South African Wine
Although South Africa has one of the oldest wine making traditions in the New World the political turmoil it has suffered over the years has ment that the industry did not develop as fast as other countries.
Wine is made in the Mediterranean climate around the Western Cape and Cape Town where it was more famous for its white wines. In recent years they have developed some fantastic red wines made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
South Africa’s signature grape is Pinotage a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault which has resulted in the best of the new and old world styles.
Recommended Wines
Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc Robertson 2008. A fresh, dry and intensely fruity varietal Sauvignon Blanc. Robertson Valley is situated further inland than most in South Africa, where the daytime climate is hot and dry, but the nights are cool. These growing conditions enhance the zesty gooseberry flavours so common in Sauvignon Blanc.
John X Merriman Rustenberg Stellenbosch 2006. This wine has a full, smooth palate with blackberry flavours and cigar-box aromas. The name commemorates John Xavier Merriman (1841 – 1926), who purchased a farm in 1892 which later became Rustenberg Wines. He was the last prime minister of the Cape Colony before the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.