Major Wine Regions

Stellenbosch
Paarl
Constantia
Swartland
Durbanville
Worcester
Robertson
Walker Bay
Elgin

Principal Grape Varieties

South Africa at a Glance

When we think of Argentina, we think of Malbec. But this region is also known for Torrontés, Bonarda, and an array of international varieties. Argentina is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world! Situated to the east of the Andes mountains on elevated land, the vineyards receive high amounts of sunshine, dry air, and enough cool air required to have successful viticulture.

Stellenbosch

Premium Wines

Lujan de Cuyo, about 1,000 meters of above sea level, has an outstanding history for producing premium wines. In this region, Old Vine Malbec grapes are grown in the foothills, making soft, rounded and decadent expressions of the variety. Uco Valley is situation between 900-1,500 meters above sea level, producing outstanding expressions of both red and white wines with high acidity and notable floral characteristics.

Pinotage

Pinotage is a relatively new, man-made black grape variety from South Africa. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, both black grapes originally from France. It is made as both a single variety and blend. The famous “Cape Blend” of South Africa is a mix of Pinotage grapes and international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grapes.

. It can be made light and fruity, or oaked and intense. The primary fruit flavors are Cherry, Raspberry and Strawberry and with hints of secondary sweet spice and cedar from barrel-aging. Sometimes specialized fermentation yeasts add intense flavors of espresso and coffee beans on the nose and palate to create a unique cross between wine and coffee. Bottle-aged Pinotage can go on to develop additional tertiary flavors of sweet tobacco and chocolate.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile white grape varieties in the world! As a non-aromatic grape, wine-makers experiment with it to produce it in a variety of expressions. It’s unique in the fact that it can be dry or sweet. Still or sparkling. Its primary flavors are green apple, lemon, peach, apricot, peach, honey, and guava. It is also herbaceous, which can be more prominent in cooler regions where some of the berries experience less ripeness. Young expressions are light and fruity. Chenin Blanc wines that are aged in the bottle for many years become rounded and rich, and develop tertiary flavors of toast and honey.

Chenin Blanc is the most widely-planted grape South Africa. Here, it is made in a variety of styles, from inexpensive to premium. The inexpensive expressions are usually light and fruity. However, the more expensive versions are often aged in oak and have fuller textures – imparting more developed aromas and flavors into the finished wine.

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