Beautiful South Africa is considered one of the stars of the New World, yet wine has been made there for over 350 years. At one time, it was the vineyards of Constantia that were considered to be producing the best wines in the world. Today, with such easy access to international markets, the country’s wine industry has been given an energetic lease of life to quench the thirst of all those new found disciples.

The ‘Wine of Origin’ legislation of South Africa dates back to 1973. For those wines coming into the EU, the stated variety and vintage must constitute 85% of the wine, but 100% of the grapes must come from the stated production area. The smallest recognised production area is the Estate. Estate wineries must make wine from grapes grown on their own land. Groups of Estates are known as Wards, which are grouped into Districts, with the largest production area being known as a Region.

Regional wines are generally the least expensive, and it’s these wines that have helped make South Africa more accessible to so many people worldwide. There has been huge investment in equipment in recent years from co-operatives, who source grapes from farmers and specialise in large volumes produced in modern wineries.

Typically South Africa is renowned for its red Pinotage, which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It’s one that shows red berry fruit characters, and from mature vines it can produce full-bodied, rich, spiced, berry fruit. The white patriot is Chenin Blanc, which is producing great alternatives to French versions, such as Vouvray. It accounts for around a fifth of white plantations. Floral aromas combined with tropical fruit is often complimented by almonds and honey from bottle aging, and smoky, toasty flavours from oak.

Recently, there has been big demand for the reds in particular, so this led to an influx of noble varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. They are also producing some exceptional Chardonnay’s from the cooler sites and showing a range of different styles from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, so be sure to explore, or continue to explore South Africa, because it looks like there are going to be even more interesting wines coming our way.

Here’s a few examples from our own range:

Paarl Heights Chenin Blanc: A product of the Paarl Region, which has provided perfect growing conditions for this soft, fruity white.

Long Neck Pinotage: This is a great introduction to Pinotage, with concentrated fruit and hints of pepper and fig. It’s produced in Western Cape, which covers all vineyards of the Cape.

Saxenburg Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon: This is South Africa showing off with a noble grape variety. The tannins in this Estate red have been beautifully tamed and mellowed after 12 months oak aging and time in bottle.