Red wine from South Africa

Stimmungsvolles Bild von einem Glas Rotwein vor saftig grünem Weinlaub

South African wines belong to the "New World" category, as the wine culture here - in contrast to that of Europe - is still relatively young. The first wine - even if it was not of exceptional quality - was produced from Muscatel grapes in February 1659 by Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch navigator and the first governor of Cape Town.

It was only a few years later that wine production in the Cape region was significantly improved by the arrival of the first Frenchmen with expertise in the old wine culture in 1688-1690. The Huguenots, who were on the run, gradually settled in Franschhoek (French Quarter). Franschhoek is still one of the most prestigious wine regions in Cape Town today.

More information

South African wines belong to the "New World" category as the wine culture here, in contrast to that of Europe, is still relatively young. The first wine - even if it was not of particular quality - was produced from Muscatel grapes in February 1659 by Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch navigator and the first governor of Cape Town. It was only a few years later that wine production in the Cape region was significantly improved by the arrival of the first Frenchmen with expertise in the old wine culture in 1688-1690. The Huguenots, who were on the run, gradually settled in Franschhoek (French Quarter). Franschhoek is still one of the most prestigious wine regions in Cape Town today.

The wine regions around Cape Town

The Cape Province is divided into 5 sub-regions. Depending on the local conditions and weather influences, the "terroir", they differ significantly from each other and therefore offer very good growth potential for different grape varieties: Coastal Region, Cape South Coast, Breede River Valley, Olifants River and Klein Karoo. As different as these regions are, their wines are just as diverse and extraordinary, but also authentic.

Winemakers and their red wines

Thanks to their rainbow mentality, South African winemakers are more willing to experiment and perhaps also more creative than their European colleagues. However, this is not to say that they do not hold on to old traditions - on the contrary, many red wine producers in South Africa have achieved international success, with awards such as the "Outstanding Wine Producer Trophy" of the "International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC)" . South African Bordeaux blends or wines from the South African grape "Pinotage" are also impressive.

In addition to the many international, well-known large wine farms, there are many small and young boutique wineries - and of course the "garagists", the newcomers - the wild, young ones - you know, "the sky is the limit"! Perhaps the secret of the extraordinary variety of red wines in South Africa also lies in the diversity of "terroirs". Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Pinotage are among the most frequently cultivated grape varieties Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Mouvedre and Cinsault are of course also part of South Africa's red wine world and are sometimes found in "single vineyard" wines (small productions) or are also used for unusual blends.

Powerful, full-bodied wines

Powerful, flavourful and robust red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are increasingly found in the "Coastal Region" - in Stellenbosch, Malmesbury, Wellington, Paarl or the hinterland of the Breede River Valley. The weather conditions, the landscape and the soil conditions are ideal for these grape varieties - long hot summers and lots of rain in the autumn but especially in the winter months. Cabernet Sauvignon with its relatively high tannin content is one of the longest storable red wines of all. When matured in wooden barrels, these tannins are soothed and, after a few more years of ageing, become a truly smooth and intensely flavoured experience. The flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon include blackcurrant, blackberry and tobacco. In most cases, Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in wood and is an excellent accompaniment to red meat, lamb and many grilled and game dishes.

The Shiraz grape is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world and it is said that this grape came from an ancient city in Persia (now Iran). Others believe that Sirah, as this grape variety is also known, came to France via Cyprus (13th century). However Shiraz was imported to South Africa in the 18th century and is successfully cultivated in many parts of Stellenbosch. Its strong, slightly smoky flavour - with aromas of blackberries, aniseed, cloves, leather, black pepper and whole spice blends - makes Shiraz an ideal accompaniment to poultry, duck, grilled vegetables or mature hard cheeses. Try it as a dessert with a high-quality dark chocolate - a dream.

South African Bordeaux style blends

South Africa can also make Bordeaux style wines - and really good ones at that! Bordeaux wine from France consists of the following 5 grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The main components are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The percentage is variable, but there are strict classifications regarding the location and the Chateaus. It was introduced by Napoleon III in 1855 and is still in force today. The flavour characteristics of a Bordeaux are: Blackcurrant, plum, graphite, cedar and violet. Outstanding Bordeaux-style blends can be found in the following Cape wine farms, to name but a few. Thelema- Stellenbosch, Morgenster-Somerset West, Holden Manz- Franschhoek, Tokara- Stellenbosch, Rustenberg- Stellenbosch, Simonsig- Stellenbosch, Beyerskloof- Stellenbosch, Allee Bleue- Paarl, Groot Constantia- Constantia, Muratie- Stellenbosch, Mulderbosch- Stellenbosch, Spier- Stellenbosch, Zorgvliet- Stellenbosch, many of which have received awards and prizes and are in no way inferior to their French counterparts. But that is and remains a matter of taste, of course.

Pinotage - A South African grape variety

They say you're either a fan of Pinotage or you're not. But first the history. In 1925, Professor Perold created the Pinotage grape variety - from a cross between the two French grape varieties Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage), hence the name - which contains both parts Pino-Tage. In 1959, this grape was awarded a prize at a wine show for the first time - a sensation at the time, as this grape variety was virtually unknown. Due to the crossing of these two grape varieties, this grape is considered to be extremely robust and is therefore very popular in the Cape wine regions. However, it is most commonly found in Malmesbury, Stellenbosch and Paarl. As far as the Pinotage wine style is concerned, it can be said that a broad spectrum is possible here. From a light "easy-going" wine that tastes of fresh raspberries, red berries and strawberries - light and fragrant - to a full-bodied version that can have rich flavours of blackcurrant, bananas, caramel and even nuances of cinnamon. Of course, the flavour experience is always a reflection of the winemaker's style of wine and that is a good thing. Of course, traditional South African dishes go best with a Pinotage. Aromatic stews, grilled meat and game or grilled fish (snoek) are very good accompaniments and harmonise perfectly. Perhaps another reason to bring the Cape wine countries home with Pinotage and South African-inspired dishes.