South Africa

South AfricaMy love affair with South African wines started when I managed Oddbins Fine Wine in the City.  We had a small but perfectly formed list including wines from Boekenhoutskloof, whose iconic reputation was secured by winemaker Marc Kent’s maiden 1997 Syrah and, on the cusp of meteoric success, Eben Sadie’s maiden Syrah/Mourvedre blend, Columella 2000.

A month in the Cape on wine travels in 2004 sealed the deal. Much to Syrah maestro Marc Kent’s bemusement, I followed a week’s vintage experience with him focusing on Chenin Blanc for a Loire/South Africa study project.  Sauvignon Blanc from both regions may enjoy greater popularity, but for me Chenin is the more interesting grape.  For the overview, I rounded off the trip with producer visits and one of my favourite trade events, the Cape Wine Fair.

I’ve been to every Cape Fair since, witnessing a new generation of winemakers make great strides matching soil to grape variety and extending the boundaries of Cape fine wine beyond the traditional parameters of Stellenbosch, Constantia and the like.  I am a firm Cape Crusader!

Under the archive below you’ll find my tasting notes.  Under important links Wines of South Africa, the generic marketing body has plenty of information about the regions and links including to SAWIS which has tons of data and statistics about the wine industry if that’s your thing!  Other links are to UK-based South African wine focused retailers and restaurants.

If you are visiting, the annual Platter’s South African Wines is an invaluable guide to producers.  It has detailed wine ratings/tasting notes, cellar door information, maps (not to be relied upon for driving!), restaurants and accomodation listings as well as a good overview about the industry and regions.

Archive of South Africa

Important links