The Wines of South Africa
Friday 29th September bought together some loyal wine enthusiasts for my tasting class at Elleray Hall, Teddington. As expected, the weather was beautiful so we enjoyed tasting 4 fabulous South African wines outside in the garden area.
Ever since Jan van Riebeeck planted 100 vines on his farm in 1658, South African wines have grown in quality despite many setbacks along the way - phylloxera and the Apartheid regime being just 2 of them. Today, the region offers a great combination of value and quality together with a huge variety on wine styles to suit all tastes.
Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety in the region and can be enjoyed in two distinct styles: fresh and crisp or rich and luscious, with careful oak ageing. The Western Cape regions of Stellenbosch and Swartland both offer choice for both style and budget and are renowned for quality wine production.
Cap Classique method sparkling wines are a real hidden gem and well-worth seeking out as an excellent alternative to Champagne. Most are made with the champagne grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and many producers also offer Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noirs styles.
Pinotage is South Africa’s very own grape variety, developed in 1925 as a crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir. The resulting grapes produce wines with bolder tastes that those if it’s parent grapes; black cherry, blackberry, fig and menthol. Pinotage generally ages very well, with older vintages taking on more savoury flavours. A great food wine!
Other wines to look out for include Cabernet Sauvignon, the regions’ most planted red variety, which produces excellent quality wines that can rival those of Bordeaux as a fraction of the cost! The coastal regions, including Stellenbosch, Paarl and Swartland, produce lush styles of Chardonnay and Semillon. Those seeking the fresher flavours of cooler climate wines should look at the regions of Elgin and Walker Bay were some wonderful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines can be found.
Below are the wines I chose for the tasting class, all of which were popular with my 19 guests, plus a few others that I’ve come across recently. I do hope you enjoy tasting your way around the wine regions of South Africa!
DeMorgenzon 'DMZ' Chenin Blanc 2021/22, Stellenbosch , £14.99 Majestic
The award-winning (IWC Silver) DeMorgenzon plays baroque music to its vines 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the belief that it coaxes grapes to optimum ripeness. Decide for yourself in this exceptional Chenin Blanc. It has rich notes of green apple, stone fruits and honey and a lingering aftertaste. https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/demorgenzon-dmz-chenin-blanc-20430
Honey Drop Chenin Blanc 2022, Swartland, £14.99 Majestic
Made with some of the oldest bush-vine Chenin Blanc in Swartland, each bottle is the result of a mission to sustainably produce wines that are both delicious and environmentally conscious. Only grapes deemed perfectly ripe are picked by hand, and careful use of oak in the winery adds complex layers of woody notes and rich texture. Expect creamy tropical and peachy notes under rich layers of oak and vanilla. The refreshing acidity makes it a great partner for roast pork dishes. https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/honey-drop-chenin-blanc-20481?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpompBhDZARIsAFD_Fp9cvErWNSUp281uYPzpw-U7YQeEnrVB7XLxg4MG_An48CSl2y8uuYkaAohYEALw_wcB
Graham Beck Brut NV, Méthode Cap Classique, £16.49 Waitrose
Light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit on the nose and rich creamy complexity on the palate. The exceptionally fine mousse contributes the freshness and finesse. 51% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir, 15-18 months less ageing. https://www.waitrosecellar.com/vegan/graham-beck-chardonnay-pinot-brut?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpompBhDZARIsAFD_Fp9-mEqhL21FNMzI70_Srnt9MPkV9_dsRcM8gkWVQhsG4R4NQ-3wHUAaAnrjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2017, £23 The Wine Society (Magnum)
Satisfyingly rich and full-bodied, with spiced plum and red fruits supported by velvety tannins and smooth smoky flavour, this South African classic makes a great winter buffet wine and an ideal partner for a rich curry. https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/magnum-of-kanonkop-kadette-pinotage-stellenbosch-2017
Journey’s End Chardonnay, £10.50 Sainbury’s
The Journey's End winery is situated in the Schapenberg Hills in Stellenbosch and has been run by the Gabb family since 1995. The wine is rich and complex, with tropical fruits, vanilla notes and fresh acidity. Perfect with creamy chicken dishes.
The Search Grenache Marsanne Roussanne, £9.99 Waitrose
The beautiful mineral notes from the Grenache Blanc compliment the scents of fresh flowers, peaches and herbs of the Roussanne, while the Marsanne gives a lovely texture, depth and palate weight to the wine.
Boekenhoutskloof ‘The Wolftrap’ Shiraz, £9.99 Majestic
Expect intense aromas of rich dark fruit and savoury notes of spice and black pepper. Its velvety fruit character is balanced by a vibrant acidity. Best enjoyed with roasted or barbecued dishes.
