Your guide to South Africa
History of wines from South Africa
The history of South African wines dates back to 1652 when the Dutch East India Company established a supply station at the Cape of Good Hope. Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor, planted the first vineyard in 1655, and the first wine was produced in 1659. Initially, the wine was intended for export to India, but it soon became a significant industry with the encouragement of Van Riebeeck and later Simon van der Stel, who established the renowned Constantia estate in 1685.
The arrival of French Huguenots between 1680 and 1690 significantly influenced the wine industry. These skilled winemakers introduced new grape varieties and techniques, which improved the quality and diversity of South African wines. The Huguenots settled in the Franschhoek Valley, known as the "French Corner," and their legacy continues to shape the industry today. Their winemaking expertise combined with the existing Dutch methods created a unique and robust winemaking culture in the Cape.
The 19th and 20th centuries presented significant challenges to the industry. The phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century devastated vineyards, leading to replanting with high-yielding grape varieties like Cinsaut. This overproduction created a wine lake effect, prompting the formation of the Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika Bpkt (KWV) in 1918 to stabilize the industry. The end of apartheid in 1994 marked a new era for South African wines, with a focus on quality and international recognition.
Terroir of South Africa
The terroir of South African wines is characterized by diverse soils, varied topography, and a unique blend of maritime influences from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The climate is moderate, with regular coastal fog and cooling sea breezes contributing to the ripening process. This combination creates wines with distinctive and complex characteristics, reflecting the region's natural assets and winemaking traditions.
The terroir is further influenced by the region's history, with a winemaking tradition dating back over 350 years. This blend of Old World elegance and New World fruit-driven styles results in wines that eloquently express the unique terroir of the Cape. Ongoing research at institutions like the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Institute and the University of Stellenbosch continues to refine viticultural practices, ensuring better matches between grape varieties and locations, and unlocking the potential of new winegrowing areas.
Top grapes in South Africa
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is South Africa's most widely planted grape, known for its versatility and ability to produce a range of styles from dry to sweet, including sparkling wines. Originating from the Loire Valley in France, it found a particularly congenial home in South Africa's varying climates. The grape thrives in the cooler regions, yielding wines with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple, pear, and honey. South African Chenin Blanc often showcases a unique mineral complexity and texture, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts for its excellent aging potential and food-pairing versatility.
Pinotage
Pinotage, a true South African original, is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (locally known as Hermitage) developed in 1925. This grape is emblematic of South African innovation in viticulture, offering distinctive flavors that range from brambly, red fruit notes to deep, earthy undertones with hints of tobacco and leather. The best examples of Pinotage demonstrate a balance between fruit and tannins, often with a smoky, savory complexity that reflects the unique terroir of the regions where it is grown. It is particularly popular among those looking for a wine that captures the essence of South African terroir.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a prominent grape in South Africa, celebrated for producing robust, full-bodied wines with a significant capacity for aging. It is grown extensively in regions like Stellenbosch, where the warm climate and well-drained soils create ideal conditions for this varietal. South African Cabernet Sauvignons are noted for their deep color, firm tannins, and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and cedar. These wines often incorporate a subtle minty character, which is somewhat characteristic of the region. They pair excellently with rich meats and hearty dishes, making them a staple in any red wine enthusiast's collection.