South Africa

South Africa has a long and storied wine making tradition. Although considered by most to be part of the New World (Non-European) classification of wine regions, South African vintners typically produce wines in an Old World style (European).

Pinotage, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is South Africa’s signature varietal and is often referred to as a love or hate varietal; mainly due to unique aromatics that often display smoky and meaty tones. This uniqueness is often found in many other South African reds. The Cape also produces several excellent white examples, most notably Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Most examples of Sauvignon Blanc display spicy, grassy notes, while well-made Chenins can rival those made in the historic Vouvray region of France.