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DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICAN WINE
South Africa has garnered great respect in the winemaking world thanks to its high-quality wines and commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, which has helped the country win global recognition. Home to over 90 different grape varieties, South Africa is known for wines such as:
- Chenin Blanc – A fresh, zesty white wine known locally as ‘Steen’.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Light, bright and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc is made in the country’s coastal regions.
- Pinotage – A native South African speciality, this grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – This full-bodied and rich red has notes of blackcurrant and plum.
Most of South Africa’s wine is made within the Cape, including several internationally known wine regions. These include Paarl, Stellenbosch and Walker Bay. Each region adds a unique spin to its wines, so there are plenty of high-quality South African wines to choose from.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WINEMAKING IN SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa’s winemaking history dates back to the 17th century. Dutch settlers planted the first vines in Constantia, a suburb of Cape Town, in 1655. The first governor of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck, made the first wine from these vines in 1659.
The South African wine industry faced challenges in the following centuries, including the phylloxera epidemic in the late 1800s, which devastated the country’s vineyards and a period of international isolation during the apartheid system.
Today, South Africa is a major wine player – the ninth-largest wine-producing country in the world. The country is admired for its diverse styles, from crisp and aromatic whites to full-bodied reds. In particular, the industry is seen as a leader in sustainable winemaking, with winemakers strongly committed to preserving South Africa’s beautiful landscapes for future generations of wine lovers.
WHAT ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S MAIN WINE REGIONS?
A majority of South Africa’s wine comes from the Western Cape. Key subregions include:
- Stellenbosch – East of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most important wine regions. Its Mediterranean climate and well-drained granite soils create ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.
- Paarl – Just north of Stellenbosch, Paarl’s hot climate and varied soil types, from granite to sandstone, are perfect for making robust red wines. It’s particularly known for its Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinotage wines.
- Swartland – Located north of Cape Town, Swartland has a dry climate and granite and shale soils. This combination contributes to the production of Rhône-style wines with a distinctive Swartland character. Chenin Blanc and Shiraz flourish here.
- Constantia – A cool coastal region south of Cape Town, Constantia has rich, granite-based soils that are excellent for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
- Franschhoek – Nestled between mountains just east of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek has a temperate climate and varied soils, from sandy to rocky. Although it’s a smaller region, Franschhoek is famous for its quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
- Walker Bay – Located near the coastal town of Hermanus, Walker Bay’s cool maritime climate and limestone-rich soils make it a hotspot for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Elgin – Elgin is east of Stellenbosch and inland from Walker Bay. This region’s cooler climate and diverse soils are ideal for aromatic white wines like Riesling and Chardonnay.
- Robertson – Inland from the coast, Robertson’s limestone-rich soils and hot climate are perfect for producing high-quality Chardonnay and Shiraz.
WHAT ARE SOME WELL-KNOWN SOUTH AFRICAN WHITE WINES?
South Africa’s white wines are made in various styles, from crisp and fresh to rich and lush.
- Chenin Blanc – Known locally as Steen, Chenin Blanc wines range from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. Its flavours can include apple, pear and quince, which are lifted by the wine’s high acidity. Chenin Blanc pairs well with fresh seafood and grilled chicken – these dishes are complemented by the fruit-forward flavours in the wine and balanced by its acidity.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Typically light-bodied with high acidity, South African Sauvignon Blanc often showcases citrus, gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours. It’s a refreshing choice when paired with salads and light seafood dishes – the wine strikes a perfect balance without overpowering the dish.
- Chardonnay – South African Chardonnay wines are often medium-bodied with citrus and apple flavours. Oak-aged styles may have rich hints of vanilla and butter. A glass of South African Chardonnay works well with roast chicken or creamy pasta. The wine’s flavours and textures can complement the richness of roast chicken or creamy pasta dishes, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the dishes.
- Colombard – Mostly used in blends, Colombard is typically fresh and fruity with lemon and apple flavours. Thanks to its light and crisp nature, Colombard pairs deliciously with light salads or grilled fish.
WHAT ARE SOME WELL-KNOWN SOUTH AFRICAN RED WINES?
South Africa is famous for its wide variety of red wines. Some standout reds include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – This is the country’s most planted red grape variety. South African Cabernet Sauvignon is typically full-bodied with high tannins and acidity. It often features blackcurrant and plum flavours with a hint of mint. Try a glass with perfectly grilled steak—the wine’s flavours and structure stand up well to rich and robust meat dishes.
- Merlot – Merlot from South Africa is typically medium-to-full-bodied with medium tannins. The wines tend to have juicy plum and cherry flavours. Merlot’s soft, easy-drinking nature and fruit flavours pair well with the savoury flavours of roast chicken and earthy, mushroom-based dishes.
- Pinotage – Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape variety, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (originally known as Hermitage in South Africa, hence the name ‘Pinotage’). The wines can range in style from lighter, fruity wines to full-bodied, oak-aged expressions with flavours of black fruit, earth, and sometimes smoke or tar. Pinotage is a good match for sweet and tangy barbecue dishes, partly thanks to its fruit-forward profile, which creates a good balance of flavours.
- Shiraz – With its medium-to-full body, Shiraz can be fruit-forward with blackberry and plum flavours. However, this wide-ranging wine can also be found in savoury styles featuring black pepper and spice notes. Thanks to its robust nature, a glass of Shiraz pairs very well with hearty beef or lentil stews.
- Cinsault – Often used in blends, Cinsault wines are typically light-bodied and fruity. Expect flavours of red cherry and strawberry. Cinsault wine is a versatile choice for food pairings and is delicious with light meats or herby Mediterranean-style dishes.