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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£31.89
Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir
Bouchard FinlaysonBouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir is deftly balanced, rich, and dark with aromas of berries, plums and floral notes. It is expressive on th...
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£14.56
Bouchard Finlayson Blanc De Mer
Bouchard FinlaysonBouchard Finlayson Blanc De Mer is a lip-smacking, cool climate blend that is the perfect partner to fish, shellfish and white meats. It has a frag...
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£15.35
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay
RustenbergRustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay gives apricot, coconut and orange peel aromas, followed up with flavours of marzipan, sponge cake and citrus, an...
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£16.54
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc
Paul CluverPaul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc is clear and bright, with a hint of green. The nose is clean and fresh with expressive passionfruit, grapefruit, gooseb...
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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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£36.57
Glenelly Lady May
Glenelly EstateElegant and complex, Glenelly Lady May develops flavours of cassis, blackcurrant, dark cherry, a touch of graphite and delicate, spicy plum fruit. ...
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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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£13.64
Indaba Braai Cabernet Sauvignon
IndabaThe essence of a Braai is captured in this bold Cabernet Sauvignon which has aromas and flavours of dark berries, earth and smoke - the ideal compl...
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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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£11.74
Indaba Mosaic
IndabaIndaba Mosaic is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated Bordeaux blend, displaying alluring aromas and juicy flavours of blackcurrant, ripe, earthy berry f...
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£12.47
Indaba Merlot
IndabaIndaba Merlot is crafted in a fresh, clean style, this velvety wine offers enticing aromas and bright, juicy flavours of cherry, dark berry and plu...
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£14.62
Glenelly Glass Collection Chardonnay
Glenelly EstateThe Glass Collection Chardonnay from Glenelly has a bright and brilliant colour with a slightly green hue. The wine has complex aromas of citrus, l...
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£11.24
Indaba Sauvignon Blanc
IndabaA crowd pleaser, this easy drinking Sauvignon Blanc displays appealing citrus and tropical fruit aromas that lead to a fresh, invigorating palate o...
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£17.23
Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Bouchard FinlaysonBouchard Finlayson Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc is bottled early to capture all of the variety's vibrant flavours and aromatic fermentation esters. A...
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£25.41
Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay
Bouchard FinlaysonBouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay is characterised by its seamless mouthfeel and abundantly rich palate. It shows a youthful exhuberance, e...
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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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£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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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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£52.40
Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage
KaapzichtKaapzicht Steytler Pinotage has sweet spice, freshly picked red plum, black cherry and cola aromas supported by aromatic toasted coconut and milk c...
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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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£11.54
Darling Cellars Reserve Old Blocks Pinotage
Darling CellarsDarling Cellars Reserve Old Blocks Pinotage has a very bright nose and a concentrated palate, reminiscent of ripe plums and cherries. These flavour...
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