Tales, The Ghost Ship, Swartland, South Africa
Bright, expressive, and packed with dark fruit charm, Tales Pinotage brings a distinctly South African flair to your glass with effortless style. Showcasing a rich, fruit-forward personality balanced by warm spice, this red is a versatile crowd-pleaser that delivers fantastic character and value. Sitting comfortably in the top 23% of wines worldwide on Vivino, it is a superb pick for everyday sipping or sharing around the dinner table. Tasting Notes & Food Pairings The Profile: A vibrant, bright ruby-red wine featuring juicy aromas and ripe flavors of blackberry, dark plum, and red cherries, supported by a subtle touch of warm baking spice and a smooth, lingering finish. Classic Pairings: Flame-grilled sirloin steak, slow-roasted pork belly with spiced crackling, or a smoky barbecue platter. Irish Favourite Pairings: A savory Irish Shepherd’s Pie, where the wine's medium-to-full body and rich fruit weight match the savory lamb gravy while soft tannins round out the buttery potato top; a classic Clonakilty Black Pudding Toastie, as the dark plum and spice notes complement the rich, earthiness of the pudding; and a chipper Snack Box (Fried Chicken & Chips), where the ripe fruit acidity cuts cleanly through the salty, deep-fried coating. Awards & Accolades Vivino Recognition: Ranked among the Top 23% of wines globally on Vivino, highlighting its exceptional crowd appeal and reliable quality. How the wine is made Crafted from South Africa’s signature grape variety, a unique cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, the grapes are cultivated in sun-drenched vineyards across the Western Cape. Harvested at optimal ripeness to retain natural acidity and bright berry fruit, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel to preserve pristine freshness. Gentle oak contact is integrated during the winemaking process to add subtle complexity and smooth out the tannins without overwhelming the vibrant fruit profile. Why we love this producer Rooted in South Africa’s iconic winemaking regions, the team behind Tales is dedicated to producing accessible, narrative-driven wines that honor local history and terroir. They focus on highlighting native classic varietals through clean, precise winemaking that speaks directly of its origin. Their passion for approachable quality shines through in every bottle, bridging traditional Western Cape heritage with modern, food-friendly enjoyment. Sustainability & Farming Practices The producer emphasizes thoughtful land management to protect the natural vitality of the vineyards. Vineyard Practices: Focuses on dryland farming techniques where applicable, reducing reliance on artificial irrigation while preserving natural soil moisture. Vineyard management prioritizes minimal chemical intervention, integrated pest management, and hand-harvesting to preserve vine health and protect biodiversity.