South African Wines: Beauty, Value + Great Taste!

At the tip of the African continent where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, is one of the world’s most wondrous and beautiful grape-growing regions: South Africa. With a Mediterranean climate, picturesque landscape, fascinating history and delicious wines, it’s definitely a place you should add to your travel bucket list. Most wineries are located in and around Cape Town, making it a must-visit city for wine lovers. With winter here a glass of wine is sure to soothe the soul and bring a smile to everyone’s face. This time of year it’s always nice to get more bang for your buck and sip on something delicious and south African wines offer beauty, value and great taste!

X

South Africa offers some great examples of red and white blends to sip and enjoy. Pair these wines with white/red meats, seafood and hearty dishes. South Africa offers some great examples of red and white blends to sip and enjoy. Pair these wines with white/red meats, seafood and hearty dishes. Chardonnay is a popular grape, planted all over the world, but it does especially well in South Africa. Pair it with your favourite fish dish or seafood and enjoy! Angela’s picks: Goats do Roam White $14 + Bellingham Big Oak Red (Cab/Shiraz blend) + Thelema Mountain Red + Fleur Du Cap Chardonnay $13.

The Grinder Pinotage - South African Winesc

Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red grape and is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (locally once called Hermitage, hence the blended name). It’s unique to South Africa and known for its chocolate, leather, coffee and smoke characteristics. This wine is a fantastic choice for smoky barbecue flavours. Angela’s pick: The 2012 Grinder Pinotage, $14

x

The signature white grape of South Africa, Chenin Blanc makes a crisp and refreshing wine that also ages very well. It can be made oaked or un-oaked. These wines are wonderful on its own or with seafood. The signature white grape of South Africa, Chenin Blanc makes a crisp and refreshing wine that also ages very well. It can be made oaked or un-oaked. These wines are wonderful on its own or with seafood. Angela’s picks: The Pavillion Chenin Blanc Viognier, $11 + The Wolftrap Viognier Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc

c

Although it’s grown in many places around the world, Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa tastes amazing and is very affordable. This wine is a perfect wine to sip solo watching your favourite TV show and/or is the perfect refreshment to enjoy while entertaining friends for brunch. Angela’s pick: Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, $12.

x

Shiraz is also know as Syrah and is another really wonderful and spicy grape that offers great value and really does taste great from South Africa. Best paired with big red meats, and also worth savouring on its own.

Angela’s pick: Porcupine Ridge Syrah and Durbanville Hills Shiraz

Share: