Explore the Best of South Africa: 3 Red Wine Varietals You Need to Try
There’s something holy about a South African red wine. I always get this grounding feeling when I drink South African wine. It’s more than just wine, it’s a feeling that transcends you right to the vineyards that it comes from…like the terroir is enveloping you with every sip. For me, tasting a wine that evokes emotion and awe is what drives my passion in this industry, and I often find these experiences in red wines from quality producers of South Africa. Here’s the most remarkable part - they’re actually really easy to find!
Syrah
Although sometimes Syrah is used as a favourable blending component for those stunning South African red cuvées, it also shines alone, most commonly from the Stellenbosch and Swartland regions. With the diverse terroirs available, SA Syrah can express anything from smoke and savouriness, rustic or earthy subtleties, spice, and fruit-forward profiles.
Glenelly Glass Collection Syrah 2021, $19.95
I remember exactly where I was the first time I tasted a wine from Glenelly. I was a Product Consultant for the LCBO and was at our bi-weekly Vintages tasting. Glenelly blew me away. And the value was outstanding. I told so many customers about this Cabernet Sauvignon and how floored I was by the expressive profile. The next wine I tasted of theirs was the Syrah. I was hooked - the producer, the Stellenbosch region, and an even deeper appreciation for South African wine.
This is an estate Syrah that comes from the Stellenbosch region on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain and sees 12 months in French oak. Seducing aromas of cured meat, black olives, and black cherry introduce a full-bodied palate with an overlay of fresh acids. Earthy, umami flavours and interesting texture and complexity as they continue on a long finish. Overall, a hypnotic profile that calls for a meditative pause.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A South African Cabernet Sauvignon not only frequently delivers on QPR (quality-per-price ratio), but it may be the wine world’s epitome of the acronym. Thankfully, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape variety of the Stellenbosch region. It flourishes here in the ancient and diverse soils within the vineyards upon sun-soaked rolling hills.
Wonderful expressions can be found of this grape as a single varietal, but it also lends itself to world-class blends often accompanied by Merlot.
Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, $19.95
This Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon has underwent 15 months in French oak barriques and exhibits a rustic charm and typicality of the grape from the rising region. Meaty aromas with eucalyptus and red cherry are reflected on a complex, full-bodied palate. An array of earth notes and cocoa add much depth and mouthwatering savouriness coupled with balanced acidity, with a dash of coffee flavour on a persistent finish. Drink now thru 2030.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir doesn’t take up much of the overall vineyard plantings in South Africa yet, but it has proven to exemplify high-quality wines especially from the cooler regions. It’s more frequently used in South Africa’s traditional method sparkling wines called Cap Classique, but still Pinot Noir can exude greatness coming from the right producer. I predict a huge incline in South Africa’s premium Pinot Noir over the next decade.
Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2023, $67.95
Hamilton Russel Vineyards employee Berene Sauls founded Tesselaarsdal ten years ago. She acquired Hamilton Russel’s winemaker, Emul Ross, to support her vision of crafting wines that reflect the historic Overberg farming hamlet of Tesselaarsdal where she was born as a descendant of freed slaves that were bequeathed the land.
The fruit sourced for this vegan Pinot Noir comes from La Vierge farm in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge appellation. The nose offers roses, leather, and baked strawberry turning to savoury cedar and sweet spice notes in the palate with strawberry tart notes. A beautiful balance of red fruit and forest flavours at the core with lifting acidity and fine grained tannin structure. Beautiful!
Beyond these three grapes mentioned above, South Africa produces impressive Merlot, Cinsault, their signature grape -Pinotage, Grenache, and much more. Whatever your preferred wine style may be, you can undoubtedly find it amongst the diverse and unique landscapes that this remarkable country has to offer. Take the time to explore the fabulous reds of South Africa, where each sip reveals a story and where you will surely be enchanted by their rich flavours and enduring charm.
Sponsored, but as always, thoughts and opinions are my own.