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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£35.18
Rust En Vrede Estate Wine
Rust En VredeThe 2016 Rust En Vrede Estate Wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz and 11% Merlot. It is a deep crimson red, with aromas of tobacc...
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£30.44
Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal
Bouchard FinlaysonBouchard Finlayson Hannibal shows both power and finesse like Hannibal himself, the palate has spicy tones overlaying a supple and gently leathery ...
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£15.94
Glenelly Glass Collection Syrah
Glenelly EstateThe Glenelly Glass Collection Syrah has a wonderful bright and rich colour with deep purple undertones. The aromas are intense with jasmine, cinnam...
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£14.44
DeMorgenzon Garden Vineyards Rosé
DeMorgenzonDeMorgenzon Garden Vineyards Rose has deep blush tones. This crowd pleasing rosé displays alluring aromas and juicy flavours of cherries and strawb...
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£9.64
Forge Mill Shiraz Cinsaut
Forge MillForge Mill Shiraz Cinsaut is an exciting blend of Shiraz and Cinsault introduces an array of ripe berry fruit aromas that follow through into a jui...
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£21.34
Glenelly Estate Reserve Rouge
Glenelly EstateThe Glenelly Estate Reserve Rouge has a dark, deep and rich ruby colour. There are aromas of blackcurrant and spicy plum fruit, with notes of toast...
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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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£10.34
Darling Cellars The Capeman Red Blend
Darling CellarsThis is a well balanced wine that is simply very drinkable! From dry land bush vines, this red blend offers a wide range of flavours including red ...
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£14.44
Rustenberg RM Nicholson
RustenbergRustenberg RM Nicholson has blackcurrant aromas complemented by scents of dried herbs and notes of black pepper and spice, followed by a palate wit...
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