Wines of South Africa

This delightful orange wine is made of mostly Muscat with a touch of Semillon. It makes for a beautifully fresh and bright wine with bold notes of apricot, candied lemon and a touch of sea salt and nuts for that lovely fresh bite. The 10 days on skins gives a chewy wine gum notes with fine tannin to coat the palate and an oxidative nutty finish. Fresh and complex, making a fantastic gastronomic wine.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Muscat (89%)
Semillon (11%)

ABV: 13%

Food Match: Oysters or Japanese cuisine

Stellenbosch, this famous region, is 30 miles north east of Cape Town yet still close enough to the ocean to benefit from cool maritime conditions. These beautiful vineyards are dominated by scenic mountains and the region is home to some of the Cape`s most famous and influential wine estates. The most noted and important vineyards are located on the prized slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. This small and highly rated sub-zone has fantastic terroir and is where many of South Africa`s top red cuvees are produced.

Angus Paul had their first vintage in 2020, creating wines with a focus on South African Heritage, using Chenin, Muscat and Pinotage soon expanding with Cinsault. The wines are made with minimal intervention to make quality wines that truly express the varieties characteristics. The labels are inspired by the ‘Age of exploration’ when the South African wine industry was founded, with graphics of superstitious tales from exploratory sailors.

Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, baking spices and heady whiffs of violets create complexity. Dark berry fruit, liquorice, notes of sweet tobacco and allspice follow through onto a vibrant mid-palate with bright, svelte tannins and a silky texture. The wine shows exceptional balance with fresh, integrated acidity. Dark plums, black olives and hints of tar and cigar box linger on an earthy finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

Grapes: Shiraz, Cinsault, Mouvedre, Grenache Noir, Malbec

ABV: 13.5%

Country: South Africa

Region: Paarl, Western Cape

Grapes: 39% shiraz, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 11% malbec, 11% merlot, 10% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc and 6% pinotage

ABV: 14.5%

Fresh and zesty aromas with notes of almond skin, fennel and even a little jasmine. A bright natural acidity on the palate with a teasing top note of grassy fennel, almond nuttiness and the residual salinity of an old dry grown vineyard. Drink slowly to take all this in.

Country: South Africa

Region: Piekenierskloof

Grapes: Palomino

ABV: 12.5%

This Sauvignon Blanc displays acidity and a delightful spectrum of ripe tropical fruits like pineapple and passion fruit, ending with a zingy lime, a textured mouthfeel and a lingering finish

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

Pairs well with seafood salads and richer poultry dishes 

https://www.diemersfontein.co.za/

Crisp peach, under-ripe pineapple, honeysuckle and a touch of tangerine, fresh and crisp white that doesn’t lack for intensity or length.

Country: South Africa

Region:  

Grapes: Grenache Blanc

ABV: 13%

A wine with fresh citrus aromas with lots of green apple and a herbaceous finish. The wine has a fresh but full and smooth mouth feel with a crisp finish. Food Match: Exceptional with shellfish, vegetarian dishes containing aubergine, leeks and peppers, salads with a light vinaigrette or tangy mayonnaise, oysters, asparagus with hollandaise sauce and soft cheeses.

Country: South Africa

Region: Piekenierskloof, Swartland

ABV: 13%

Grapes: 100% Grenache Blanc

Piekenierskloof Wine

Nestled in the Citrusdal Mountains, some 50 kilometers north of Swartland, is the magnificent Piekenierskloof plateau, which provides the perfect natural environment for vineyards to thrive.

At 750 meters above sea level, the plateau’s climate is characterised by warm days and cool nights, which allow grapes to slowly ripen and develop complex fruit flavours. Ungrafted bush vines planted in the 1950’s are still used in the production of Piekenierskloof Wine Company’s range of wines.

Grapes are sourced from vineyards predominantly in the Piekenierskloof region. These are bush vineyards and grow on koffieklip and sandy loam soils. Vineyards are planted in 1987. Harversting takes place middle to end of February.

Old bush vine Cinsault forms the backbone of this 'proper' rosé. A pale, spicy and textural Rosé mostly sourced from bush-vine Cinsault with summer fruits on the palate and a lovely clean, savoury, dry finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Cinsault, Mourvedre

ABV: 12%

There is almost no food that fails to work with this wine. Perfect with Mediterranean dishes especially juicy pan-fried garlic prawns... or drink chilled on its own.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Pinotage

ABV: 

Stellenbosch Vineyards is located on the historic Welmoed farm, which was one of the
first proclaimed farms in Stellenbosch and dates back to 1690.
They produce a range of wines that are true to style, and consistently showcase the
quality and value of South African wine. Stellenbosch Vineyards are a well-versed
negociant, sourcing excellent grapes from various plots around the Cape each year to
supplement their estate grown grapes. Stellenbosch Vineyards is one of South Africa’s
leading exporters, with about 85% of their production heading for foreign shores.
Stellenbosch Vineyards take their corporate social responsibility seriously - they are
Fairtrade certified and are members of the Agricultural Ethical Trade Initiative (WIETA)
and the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA).

Light, fruity, juicy and ripe red. Full of flavour and vibrant red fruit character. Good stuff!

Country: South Africa

Region: Paardeberg

Grapes: Cinsault

ABV: 13.5%

Bright ruby colour. Vibrant red fruit with spicy peppery aromas which flows on to the palate. The palate has a lovely freshness, great length and fine grippy tannins. The wine is ever evolving in the glass.

Country: South Africa

Region: Piekenierskloof

Grapes: Grenache

ABV: 14%

This limited release wine demonstrate the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites
and represents Neil Ellis's finest quality. The mountain vineyards of Piekenierskloof are
known to produce outstanding Grenache.

A vintage brandy matured in oak barrels for 10 years. With its deep amber colour, KWV 10 Year Old contains complex, dried-fruit and port-wine aroma, enhanced by subtle spicy and nutty flavours. A full-bodied brandy, with a lingering, fruity and slightly sweet finish.
KWV 10 Year Old Brandy is produced by pure copper pot still distillation from carefully selected wines derived from the recognized brandy grape cultivars grown in the best suited areas of the Cape Winelands in terms of soil, climate and location.

Country: South Africa

Potstill content 10 years

ABV: 38%

Grape Spirit: 50% Colombard, 50% Chenin Blanc

KWV The Mentors

KWV is one of South Africa's leading wine and spirit producers, with an impressive international reputation and history. Its new owners brought in a winemaking team led by Wim Truter. With its 72 growers in every region of the Western Cape, it has unrivalled access to all of South Africa's wine regions, and they champion both South African classics and off-beat varieties as well as employ innovative methods such as producing sulphur-free wines using honey bush and Rooibos tea bark. KWV is amongst the Top 50 World's Most admired wine brands as per the Drinks International 2019 report.

Created as an ode to the bounty of the sea, Miss Lucy can turn the many other delights safe to grace our tables into a celebration of the ocean.

Only a salty breeze and a sunny day can improve what is already a perfect match. This unique blend bursts with citrus pamplemousse (Paw Paw) flavours. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Robertson

ABV: 12.5%

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris 

Springfield Estate goes against the grain in order to make sure the drinking experience is perfect at the consumer end and sustainable at its end. The wines are all about the rocky, unforgiving terroir of Robertson, and stand head and shoulders above most producers for sheer quality.

https://springfieldestate.com/

94 points Tim Atkin MW

5 Star Platter Winery

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 12.5%

Organic and Biodynamic

Vegan/Vegetarian

2022 5 star platter!!!

Iconic South African wine by South African Winemaker of the year 2020 Gottfried Mocke, one of the most innovative winemakers in South Africa. Tim Atkin has rated this vintage 92 points in his latest South African report The 2022 wine is bigger and better than ever!

The nose is dark, intense and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, espresso and subtle whiffs of perfume. The dark fruit character of the nose follows through onto an exceptionally complex, juicy palate with gentle nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, cloves, and liquorice. The mid-palate is focused, lithe and elegant with very fine, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium to full bodied, very balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the entire spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and black berries. The finish is svelte, clean and dry, peppery and lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite and smoke.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Syrah 71%; Grenache 11%; Cinsault 9%; Cabernet Sauvignon 8%; Viognier 1%

Predominantly Shiraz, aromas of violet, cherries, blackberries and redcurrant coulis, and multi-layered floral aromas-roses, lavender, pink peppercorns and fennel.

Country: South Africa

Region: Coastal Region

Grapes: Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier

ABV: 14.5%

A ripe and intriguing nose of wild berries, blackberry compote, graphite and tobacco. These delights follow through onto a palate with layers of dark black fruits, brown spice and subtle oak. The freshness of the Petit Verdot complements the richness of the Cabernet and Cinsault, creating a wine of concentration and structure with the potential to evolve beautifully over the next 10 years. After decanting the wine evolves nicely, showing notes of crushed-rock minerality amongst the layered and complex fruit.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cinsault

Food Match: A braai of course! Good steak, bashed and barbecued with a sprinkling of rock salt and grilled veg

The wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cinsault from estate-grown fruit. The grapes are picked as early as possible and rushed to the cellar where it is not crushed only destemmed, hand sorted and transferred to tank. Fermentation occurs naturally without the addition of any yeasts after a cold soak of about 3 to 5 days. As soon as fermentation starts the grapes are given soft pigeage twice daily during the first week and then once every few days just to keep the cap wet. When the desired extraction is achieved the wine gets drained and pressed in a tiny hand operated basket press and transferred into 225l french oak barrels of which 50% new for 22 months before bottling unfined and with only a light filtration.

This elegant rose uses exclusively the free run juice of Pinotage, which is the first collected must when the grapes are moved into the press, essentially allowing the grapes to be crushed by gravity, ensuring a minimal extraction of colour from skins and also preserve the natural acidity. This style of production is typically very delicate giving fine, soft and very fruity wines. Rose gold in colour with aromas of fresh red fruits and floral notes. The palate is crisp and full of flavours of raspberry, strawberry and grapefruit, finishing with a distinctive savoury minerality.

Country: South Africa

Region: 

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Pinotage 

Food match: pairs well with thai food, salad nicoise and charcuterie.

Black Elephant Vintners call themselves ‘Rebels of the Vine’ and are pushing the boundaries of a traditional industry and having fun with their wines as seen by their labels. Based in the quaint village of Franschhoek, Kevin, Jacques and Raymond came together to combine their diverse skills and creativity to make great wine. They took inspiration from their surnames to become the Black Elephant Vintners - Swart and Ndlovu become `Black Elephant` and Jacques is the Vintner! Their wines are inspired by good tunes and they firmly believe that music and wine make the best pairing - far from traditional and very Rock ‘n’ Roll!

The superb Sémillon grapes for this wine have been sourced from the Korhaan Vineyard, block number 11, planted in 1988. The nose shows intense citrus, white flowers, honey and spice. Stunningly focused, complex and well balanced with a crisp acidity.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Semillon

ABV: 14.5%

A luminous and lifted red blend from Mr Badenhorst. Predominantly Shiraz, with Grenache, Tinta Barocca and some Cinsault from mostly old bushvines growing in the decomposed granite soils of the Paardeberg mountain. Very youthful, with a kaleidoscope of aromas - cherries, blackberries and redcurrant coulis, and multi-layered floral aromas-roses, lavender, pink peppercorns and violets.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca

ABV: 14.5%

Adi Badenhorst is DEFINATELY one the most exciting winemakers in South Africa - part of the Swartland revolution movement...

Super elegant, traditional method sparkling from one of South Africa's best producers.

Country: South Africa

Region: Tulbach

Grapes: Chardonnay,Pinot Noir

ABV: 11%

Walker Bay in South Africa is becoming a shining example of how Stellenbosch no longer holds the mantle of 'best region' in South Africa - there are now other contenders.. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Walker Bay

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Chardonnay

Since founding Creation in 2002, Jean-Claude and Carolyn have led conservation efforts for the area, becoming one of only nine wineries in South Africa to receive EnviroWines accreditation. It’s not simply an audit, but scientific measurement of every management practice.

This sparkling wine was made using the oldest method, dating back to the 15th century, Methode Ancestrale. Never disgorged, no added sulphites in the wine, and minimal intervention allows for maximum character. Pomegranate, fynbos and the most delicate of brioche on the nose, with a mouth-filling bubble burst.

Country : South Africa

Region: Western Cape,  Stellenbosch 

Grape:  Pinotage

ABV : 11.5% 

Food Match: Best as an aperitif or with fresh fish dishes, including ceviche. Made for everyday enjoyment

Vegan, Organic, Natural

In celebration of their Bruwer family heritage cousins, Bruwer Raats and Gavin Bruwer Slabbert created Bruwer Vintners Vine Exploration Company in 2014.

Their guiding mission is to craft exceptional wines showcasing their heritage, the unique terroir and, through this, create a new future for South African wine. “We’re storytellers, always eager to honour our Cape heritage and historically-linked varieties. However, there are learnings to be taken from the past too, and it is important to incorporate these lessons today in order to produce finer wine for tomorrow’s wine drinkers,” explains Gavin. The result is a range that carefully balances two realms of the winemaking spectrum. By honouring the heritage of the Cape and incorporating innovative and minimal intervention winemaking techniques, B Vintners allows the vineyard to tell the tale, expertly crafting the most honest expression of the fruit of the vine. Today, B Vintners is an award-winning, terroir-driven range that blends a bit of the past and present to bring you a taste of the future.

Lots of ripe, dark fruit with a hint of meatiness. This is a braai wine for sure!

 Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Shiraz, Cabernet

ABV: 13.5%

Organic

Vegan/Vegetarian

 Reyneke is 5 star Platter Winery!