Since Diemersfontien first developed the original Coffee Chocolate Pinotage in 2001, it has taken the wine world by storm. Walk down the aisle of a supermarket today and you will see a slew of labels proclaiming their cocoa credentials.

The people-pleaser is known for its rich coffee, smokey overtones on the nose and voluptuous fruit on the palate, along with cinnamon and chocolatey notes. This velvety wine can be paired with a range of different foods, from curries and game meats to dark chocolate desserts, but many fans feel it’s juicy enough to enjoy on its own.

Ask people what they couldn’t live without and be assured that coffee, chocolate or wine will be on that list – often all three. Indeed, the success of this pinotage is that it creates enthusiasts of those who had not previously appreciated red wine. This has raised the ire of some critics, but – as winemakers Francois Roode and Brett Rightford say – at least very few people can ignore this wine.

It’s very different from its sibling, the more classic Carpe Diem Pinotage, which has won the SA Red Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. Diemersfontein owner David Sonnenberg has said that he feels like the parent of two teenage daughters. “One is a classically trained violinist who dresses modestly and pulls the crowds in the exclusive concert halls; the other, a mini-skirted and occasionally provocative popstar who wows the younger generation, but has fans of all ages.”

Tellingly, the Original Coffee Chocolate Pinotage was christened ‘the people’s pinotage’ by Neil Pendock in April 2007, after his consumer survey in the Sunday Times found that it was the overwhelming favourite.

Pinotage on Tap festival

Thousands celebrate the new Coffee Chocolate Pinotage vintage at this festival every year. Because it’s a young wine made to be drunk early, it is bottled in July or August after an oaky immersion for just five months, and it’s ready very soon after. The star of the show is served with melted chocolate and sweet treats for dipping. This year, the festival will travel to three locations:

Piggly Wiggly Farm – Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands
Pinotage on Tap comes to the Piggly Wiggly Farm on Saturday 10 September 2011. Local farm food will satisfy even the most robust appetite, against the melodic background of Gerald Clark and Plush. Ticket price: R210 (Fanatics’ tickets, complete with six bottles of the Diemersfontein Pinotage, are available for R625 each.)

The Cradle of Humankind in Lanseria – Gauteng
Stop by The Cradle of Humankind’s Cradle Restaurant in Lanseria on Saturday 24 September 2011 to experience the pinotage’s chocolatey charm. Genuine ‘boskos’ treats like potjiekos, bredies and pap en sous will be served to the tunes of Albert Frost and aKING. Ticket price: R290 (Fanatics’ tickets, complete with six bottles of the Diemersfontein Pinotage, are available for R700 each.)

Diemersfontien Wine & Country Estate in Wellington – Western Cape
Come kuier at the birthplace of the Original Coffee Chocolate Pintoage on Saturday 22 October 2011. Savour traditional cuisine, including butter chicken, lamb tangine, arrabbiata pasta, ribs and classic braaivleis, while enjoying the sounds of Albert Frost, Hot Water and Evolver One. Ticket price: R285 (Fanatics’ tickets, complete with six bottles of the Diemersfontein Pinotage, are available for R680.)

Visit: www.diemersfontein.co.za for more information. Book on www.computicket.com.