South Africa
Since the end of apartheid in 1994 the quality of South African wine has blossomed, winemakers were at last given the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world of wine and consequently we can now see the real benefits of professional vineyard management.
Over the past decade South African wine production has caught up with its vinous neighbours and, through its vine improvement programme, is now at the forefront of viticultural research. In the pursuit of excellence, innovative wine producers have looked to match cooler vineyard sites with classic low-yielding varieties.
South Africa's Wine of Origin scheme was introduced in 1973 and is administered by the Wine and Spirit Board, appointed by the Department of Agriculture. The borders of all production areas in South Africa are demarcated and defined by law. There is a differentiation between regions, districts and wards. A ward is defined when soil, climate and ecological factors play a clear role in influencing the character of the wine. The ward name must also reflect a real geographic feature of the place.
Districts have to meet the same criteria as wards – but with a broader definition of the relevant area using macro geographical characteristics such as mountains and rivers. A greater variety of soil types are consequently allowed.
Regions are even larger, encompassing areas which in the case of a river, for example, stretch from the source to the mouth.
The winelands of South Africa encompass six officially demarcated regions, 27 districts and 78 smaller wards. The five main regions are the Breede River Valley, Cape South Coast, Coastal Region, Klein Karoo and Olifants River. Boberg is for use in respect of fortified wines from Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh.
In South Africa it is the white Chenin Blanc grape that remains the dominant variety, making almost every style of white wine, while the traditionally tough reds from Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are making way for riper, finer, more modern examples, transformed by the planting of different varietals in the right areas and a surer touch in the wine making process.
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Hartenberg Tenacity Limited Edition Riesling 2019
£24.00
Fermented dry, just 519 bottles were produced of this stunning Riesling from Stellenbosch...Read More...
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons Classique 2020
From £18.00
A highly sought-after, brilliant Bordeaux blend with a captivating, smooth & silky texture...Read More...
David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2022
From £32.00
Wonderful old vine Chenin Blanc from one of the Cape's very top producers...Read More...
Wolf & Woman Syrah 2021
From £29.00
Blended from three different vineyards to showcase the diverse soils of the Swartland...Read More...
Reyneke Biodynamic Chenin Blanc 2023
From £23.00
A fresh, vibrant & complex biodynamic Chenin of incredible depth made with minimal sulphur...Read More...
Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2019
From £26.00
The addition of Verdelho adds zing & zest and an extra twist of freshness...Read More...
Ataraxia Pinot Noir 2018
From £32.00
A classy wine from unequivocally South Africa's most exciting region for Pinot Noir...Read More...
Ataraxia Chardonnay 2022
From £30.00
An unapologetically wooded Chardonnay that is arguably one of South Africa's finest expressions...Read More...
Kershaw Wines 'Clonal Selection' Elgin Pinot Noir 2021
From £48.00
Made in tiny quantities this is a deliciously pure, fresh & succulent Pinot Noir...Read More...
The Chocolate Block Magnum (150cl)
£53.00
Perfect size for a time & motion drinking study of the award-winning Chocolate Block...Read More...
Mullineux Old Vines White 2023
From £31.00
A fresh & richly textured white that marries old vine Chenin & several Mediterranean varieties...Read More...
Lismore Cape South Coast Pinot Noir 2021
From £37.00
A vibrant and elegant Pinot Noir with striking fruit purity, layered & silky...Read More...
The Chocolate Block Impériale (6 Litre) Bottle
£300.00
This is a 6 Litre 'Impériale' size bottle of the unique & iconic Chocolate Block...Read More...
The Chocolate Block Double Magnum (3 Litre)
£135.00
3 Litres of this unique & iconic red wine makes for a good night in!...Read More...
The Chocolate Block 2023
From £24.50
The 20th vintage of this unique & iconic wine is robust, poised & elegant...Read More...
The Wolftrap White 2023
From £11.00
An easy-drinking white, yet with enough sophistication to enjoy with complex dishes...Read More...
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2016
From £43.00
Syrah specialist Bokenhoutskloof produce arguably one of the Cape's finest expressions that sells out on release...Read More...
Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2021
From £28.50
A bold, voluptuous wild ferment Sauvignon Blanc from dry-farmed old bush vines...Read More...
Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse Cape White Blend 2022
From £25.00
The cornerstone wine of Thorne & Daughters that embodies their spirit of craftsmanship...Read More...
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2021
£43.00
An intensely complex, well-structured wine with unbelievable ageing potential...Read More...
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Spioenkop Wines '1900' Pinotage 2019
Contact us for price
A smooth, elegant & fruit driven Pinotage from one of the Cape's finest exponents...Read More...
Patina Chenin Blanc 2021
From £24.00
A medium bodied Chenin with a smooth, fleshy texture & vibrant, integrated acidity...Read More...
Patina Syrah 2019
From £24.00
A Cape Côte Rotie, plush yet refined - produced by the team at Boekenhoutskloof...Read More...
Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2022
From £19.00
A powerful & classic style of Sauvignon Blanc from the cool, maritime climate of Constantia...Read More...