward to sharing this with you.