SOUTH AFRICA
Regional Styles: South Africa
Embark on a journey of taste and terroir with our ‘Regional Styles – South Africa’ section. Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the wine regions of South Africa, a country renowned for its diverse terroir and rich winemaking heritage. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape to the cooler climes of the Eastern Cape, South Africa’s wine regions offer a fascinating array of flavors and styles. This guide will take you on a journey through the country’s 30 wine regions, exploring the unique characteristics that make each one special. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a wine novice, we invite you to delve into the captivating world of South African wines and discover the stories, people, and landscapes that shape each bottle’s unique identity.
Exploring the Wine Regions of South Africa: A Journey Through Terroir and Tradition
South Africa, located at the southern tip of the African continent, has a rich and complex history of winemaking that dates back to 1655. The first grapevines were planted near Cape Town by members of the Dutch East India Company. Although the initial results were not promising, the arrival of more colonists, equipped with knowledge and tradition of viticulture and winemaking, led to the growth of the wine industry throughout the 18th century. The industry primarily produced sweet and fortified wines, with brandy, which required the cultivation of white grapes, becoming a significant export.
The British invasion in 1795 marked a turning point for South Africa and its burgeoning wine industry. Vineyard area increased rapidly, and wine was exported globally, especially to Britain. However, as British trade increased with France, South African wine exports declined. The phylloxera epidemic and the Anglo-Boer War further impacted the industry, leading to a decline by the beginning of the 20th century.
The government’s response was to establish wine cooperatives. One such cooperative, the KWV, became a powerful, government-backed entity that determined everything from grape prices to quotas per vineyard. Although quality suffered under this system, many old vineyards were preserved that otherwise would not have survived.
The apartheid era led to international sanctions in the 1960s, further hampering the growth of the wine industry. However, it was during this time that some independent producers began improvements in viticulture and winemaking. The momentum towards quality over quantity was building when apartheid ended in 1994.
The vineyards of South Africa are almost all within a hundred miles of Cape Town, which lies at about 34 degrees South Latitude. The climate—described as mild Mediterranean—is suitable for winegrowing for a couple of reasons. Areas near the coast are much cooler than those further inland due to the cold Benguela current that comes up from Antarctica. Inland regions are warmer but benefit from elevation. Coastal areas are wetter than further inland, where vineyards often need irrigation. However, the country as a whole has had to deal with serious water shortages in recent years.
The soils are ancient and weathered, typically based on granite, sandstone, and shale near the coast. Inland one finds more alluvial soils interspersed with sandy soils, free lime, and iron-rich soils.
International grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Merlot predominate in the vineyards across South Africa. The most-planted grape is Chenin Blanc, which is resistant to drought, a big plus in South Africa. The best Chenin Blanc wines, many produced from old vines, rival the great Chenin wines of the Loire and the grape has become the country’s signature white grape.
South Africa’s lone native grape is Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (known for many years as “Hermitage”). This unique grape can be made into a variety of styles ranging from light and fruity to tannic and full-bodied. Pinotage is often combined with Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to produce “Cape blends.” These Bordeaux-style wines are often South Africa’s top reds. Sparkling wines made using the Traditional Method are called Méthode Cap Classique. They are extremely popular and represent some of the best values in sparkling wines anywhere.
The new generation of winemakers in South Africa, many of whom have traveled and worked all over the world, are innovating and improving both in the vineyards and in the cellars. It is a very exciting time for South African wines, which have improved dramatically in recent decades.
The 30 Regions of South Africa
Welcome to the vibrant world of South African wine! This country, with its rich winemaking history and diverse terroir, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. From the sun-soaked vineyards of Stellenbosch to the cool, coastal region of Walker Bay, South Africa’s 30 wine regions each offer unique expressions of classic varietals. Whether you’re a fan of robust, full-bodied reds or crisp, aromatic whites, there’s a South African wine that’s sure to captivate your palate. Let’s embark on a journey through these regions, exploring the distinctive characteristics that make South African wines truly special.
- Western Cape: This is the largest wine-producing region in South Africa. It includes well-known sub-regions such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Swartland. The region is known for its diverse range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinotage for reds, and Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc for whites.
- Eastern Cape: Although not as well-known as the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape is gaining recognition for its high-quality wines, particularly its white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
- Northern Cape: This region is home to the Orange River Valley, which is known for its sweet, fortified wines.
- Kwazulu-Natal: This region is relatively new to wine production, but it is gaining attention for its unique, high-altitude vineyards.
- Free State: While not a major wine-producing region, the Free State is known for its high-quality red wines, particularly those made from Shiraz.
- Gauteng: Although it’s more known for its urban areas, Gauteng does have a few wineries that produce a range of wines, from reds to whites to sparkling wines.
- Limpopo: This region is known for its tropical fruit production, but it also has a few wineries that produce a range of wines.
- Cape Coastal: This overarching region includes some of the most well-known wine-producing areas in South Africa. It is known for its diverse range of grape varieties and wine styles, thanks to its varied microclimates and soil types.
- Cape West Coast: This sub-region is home to a number of smaller wine-producing areas. The cool coastal climate and sandy soils here are ideal for producing high-quality white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc.
- Breede River Valley: This region is known for its high-quality red and white wines. The valley’s hot climate and rich, fertile soils provide ideal conditions for grape growing.
- Cape South Coast: This region is known for its cool-climate wines, particularly its white wines. The region’s close proximity to the ocean provides a cooling influence that is ideal for growing white grape varieties.
- Coastal Region: This is one of the most important wine-producing regions in South Africa. It is home to some of the country’s most prestigious wine estates and is known for its high-quality red and white wines.
- Klein Karoo: This region is known for its fortified wines and brandy. The hot, dry climate here is ideal for growing grape varieties that are high in sugar, which is necessary for producing these types of wines.
- Olifants River: This region is known for its high-quality table wines. The region’s hot climate and sandy soils are ideal for growing a wide range of grape varieties.
- Robertson: Known for its limestone-rich soils, Robertson is a significant producer of wine in South Africa. The region is particularly recognized for its Chardonnay and Shiraz, which exhibit a unique minerality due to the soil composition.
- Swartland: This region has gained a reputation for its innovative winemaking, with a focus on Rhône varietals. The warm climate and diverse soils allow for a wide range of styles, from robust reds to expressive whites.
- Walker Bay: Located near the coast, Walker Bay is known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The maritime influence and diverse soils contribute to the complex and elegant wines produced here.
- Elgin: As the coolest wine-growing region in South Africa, Elgin is recognized for its high-quality white wines, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The cool climate allows for slow ripening, resulting in wines with intense fruit flavors and high acidity.
- Franschhoek: Known as the ‘French Corner,’ Franschhoek has a wine-growing history dating back to the 17th century. The region is known for its high-quality Bordeaux-style blends and has a reputation for excellent Méthode Cap Classique (South Africa’s version of champagne).
- Paarl: One of the oldest wine regions in South Africa, Paarl is known for its full-bodied, fruit-driven red wines, particularly those made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinotage.
- Stellenbosch: As the heart of the South African wine industry, Stellenbosch is known for its diverse range of wine styles. The region is particularly recognized for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style red blends.
- Constantia: Known as the birthplace of South Africa’s wine industry, Constantia is famous for its sweet dessert wines. Today, the region also produces high-quality Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style red blends.
- Darling: Located on the west coast, Darling’s cool climate and diverse soils are ideal for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc. The region is also known for its robust, fruit-forward red wines.
- Malmsbury: Although smaller than other regions, Malmsbury is gaining recognition for its Rhône-style wines, particularly Syrah. The region’s dry climate and shale soils contribute to the concentrated flavors in the wines.
- Hemel-en-Aarde: Meaning ‘Heaven and Earth,’ this region is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are influenced by the cool maritime climate.
- Tulbagh: Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, Tulbagh’s diverse microclimates allow for a wide range of wine styles. The region is known for its robust reds and complex whites.
- Plettenberg Bay: As one of the newest wine regions, Plettenberg Bay is gaining a reputation for its Méthode Cap Classique and cool-climate white wines.
- Cederberg: As the highest-altitude wine region in South Africa, Cederberg is known for its full-bodied, aromatic white wines and robust reds.
- Wellington: Known for its diverse microclimates, Wellington produces a range of wine styles, from robust reds to aromatic whites.
- Breedekloof: This region is known for its high-quality Chenin Blanc, which exhibits a balance of ripe fruit flavors and crisp acidity. The region also produces robust, fruit-forward red wines.
As we conclude our exploration of South Africa’s 30 wine regions, it’s clear that this country’s wine scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. Each region, with its unique climate, geography, and soil composition, contributes to the wide array of wine styles that South Africa has to offer. From the world-class Bordeaux-style blends of Franschhoek to the innovative Rhône varietals of Swartland, South African wines are a testament to the country’s rich winemaking heritage and innovative spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, South Africa’s wine regions offer a wealth of flavors and experiences to discover. So, raise a glass, and here’s to the continued journey through the captivating world of South African wine!
Latest Wine Tasting Notes: In South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
Regional Styles: South Africa Embark on a journey of taste and terroir with our ‘Regional Styles – South Africa’ section. Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the wine regions of South Africa, a country renowned for its diverse terroir and rich winemaking heritage. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape
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NOTE: We’re in the process of refreshing our wine-tasting notes from the past five years. Keep an eye out for these updated insights – they’ll be available soon!
