South African Grape Varietals
South Africa’s vineyards offer a lot of diversity and both regions and indivudual wine growers are increasingly committing to the grape varieties best supported by their specific growing conditions. Whilst only a handful varieties still constitute more than 80% of South Africa’s vineyards, the possibilities are endless.
The Great Whites
Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen, is the most planted white variety in South Africa, most of which consists of old bush vines. These old bush vines produce low yields, resulting in concentrated flavours, producing wines with complexity and the ability to age extremely well. The dry and off-dry Chenin Blanc wines present fresh, vibrant white fruits with a zesty and crisp finish, while full ripe, rich wines with oak barrel fermentation and ageing make for complex powerful wines.
Colombar(d), the second most planted white variety in South Africa, produces a quality wine in the warmer areas like the Breede River region. Good acid content ensures fresh, interesting wines with a pleasant fruity flavour.
Sauvignon Blanc is now one of South Africa’s strongest categories, having benefited in particular from the modern quest to identify more cool-climate vineyard sites. The style of South African Sauvignon Blanc has diversified to include wines with good fruit expression, in addition to the well-known grassy examples.
Chardonnay is another important grape on the South African wine scene, both in terms of presence and quality. Much experimentation has been taking place and excellent wines in a number of uniquely South African styles are being produced. We are increasingly seeing examples that simultaneously offer the complexity of the Old World and the fruit expression of the New World wines.
The Luscious Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon, the foremost variety of the Bordeaux region of France, is becoming an increasingly significant variety in South Africa producing red wines with excellent colour and good tannins that develop well with age into spicy, full complex wines.
Shiraz (Syrah) is the second most planted red-wine variety in South Africa. Made in several different styles here, it yields deep purple smoky and spicy wines which develop a complex character with age. The northern Rhône practice of co-fermenting Shiraz with a small portion of Viognier has become quite common in South Africa.
Pinotage, a local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (formerly known as Hermitage) can produce complex and fruity wines with age but is also often very drinkable when young. With great strides made in the making of Pinotage, South Africa’s own variety is rapidly gaining increasing acceptance and finding favour worldwide both as a varietal bottling and in blends.
“Fermentation equals civilization”
John Ciardi
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