Created in South Africa in 1925 by A I Peroldt, a professor at Stellenbosch University, it is probably best known in that country, although there are scattered relatively small plantings elsewhere, including California.
A typical aroma of Pinotage is "paint box" or "nail varnish", not very fashionable compared to intensely fruity New World wines. However, it has some very devoted adherents, most notably members of The Pinotage Club. It has been suggested the paint box aroma is the result of incorrect temperature control during fermentation.