{"id":4592,"date":"2021-06-08T11:53:26","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T15:53:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wtso.com\/blog\/?p=4592"},"modified":"2022-09-28T09:58:03","modified_gmt":"2022-09-28T13:58:03","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-south-african-wines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wtso.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-south-african-wines\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to South African Wines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trying to learn more about the world of wine that\u2019s not France, Italy, or California? Explore this guide to South African wines\u2014you\u2019ll be impressed!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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We all know it\u2014the wine world<\/a> provides a lot to explore. But very often, we\u2019re pinned down to the favorites: France, Napa, Italy, just to name a few. What we forget is that the world of wine has expanded way farther past the iconic few\u2014one of those being South Africa.<\/p>\n

South Africa is one of the most dynamic wine regions<\/a> in the world, and it\u2019s often stepped over for some of its more \u201cbasic\u201d counterparts. We know, France isn\u2019t actually basic, but if you\u2019ve done it before, so why not try somewhere else? Want to learn more about this exciting wine country? Continue reading and explore our ultimate guide to South African wines. You\u2019ll want this region in your wine rack!<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s the Climate?<\/h2>\n

Wondering what sort of climate you\u2019ll get if you visit, and what their grapes thrive on? With any dynamic wine realm<\/a>, there\u2019s a mix of cool and hot. In South Africa, there\u2019s a cool coastal climate and a hot inland. This works well for the production of a slew of grape varieties. However, the country\u2019s dealt with some yearly droughts in the past, making a massive impact on the success of grapevines.<\/p>\n

Important Grape Varieties<\/h2>\n

That diverse landscape and climate allow for different grape varieties. Below we\u2019ll discuss some of the main players in the South African world of wine<\/a>!<\/p>\n

White Varieties:<\/h3>\n
Chenin Blanc<\/h5>\n

Good old Chenin Blanc. Truly. In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the country\u2019s most-produced wine variety. It\u2019s different than the grape you\u2019ll find in Loire Valley\u2014this is drier, yet richer. However, it\u2019s still incredibly versatile, made into sparklings, sweet dessert wines<\/a>, and the classic dry whites.<\/p>\n

Colombard<\/h5>\n

Not well-known in most areas, Colombard is a French grape (typically seen as Colombar). However, South Africa is this grape\u2019s top producer. Though you may know of it more for its use in Brandy, it has transformed to be a main helper in some semi-dry bottles.<\/p>\n

Sauvignon Blanc<\/h5>\n

Vines of these grapes have been around in South Africa since around the 18th<\/sup> century. While European countries ruled the wine world at that time, South Africa experienced a resurgence in the late 1900s, leading to more vineyards and a plethora of spectacular whites to try.<\/p>\n

Red Varieties:<\/h3>\n

Pinotage<\/h5>\n

Another variety you may not have heard of that\u2019s prominent in South Africa is Pinotage. A cross between the beloved Pinot Noir and the stable Cinsault, Pinotage is a staple in any red blend from the country.<\/p>\n

Cabernet Sauvignon<\/h5>\n

Now, of course\u2014the reliable Cabernet Sauvignon. Though it\u2019s one of the most planted red grape varieties<\/a> around the world, this grape plays a major role in the South African wine world. You\u2019ll find their Cabernet Sauvignon bottles are some of the most prestigious wines in the country!<\/p>\n

Shiraz<\/h5>\n

More often seen as Syrah in Europe, Shiraz is South African winemakers\u2019 go-to term to describe this versatile, yet elegant, grape. You\u2019ll see it in a lot of blends, but also in quite a few single varietals that some of the wineries below are known for.<\/p>\n

Key South African Wine Regions<\/h2>\n

The next stop on our ultimate guide to South African wines has to deal with the wine regions they come from. Learn more about the key three players below, as well as about some wonderful wineries within!<\/p>\n

Paarl District<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s start with the Paarl District. Here you\u2019ll find a ton<\/em> of vineyards, but the district is actually much smaller in size than some of the other regions in the country. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in holding down the fort with Chenin Blanc creation.<\/p>\n

This wine region is one of the hotter options in the country\u2014vines will see long, hot summers, and rainy winters. Because of this variation, you\u2019ll see quite a few different growing grapes. When it comes to location, Paarl isn\u2019t far from Cape Town. In fact, this region is actually home to Western Cape\u2019s most-known vineyards and wineries. Here are some of our favorites:<\/p>\n