Makulu Iswithi Pinotage 2005
Price: $6
Maker: South Africa, Imported by Prestige Wine Group
Varietal: Pinotage
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, artificial cork
Alcohol: 13.7%
Our Rating: 8 out of 10
Makulu Iswithi Pinotage 2005 is a new South African import from Prestige Wine Group. It’s a change of pace from most of the reds we write about here. The nose is spice and berries, not all that atypical, but on the palate this wine is rounded and somewhat sweet. Cherries dominate the powerful fruitiness, and there are some cola characteristics. This Pinotage isn’t cloyingly sweet - there is enough acidity to even things out, and the finish is long and pleasant. This would be a great wine to serve a group that includes people who aren’t regular wine drinkers and who might find a typical Cab or Merlot too dry.
I’d try pairing this spicy Mexican or Italian dishes - the sweetness might offset the spice a bit, and the deep fruity character would hold its own with the strong flavors. A datasheet on the Makulu wines is available here.
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March 12th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Wow, you are not kidding; This wine is AWESOME!!! Great balance and yes, a touch of sweetness…so unique. For the price (I bought it on sale for $5.99) this is one of the best wines I have tasted. South Africa is really becoming a player in the wine market. If they keep producing wines like this, their wine quality/price ratio will not be a secerat for long.
When I purchased the Iswithi (come to find out that “Iswithi” means sweet in Zulu)Pinotage, Makulu had another interesting varietal offering…..Moscato!!! Now I drink my fair share of wine, I have have never heard of a Moscato coming out of SA….I purchased a bottle of that as well(also $5.99) and was TOTALLY blown away. Yummy!!!
Great Find!!! Keep it up.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
i also bought the iswithi pinotage on sale, and i am going to go back and buy some more as soon as possible! i love wine, but don’t really study proper food pairings and whatnot. i paired this with tuna steak and a balsamic chutney, and it was amazing. the two tastes together entertained my taste buds all night!
imho, the moscato is definitely an easy drinker, but not the best moscato i have had. quite possibly the best price, though!
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September 1st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I really don’t like wine too much, especially red wine. I use it more for cooking but always have a sip or two. Wow, I love Iswithi Pinotage. Maybe the banana it it is the key. Now I buy it on a bi-weekly basis (to drink, not cook with it) and tell others about it. Hard to find, but a grocery store I frequent does sell it. Great wine, great price. Keep up the great work!
November 11th, 2008 at 2:19 am
what does this word mean “iswithi”
May 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
What states is Makulu available in? I had it in Florida, but can’t find it in Connecticut.
December 13th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I manage a wine and spirits store in Iowa, USA. Have a customer looking for some of your wines. Do you ship, or have a distributor in the US?