South Africa has been producing wine for nearly 350 years, making it the oldest of the so-called “New World” wine producers.  

The character of the winemaking can be described as a blend of the Old and New Worlds. Classical wine-making traditions that are influenced by contemporary tastes and modern technologies.

The result is the restrained elegance of the Old World balanced with the accessible fruit-driven styles of the New. Wines of South Africa also tend to be very food friendly,  reflecting a culture 

where wine is frequently enjoyed with friends over meals.  Beyond that, it is difficult to generalize about South African wines as they come in a variety of styles and reflect South Africa’s wide range of “terroir”.

South Africa’s vineyards cover over 265,000 acres across five different wine-making regions. There are some 435 growers and more than 505 wine cellars and estates.    Most of South Africa’s

premium wines are made from grapes grown along the southern and western coasts, less than 30 miles from either the Atlantic or Indian Ocean.

The Cape winelands of South Africa generally enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate.  There is plenty of warm sunshine, tempered by the ocean breezes chilled by the icy Benguela current from Antarctica.  Because of the strong influence of the two oceans, the climate in South Africa is cooler than its latitude of 34 degrees south might suggest. 

The South African winelands are also characterized by a wide range of topography, geology, and climatic influences. Ragged peaks and mountain ranges zigzag across the winelands contributing to an assortment of mesoclimates. Vineyards are planted on mountain sides, foothills, and further inland on valley floors where oceans stood  in ages gone by. The three main soil types are granite (Oakleaf, Tukulu, Hutton, Clovelly), Table Mountain sandstone (Fernwood, Longlands, Westleigh, Dundee) and shale (Glenrosa, Swartland, Klapmuts, Estcourt). 

In the coastal zone, sandstone mountains resting on granite intrusions are common.  At lower altitudes, the soil composition may include shale as well. Further inland, combinations of shale and river deposits are normal.  The diversity of growing conditions is a major factor in South Africa’s wines of unique character and complexity. They also make it difficult to generalize across South Africa’s wine regions and vintages.

The variety of growing conditions is well suited to a range of wines.   Cabernet Sauvignon,  Merlot,  Shiraz,  Pinot  Noir  and Pinotage (a cross unique to South Africa) are

the most widely planted red varietals.  Among the whites, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon are the most widely planted varietals. In line with international trends, plantings of red varietals have increased dramatically over the past few years.  Both reds and whites have done very well in international competitions, as South Africa continues to perfect its growing and winemaking techniques.

In 1998, South Africa’s growers and winemakers also adopted the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), a system for measuring and ensuring that every stage in the wine production process is environmentally friendly.  www.ipw.co.za  This system is strictly enforced, and all South African producers must abide by it.

SOUTH AFRICAN WINES

Some interesting and little-known facts:

South Africa is the world’s tenth largest producer of wine, making 2.5% of the world’s wine

During the 18th and 19th centuries, European royalty and statesmen, such as Napoleon and Marie Antoinette, favored the dessert wines of South Africa

Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage) was developed in South Africa

Exports of South African wine increased by 12% in 2004

Most wine exported from South Africa is destined for Europe

Over 700,000 cases of South African wine were imported into the US in 2004, a 59% increase over 2003

South Africa has labeling and “wine of origin” laws similar to those of the US.

For more interesting and little-known facts about South Africa, its wines and winelands visit:

www.wosa.co.za

www.wine.co.za

www.ipw.co.za

www.winemag.co.za