June 2005

South African Wines

by Martina Priadka

In the trendy and growing business of wine, the darlings of the community change as quickly as Minnesota weather. In the last couple of years the countries in the spotlight have moved from Chile to Spain to Australia. The current spotlight for the up and coming area is on South Africa.
I would not have believed this several years ago when, in a group blind tasting, we all sniffed at something red, our noses crinkling at the assault on our senses. Before the Master Sommelier had a chance to walk us through the steps of blind tasting one of our group shouted out, “This is Pinotage!” The shocked MS asked her how she came to that conclusion to which she replied, “I would never forget something that smelled this bad”.

Today the quality of Pinotage as well as many other South African wines has increased greatly. Many of the winemakers have stepped away from the Pinot Noir-Cincault creation that was born in South Africa and have opted for more traditional grape varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The climate around South African wine country is mild with cool fronts providing the perfect conditions for many of these grape varietals. The impressive mountain ranges also make it one of the most beautiful wine growing regions in the world.

The best part about these wines is that the prices are still in a range that makes them some of the best values on the market at the moment. I can not guarantee that you will enjoy every South African wine you try, but stick to the following regions and you are sure to find something suitable to your palate.

FRANSCHHOEK
Breathtaking scenery, world class food and lovely wines make this area one of my favourites. Of all the choices, I have to put Boekenhoutskloof on the top of my list. They are passionate about their wines and it shows. Try the syrah and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Also of serious note are the La Motte, Millennium, the Boschendal Chardonnay and the Plaisir de Merle, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the under $10 price range pick up a bottle of Porcupine Ridge, also from Boekenhoutskloof. It’s a little rough and rugged but there is always space for a little of that in our lives, especially when it is such a great value.

ROBERTSON
This is another place ranking high on my list, mostly due to the hospitality and flying skills of wine maker Abrie Bruwer. Owner of Springfield estate, it is one of the most exciting wineries in South Africa. His passion encompasses everything from flying his own plane over the vineyards to uprooting hundreds of vines in order to arrange them in a better juxtaposition to the sun. No idea is too crazy for him and his wines prove that there is a method to his madness. The Sauvignon Blanc is outstanding.

If you would like a taste of something sparkling Graham Beck will not let you down. Another beauty of theirs is the Ridge Shiraz, single vineyard. Taste, watch and be the first to introduce this soon to be famous world-wide vineyard to your friends.

STELLENBOSCH
This is usually the first South African region to be learned by the wine students of the world. If you know something about South African wine, the next name out of your mouth is usually Stellenbosch. The number of producers and wine estates in this region is growing very quickly. The district itself has been broken down into several smaller areas each of which have their own individual style. Try Thelma Mountain Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc or Reserve Cabernet. Warwick Estate offers a wonderful Cabernet blend called Kestrel as well as a great Chardonnay. Another top performer is De Trafford Wines producing excellent whites and reds.

PAARL
A very scenic town and a premier wine growing district, it is not far from Cape Town. It is easy to find good wines here but experimentation is the best way to find your favourites. Try Glen Carlou Cabernet or Merlot. If you are familiar with Hess Vineyard in Napa then you will feel comfortable with this one as Donald Hess is involved with the project. Try anything from Fairview estate and you will not be disappointed. Any level of wine from this exciting winery is a palate pleaser.
If you are looking to find the most bang for your buck, but still a drinkable bottle, look for the French Rhone styled wines such as Goat’s Do Rhone and Goat Roti. These are quickly becoming very popular in the U.S.

Happy tasting!

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


» send this article to a friend!

Email this entry to:

Your email address:

Message (optional):