Stage 3
Wines by Region
South Africa
South Africa has an almost perfect climate for grape growing and produces some excellent wines. The main grape varieties from this country are Chenin Blanc, which originates from The Loire Valley and Pinotage, which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. This grape is grown almost exclusively in South Africa and prefers a hot to moderate climate. It produces wines that have red fruit flavours and a meaty, animal character and are medium to full bodied with high alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc from here is produced in two styles; a non-oaked style similar to New Zealand wines but less intense and complex. The other style is oaked and similar to some Bordeaux white wines but with more intense herbaceous character. These wines can age in bottle. The Coastal region is the best region for Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon is used to produce some very good varietal and blended wines, which have less intense fruit and more herby flavours than USA or Australian versions. The wines from Stellenbosch are close to Bordeaux in style with high tannin and acidity.
Since the 1980’s plantings of Chardonnay have increased a great deal. The best areas for Chardonnay are the cooler coastal areas such as Stellenbosch which has the Greatest concentration of leading estates and Paarl which produce all styles of wine including sparkling made from the Chardonnay grape
Key Regional Grape Varieties
- Chenin Blanc
- Pinotage
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot