It wasn’t long ago that acquiring South African wine in America was as difficult as finding water in the desert, but what started as a trickle has now become a torrent. Thanks to the end of, Apartheid and international sanctions and now a new generation of young talented winemakers, South African wine has emerged as the fasted growing imported wine into America, and for many good reasons. Today’s South African winemakers are going for gold (medals, that is in international competitions) by making world class wines.
Venerable estates, including the iconic Klein Constantia, are fashioning outstanding traditional offerings as well expanding their portfolios with equal care to include wines to slake the thirsts of the most discriminating international palates. Moreover, the variety of wines and varietals one encounters in South Africa is as enchanting as the land itself: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Shiraz, and of course South Africa’s unique signature grape Pinotage all stage command performances, yet these varietals just begin to scratch the surface and reveal the true variety that abounds on Africa’s Western Cape. Now is the time to discover these no longer hidden treasures. Bellingham, De Morgenzon, Edgebaston, Eagles Nest, Painted Wolf, and Tamboerskloof, are just a few of the better producers whose wines are worth seeking out, so go for the gold!
Salute!
Don
