South Africa's world of red wines

South African winemakers and their creativity
 
Perhaps it is due to the multicultural society that South African winemakers are so eager to experiment? But also old traditions are cultivated, as can be seen in the international successes with awards for extraordinary red wines ("Outstanding Wine Producer Trophy") of the "International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). Very well known are, among others, South African Bordeaux blends and the "Pinotage"; the indigenous South African grape. The large, well-known wine farms are internationally successful. But there are many small, modern and young boutique wineries. A new movement of young winemakers, also called "garagists", completes the rainbow land of South Africa. They are wild and unconventional - faster, higher, further! One can be curious. This wide spectrum of "terroirs" undoubtedly leads to an extraordinary wine selection. The most common red wines in South Africa are made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Pinotage. Not to be forgotten, however, are Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Mouvedre and Cinsault, all of which also play a major role in "Single Vineyard" wines, i.e. in selected blends.

 

 

Flavorful South African red wines
 

The wines of the Coastal Region such as Stellenbosch, Malmesbury, Wellington, Paarl or the Breede River Valley produce powerful, robust and full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. Optimal conditions for these grape varieties are long hot summers and frequent rain in the autumn and winter months. The landscape and weather conditions, soil conditions are almost ideal in the coastal region for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grape. Due to the high tannin content of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is one of the longest storable red wines in the world. To round off the tannin content of a wine, the wine is often aged in wooden barrels and then, after a few years of storage, turns out to be a real soft and velvety taste experience. You can recognize a Cabernet Sauvignon by its flavors such as blackcurrant, blackberries and also tobacco notes. Earthy undertones and dark chocolate notes may be present. Cabernet Sauvignon is very often aged in wood and is very suitable as a food companion to red meat. But also game or lamb are perfect companions. The Shiraz grape is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world and it is said that this grape comes from an ancient city in Persia (today Iran). However, many believe that Sirah, another word for this grape variety, came to France in the 13th century via Cyprus. If you ask French winemakers, they will testify that Shiraz originated in France. Whichever story is true, Shiraz came to South Africa only in the 18th century. The cultivation takes place here on a grand scale in Stellenbosch.
Shiraz has a strong, slightly spicy taste. The flavors are: Blackberries, anise, cloves, leather, black pepper and even various spice blends.
 Ideal food companions are poultry, duck or grilled vegetables. Mature hard cheeses harmonize very well. Also as a dessert, together with a dark chocolate of good quality- a dream.

 

South African Bordeaux Style blends

Have you ever heard of a South African Bordeaux Style wine? Bordeaux from France are made from 5 grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Here in South Africa, the grape varieties of a Bordeaux Style wine are also: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
In 1855, Napoleon III had precisely defined the strict classification of a Bordeaux, with the percentages being variable.
The vineyards of the Chateaus were also carefully defined and this law is still in force today.
Blackcurrant, plum, graphite, cedar and violet are distinct flavor characteristics of a Bordeaux.
Like French Bordeaux, South African Bordeaux style wines have won awards and need not hide. Taste it and decide for yourself.

Bordeaux-Style blends of special quality can be found in these Cape wine farms.

Thelema-Stellenbosch, Holden Manz -Franschhoek, Simonsig-Stellenbosch, Beyerskloof -Stellenbosch, Groot Constantia-Constantia, Morgenster-Somerset West, Mulderbosch-Stellenbosch,Spier-Stellenbosch, Zorgvliet-Stellenbosch,Tokara-Stellenbosch.

 

 

A piece of South Africa- The Pinotage

If you are a South Africa fan, you can't miss this grape variety -a must!
Pinotage was crossed in 1925 by Prof. Perold from 2 grape varieties. The Pinot Noir grape and the Hermitage grape, also called Cinsault.
Hence the name Pinotage. The crossing of these two grape varieties makes Pinotage extremely hardy. It is now grown throughout South Africa in the Cape wine regions. However, it is mainly found in Malmesbury, Stellenbosch and Paarl,as it thrives very well in summer temperatures. Many styles of wine can be made from the Pintotage. The light "lunch wine", for example, tastes of fresh raspberries, red berries and strawberries - fresh and fruity. But also the more full-bodied variants with flavors of black currant, banana or caramel, even traces of cinnamon can appear.
The wine style variations of Pinotage are almost inexhaustible. South African dishes are an ideal food companion to a Pinotage. Grilled fish (e.g. Snoek),grilled meats or aromatic stews are very good companions with excellent balance.
Bring the Cape wine lands home and reminisce with a glass of Pinotage.