South African wine and vineyards
Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Explore
The wines of South Africa have become more popular over the last decade as the nation as shrugged off the stigma of Apartheid and had its exports embraced once again by the international community. And many experts believe the fine fertile soil and great weather mixed with the age-old wisdom of European vintners perfectly combines the best attributes of the old and new worlds.
The best South African wine has been mainly white varieties with Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen, proving particularly adapt at thriving in the rugged landscape. However, there are more and more reds being included with Shiraz/Syrah and the versatile Cabernet Sauvignon being particularly successful. Plus Pinotage, a cross of Pinot Noir with Cinsault, is the cape’s very own variety and was created in 1925 by Professor Perold at Stellenbosch University.
History of wine in South Africa
You may think of South African wine production as a fairly recent phenomonen but in fact wine has been produced in South Africa ever since 1659. Cape Town’s founder Jan van Riebeeck produced the area’s first ever vintage and by 1685 the Constantia estate was well established . But it was not until 1778 when Hendrik Cloete took over ownership that the name Constantia became synonymous for really top quality wine. His blend of mostly Muscat de Frontignan, red and white Muscadel, Pontac and a touch of Chenin Blanc set the world alight and attracted fans as prestigious as Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
Where to go and what South African wine to drink
Around Cape Town is the Stellenbosch group of vineyards which produces arguably the finest red wines of South Africa’s cape region. It is a measure of the diverse spread of the South African wine industry that, despite being widely considered as its main zone, this area produces less than 20 per cent of all the wine produced in the country. Varieties recommended by Johnny Foreigner wine guide to South Africa include: Beyerskloof, Rust en Vrede, Longridge, Rustenberg, Thelema, Kanonkop, Neil Ellis, Warwick Estate and Meerlust.
On the Atlantic coast can be found the excellent South African wine producing region of Constantia. This area has the claim to fame of being where the famous dessert wine Vin de Constance was produced, the same variety quaffed by Napoleon during his exile on St Helena. Today, however, this region bottles some above average table wines and is worth including on aqny wine tour of South Africa. Other than the incomparable Vin de Constantia JohnnyForeigner wine guide to South Africa recommends Buitenverwachting.
A little inland of Stellenbosch can be found the Paarl region with a wide variety of different grapes and styles produced. Their sherry-like flor-influenced wines are gaining ever higher acclaim around the world and they also grow a subtle selection of desert wines. JohnnyForeigner’s best wines from Paarl would be Beenwouden’s Plaisir de Merle and Classic blend, Nederberg, Glen Carlou, Clos Malverne and Welgemeend.
The chilly weather of Walker Bay has also always led itself to producing fantastic Pinot Noir, and several South African vineyards from around here are doing sterling work with this particular grape. But fans of white wine of South Africa needn’t despair as there are also a some top notch Chardonnays coming from here as well. JF says to drink the Bouchard-Finlayson and Hamilton-Russell.
Elgin to the south is one of the newest regions producing great South African wine. The notoriously tricky Pinot Noir grapes flourish here. JF recommends Paul Cluver as a top tipple.
