The Cape’s winemaking history dates back 350 years, making South Africa the world’s oldest wine-producing nation outside of Europe. We also have the oldest viticultural soils in the world, with Malmesbury shales stretching back 700 million years!
But it’s not just about looking back. In recent years, a dramatic fine wine revolution has seen the birth of a new crop of producers who are adopting novel techniques and experimentation, and the finest SA wines are now recognized as some of the best by major worldwide reviewers.
Pinotage, South Africa’s heritage grape:
Scions of Sinai Féniks Pinotage 2021
‘Pinotage is the Cape’s own signature grape, first cultivated in South Africa in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsault). Seventh-generation grape grower and producer, Bernhard Bredell, is passionate about the Helderberg wine region, crafting his wines from old vines that date back to 1976. His Féniks Pinotage 2021 is an expression of the sandy terroir. It’s an energetic red, packed with juicy red fruit and dried herbs. This is a go-to of mine on a Cape summer’s day.’
Uniquely South African:
Sijnn White 2020
‘Tim Atkin’s Young Winemaker of the Year, Charla Haasbroek, describes the wines of Sijnn as “wines with personality”! We saw this first-hand on the dusty road to Malgas. Shaped by rocks and river stones likened to the landscape of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines express the rugged terrain of Malgas. Exotic spice and ripe yellow fruit offer a rich wine.’
Wines with history:
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
‘Better known for their Paul Sauer, the Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon is a joy to behold. It has incredible ageing potential and offers superb value at R540 per bottle. We were lucky enough to taste the 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon earlier this year, which attests to their incredible ageability. With vineyards of over 60 years old, award-winning winemakers, and a dedication to tradition, Kanonkop have firmly established themselves as one of South Africa’s First Growth properties.’
Meerlust Rubicon 2018
‘Meerlust is an institution of the South African wine industry. Just off the N2 highway, it was one of the first wineries I visited at the beginning of my wine journey. Their longstanding history has been instrumental in the growth of fine wine in South Africa. Meerlust Rubicon is a crowd pleaser, ticking all the boxes of rich red berry fruit and dry pencil shaving tannins.’
Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2013
‘If you’re searching for a sip of Bordeaux in SA, look no further than Glenelly. After selling her Bordeaux estate, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Madam May de Lencquesaing set her sights on the Cape and established Glenelly in 2003. The Glenelly Estate Reserve Red is one of my favourites to enjoy with classic French dishes. Pair it with a beef wellington and a red wine jus.’
Alto Fine Old Vintage 2008
‘When it comes to heritage and tradition in SA, Alto is a household name. They’ve been dedicated to vineyard planting and wine production since 1919. Fortified wine is an underrated and exciting category in SA, and we see a return of these finely crafted wines. We love sharing classically styled fortified wines, which capture powerful fruit alongside earthy, spiced aromatics.’
