South Africa
Since the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, the country is once again becoming a world player on the viticultural stage. As an overview, South Africa encases the elegance and finesse of the european wines while retaining the bold ripeness of the southern hemisphere.
The most famous region is without doubt Stellenbosch that lies just below the Simonsberg Mountain and where the Cape Doctor wind that blows from False Bay cools the vineyards. Here Chardonnay is the main white grape with the Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot weighing in for the reds. Some Sauvignon Blanc is grown but this is far more successful in the Overberg where Pinot Noir is also producing some superb wines. Look out for wines from Elgin or Walker Bay which can offer both terrific quality and value.
The hotter region of Paarl is also producing good wine especially from the older Bush Vine plantings that naturally shade the berries from the harsh sunlight. Chenin Blanc can be good from here but now some growers are showing their love for Rhone varieties by planting such grapes as Viognier for whites and Shiraz and Mourvedre for the reds.
We must just mention here South Africa's home variety of Pinotage. Not everybody's cup of tea but certainly worthy of trying, it is a hybrid created in 1934 at the University of Stellenbosch from Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Some good wines are to be found made from this variety but there are some pretty grim ones too. Buyer beware!
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£21.57
Ernie Els Big Easy Red
Ernie ElsThe Ernie Els Big Easy Red offers a spicy, savoury richness; the Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure while dashes of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault...
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£41.05
Ernie Els Big Easy Red Magnum
Ernie ElsAs the name suggests the Ernie Els Big Easy Red is bold in flavour and yet easy in demeanor. Pure, ripe, purple and red fruits immediately leap out...
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£16.64
Ernie Els Big Easy White
Ernie ElsThe Ernie Els Big Easy White is 100% Chenin Blanc and shows the beautiful, pure-fruited and charming 2018 vintage. Dominated by citrus in its youth...
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£23.07
Ernie Els Major Series Merlot 2018
Ernie ElsThe medium bodied Ernie Els Major Series Merlot shows the sparkle of the vintage with a fresh acidity and delicate red fruits. Laced with ripe plum...
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Original price £61.25Current price £59.14
Ernie Els Signature
Ernie ElsPerhaps the most serious Ernie Els Signature yet, the 2014 is a brooding, powerful Bordeaux-style blend produced from prime vineyards in the Helder...
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£30.35
Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend 2017
Ernie ElsAfter hand-picking the fruit in the early morning ensuring the grapes came into the winery cool and were transferred to open-topped fermenters for ...
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