The wine industry in South Africa has been booming over the past few years, with the country’s vineyards receiving worldwide acclaim for their high-quality wines. But where did it all begin? What are the most well-known varieties of South African wine? And how does one go about tasting them? This beginner’s guide to South African wine will give you all the information you need to start exploring this fascinating field of study on your own!
What is South African Wine?
In 2004, South Africa overtook France as the world’s third-largest wine producer after Italy and Spain. However, while many wine experts believe that its wines are among Africa’s best, a large portion of consumers have no idea what they are or how to identify them at a tasting. In fact, 90% of all red wines from South Africa are consumed in their home country. They have been steadily increasing in popularity over recent years but there is still a long way to go before they become better known globally.
Where Does South African Wine Come From?
There are many different varieties of wine produced in South Africa, so it’s difficult to talk about all of them here. The best-known red grape is Pinotage, a cross between Cinsault and Hermitage. Pinotage was created by a scientist named Franzia in 1922, and is now widely grown in California as well as internationally. The most popular white grape is Sauvignon Blanc—though that’s not its only claim to fame: there’s a Sauvignon Blanc variety called Rebula which has been gaining popularity over recent years for its high levels of antioxidants and unique citrus notes. Check with your wine merchant for more info.
Varieties of South African Wine
For thousands of years, people have cultivated vines in present-day South Africa. At that time, vines were grown for medicine and small amounts of wine. Eventually, colonists brought European varieties with them and created wines by adding sugar and blending it with other wines from around Europe. Today, South African wine is grown using many different techniques and produced using a wide variety of grapes—more than 700 unique cultivars in total! Common varietals include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Some wineries in South Africa still blend imported grape juice with locally grown grapes; others produce 100% local wine.
Where Can I Drink South African Wine?
If you want to purchase wine from South Africa, you should probably be aware of where to buy it. Because many countries around the world import wine from South Africa, you’ll find a pretty wide variety of prices and types available. This is part of what makes it such an exciting country when it comes to buying wine, especially if you’re a new consumer. If you’re looking for a good place in your area that will have a selection that meets your preferences in price and style, do some research beforehand or ask someone in a local shop who specializes in imported wines from abroad. It will make shopping for one of these delicious bottles much easier!
Where Can I Buy South African Wine?
South Africa is known as a top producer of wines. It has seven major wine-producing regions: Bordeaux (which makes wines similar to those from France), Cap, Coastal Region, Elgin, Klein Karoo, Mooi River, and Stellenbosch. The grapes grown here include Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Fiano, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz among others. Whites dominate over reds in terms of popularity because South Africans prefer whites with seafood dishes.
