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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£21.34
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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£19.60
Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay
Glenelly EstateThe Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay displays a wonderful bright straw colour. The nose displays vibrant lemon and lime zest fruit, with hints of...
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£10.34
Darling Cellar's Sauvignon Blanc
Darling CellarsPlanted strategically to capture cool Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that result in this fresh Sauvignon Blanc are on south-facing slopes. At firs...
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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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£23.07
Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Ernie ElsThis superb Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for current consumption but has plenty of time left in it for the patient. The nose opens with a generous b...
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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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£11.54
Indaba Chardonnay
IndabaIndaba Chardonnay has bright, tropical fruit aromas leading to a crisp, fresh palate with mouth-filling flavours of apple, pear, honey, and pineapp...
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£12.24
Indaba Chenin Blanc
IndabaIndaba Chenin Blanc is made from South Africa’s most widely planted variety and it is the Cape’s signature white grape. Indaba's fresh, easy-drinki...
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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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£9.64
Forge Mill Bush Vine Chenin Blanc
Forge MillForge Mill Bush Vine Chenin Blanc has a nose packed with aromas of gooseberries and guava which are echoed on the palate, together with some firmer...
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Original price £35.90Current price £33.44
Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon
RustenbergRustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon is characterised by an upfront perfume, intermingled with concentrated cassis and black cherry fruit, so...
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£35.35
DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc - Stellenbosch
DeMorgenzonDeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc is a top drawer white wine coming from the decomposed granite soils or Stellenbosch. The aromas are packed with no...
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£14.04
Guardian Peak Merlot
Guardian PeakGuardian Peak Merlot is intensely red purple in the glass, on the nose fresh dark fruit and black cherry aromas are well integrated with smooth moc...
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£70.09
Indaba Tasting Case - Great wines from South Africa
MixedThe Indaba Range of South African wines offer some exceptional value for money. Made under the watchful eye of Bruwer Raats, the whole range is ine...
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£16.72
Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot
Glenelly EstateGlenelly Glass Collection Merlot is a deep, richly coloured wine. It displays intense, dark fruit and spicy plum aromas, reminiscent of a Black For...
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£14.64
Ernie Els Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Ernie ElsThis crunchy and full fruited Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from proprietary vineyards on the Heldeberg together with contract grown fruit from di...
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£13.34
Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc - Stellenbosch 2021
RustenbergWhat a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc. A superb effort from Murray Barlow and his team. Coming from the regions highest vineyards the acidity is protect...
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