Region: Paarl, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa Grape(s): Pinotage Winemaker: Alicia Rechner Drinks Best: Now - 2 Years
The Back family moved to South Africa in the early 20th century from Lithuania as political and religious refugees. C.L. Back worked his way from dockhand to owning a butcher shop before selling it to buy a farm outside the town of Paarl. Under his son Sydney, they transitioned from peach orchards to vineyards growing a variety of grapes with the intent of making approachable everyday wines including a line of Kosher and Mevushal wines made under the strict supervision of the Cape Town Beth Din. The Pinotage is juicy and fruit-forward showing blackberry and maraschino cherry along with a hint of smoke and piquant spice.