For many, South African wines remained undiscovered. Although store shelves were crammed with cheap bottles with various animals on the labels, wine lovers around the world thought there was nothing special about the image of Goat Fairview. South Africa , meanwhile, was busy creating truly magnificent wines.
New World vs Old
French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and German wines - all of them belong to the regions of the Old World. The New World can be attributed, for example, New Zealand. These regions as a whole have a shorter winemaking history than Europe, and they have a warmer climate. In general, bottles of wine from the New World are indicated by the grape variety, and not the name of the area.
And although South Africa, which is about three times the size of the state of California, is considered a new wine region, it is not a newcomer to this business. The grapes were first planted here in 1655, and shortly afterwards, the sweet wines of Constance, which is located near Cape Town, were extolled throughout Europe.
South Africa has come a long way. During its isolation, most of the country's wines were tiring and tasteless. Red often had a taste of burnt rubber, and white resembled vinegar. But since then, quality has improved dramatically.
Today, South African wines with the taste of ripe silky fruits, not devoid of earthy aromas and distinguished by complete restraint, are trying to conquer the Old and New Worlds. Due to the warm climate, as a rule, red grapes in South Africa are very ripe and produce full, high alcoholic wines. But in the Western Cape, cold ocean breezes help maintain a vibrant acidity that gives freshness and is more suitable for food.
What do you see on the label?
The best wines of South Africa, according to lovers of this sunny drink, are produced in the southwestern part of the country, the already mentioned Western Cape. Wines are classified by large geographical areas, which are then divided into districts, counties and territories. For example, Stellenbosch is a county within the Coastal region.
Wines of South Africa have their own origin designation system, which is similar to the American AVA. If the Chenin Blanc bottle says “wine comes from Stellenbosch”, several things immediately become clear: the drink went through a tasting, it is 85% Chenin Blanc, and the grapes are grown in Stellenbosch. Manufacturers are not required to label their products in this way, but if they do not, they will not be able to indicate the vintage, variety or region on the label.
Sauvignon Blanc
If you are looking for good and inexpensive white wines from South Africa, reviews by connoisseurs recommend starting with Sauvignon Blanc. This is a good illustration of how South Africa leads the way between the New and Old Worlds: the drink does not have the intensity of the New Zealand namesake, but there is a fresh green note that is associated with a picnic on the lawn that goes well with shades of white flowers and subtle, chalky minerals that can remind about sancer. To experience these sensations, you can try Neil Ellis 2013 Sauvignon Blanc for $ 15 per bottle from Groenkloof, a Darling winery located in the Coastal Area. The wine will brighten up the day with aromas of grapefruit and shades of fresh herbs.
Sauvignon Blanc is often thought of as a thirst-quenching drink like lime, taken before meals. A good quality bottle can also be combined with richer main courses, such as halibut with cream sauce. Fans' reviews recommend trying Cape Point Wineyards 2013 Sauvignon Blanc ($ 25). Refined with the touch of a semillon, the wine combines the aromas of white peach and raw hazelnuts. Buitenverwachting (often shortened to Buiten or Bayten) is another good producer to look for.
Chenin Blanc
For many centuries, South African winemakers have called this flower grape “Stin,” but in the 1960s they discovered that it was actually “Chenin Blanc,” a variety that made French regions such as the Vouvray and Savener known. If you like pinot gris or Sauvignon Blanc, then experts strongly recommend trying a drink from this grape. This dry wine of South Africa contains almost no sweets, which enhances the aroma of yellow apple and jasmine.
MAN Family Wines makes a beautiful Chennai Blanc of the Coastal Region, which can be bought for under ten dollars. The 2014 harvest is fresh and clean, with notes of ripe melon and white peach, making it a great companion of seafood and afternoon relaxation on deck.
South African Chenin Blanc grapes are used in the production of delicious blends and are often combined with Rhone varieties such as Viognier, Rusan, Marsan and Grenache Blanc. This wine from South Africa is highlighted by the presence of a richer taste and texture. Try Jackal Bird's Fable Mountain Vineyards 2012 harvest for $ 25. This is a rich and surprisingly fresh drink with aromas of cherries and yellow almonds.
Wine pinotage
South Africa scares many with a pinotage tasting, but this procedure always ends with the variety finding new fans and eventually becoming the most beloved and interesting drink. Grapes were once called “smelling bandages and a farmyard,” but recent harvests are unusually tasty.
Good examples of pinotage combine the aromas of sun-kissed blackberries and cherries with roasted herbs and smoke. They could recall the southern French blends made from the grapes Carignan, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.
Another good news is that a bottle of delicious wine of this variety can be easily found in all price categories. For around $ 13, you can stock up on the Tormentoso pinotage of the 2013 harvest and enjoy a combination of fresh red plum, blueberry and grilled burger flavors. Kanonkop is a fantastic producer from Stellenbosch who makes an excellent pinotage blend called Kadette for $ 12. It is a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Those wishing to explore the heights that red wines of South Africa can reach should fork out for 100% Kanonkop Pinotage for about $ 40 a bottle. The rich aromas of cherries, violets and dried tobacco are ideal for roast lamb or other grilled meat dishes.
Shiraz or Syrah
These wines, sometimes called shiraz, and sometimes syrah, have aromas of ripe blackberries and blueberries, as well as earthy tastes of the Old World. Many also feel the pepper and meat aromas that distinguish the French variety of syrah.
You should look for Syrah wine from Swartland. This is a large area north of Cape Town, often compared to the Rhone Valley, famous for its Syrah grapes. For the sample, Secateurs 2012 Red Blend produced by Badenhorst Family Wines is suitable for $ 14 for a bottle in which Shiraz, Senso and several other grape varieties create a juicy, medium-saturated wine with aromas of strawberries and anise.
Fans of bolder syra varieties should try the Bellingham's 'Bernard Series' 2011 Small Barrel SMV for $ 40 from the Coastal Region. Fans of Australian Shiraz will especially appreciate the aromas of cherries, dark chocolate and stony granite tones of this wine.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
These two varieties have found their spiritual homeland in Burgundy, France, but are grown worldwide with varying degrees of success. It is difficult to find the right balance of sun and cold air, not to mention the right soil, so that this wine makes an excellent wine. In a number of regions of South Africa, the art of maintaining balance has been mastered quite well, and the leader among them is Walker Bay. You should look for dry red wine from South Africa from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ("Paradise on Earth"). This is where the famous Hamilton Russell winery is located. Her 2013 chardonnay for $ 25 a bottle is a rich cream wine whose aromas of ripe peach and toasted croutons are balanced by expressive minerality.
Not much Pinot Noir is grown in South Africa, but what you can find is of very high quality. The 2012 Strom Wines, made by the Vrede winery from the Hemel en Aarde Valley ($ 45), is delightfully fragrant with notes of fresh strawberries, rose petals and cinnamon. Those who like pinot noir from Oregon will also like this wine: it has a lot of acidity, medium texture and soft tannin.
Blend Cabernet Sauvignon
Looking around the world for a good Cabernet Sauvignon at an affordable price? It is getting harder and harder to find, but South Africa offers an impressive value for money. The Mulderbosch Faithful Hound, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Frans, Merlot, Malbec and Ptie Verdot, sells for $ 19 and can compare with its more expensive counterparts. This rich blend at the intersection of the traditions of the Old and the New World is filled with aromas of ripe cherries, mint and cedar and envelops with a refined terroir.
Sparkling Wine: Cap Classique Method
Cap Classique is the name of the traditional method for making sparkling wines made in South Africa. These wines of South Africa, which can be made anywhere in the country, like champagne are saturated with carbon dioxide in the process of secondary fermentation in a bottle. This category is on the rise, so there is no big offer on the market yet. One of the reference representatives of Cap Classique is Graham Beck's Brut Rosé for $ 15 per bottle. This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is a wonderful aperitif with fresh notes of raspberries, red apple and rose petals.