
South African Wine
Learn about South African wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.
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De Wetshof Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2021Chardonnay from Robertson, South Africa
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Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2020Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa
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Tania et Vincent Careme Terre Brulee Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from Swartland, South Africa
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Alheit Cartology 2019Other White Blends from South Africa
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The Winery of Good Hope Full Berry Pinotage 2020Pinotage from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Neil Ellis Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc 2020Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
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Rustenberg John X Merriman 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2020Sauvignon Blanc from Elgin, South Africa
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Botanica Wines Big Flower Cabernet Franc 2020Cabernet Franc from South Africa
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Indaba Chardonnay 2019Chardonnay from South Africa
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Boschendal The Rose Garden Rose 2020Rosé from South Africa
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Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage 2020Pinotage from South Africa
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Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 2018Other Red Blends from South Africa
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Kanonkop Pinotage 2019Pinotage from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Barista Pinotage 2020Pinotage from South Africa
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Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2020Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
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Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2019Pinotage from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2021Chardonnay from Robertson, South Africa
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Graham Beck Brut Methode Cap ClassiqueNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from South Africa
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Warwick Estate The First Lady Sauvignon Blanc 2019Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
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Graham Beck Bliss NectarNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from South Africa
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Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc 2021Chenin Blanc from South Africa
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Tokara Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2021Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
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Indaba Chenin Blanc 2020Chenin Blanc from South Africa