Varietals produced in South Africa

South Africa’s wine industry has always been one filled with tradition. Today we see the industry evolving to offer an eclectic mix of both ‘old world’ and ‘new world style’ wines, varietals and methods of production. In this case, ‘old world’ and ‘new world’ refer to the difference in viticulture and winemaking philosophy between the two, and not the actual old and new world countries.  When speaking of ‘old world’ styles, traditional production methods and terrior lead the creation of the wines. Usually a somewhat more difficult style to produce,they are however, occasionally more rewarding when looking for a wine that you can keep for many years. Often developing into super quaffers that leave you with a reminiscence of years gone by. ‘New world’ styles have become internationally popular in recent years and the term ´new world´ denotes that these wines are produced with science, the role of winemakers and the production process, leading the way. These wines are typically softer on the palette and produced for drinking within 2 to 5 years from bottling but can also be produced to last longer.

Since 1992 the wine industry of South Africa has seen many producers moving to producing ‘international style’ wines that would be enjoyed by the global market. The focus of producers has swayed to increasing quality of wine production and so called ‘fashionable’ or exportable grape varieties. New styles and techniques of production generally used elsewhere in the world have also started to become the norm. In the vineyards, yield control has become directed towards, smaller yields with better ripeness with the winemakers spotlight swaying towards modern techniques of production including temperature controlled fermentation leaning away from the more traditional use of filtration for stabilization.

Due to this mix of tradition and modern production, one can look forward to a note worthy experience upon opening a bottle of wine produced in South Africa. Browse through your favorite varietals listed below and see which estates produce your preferred wine of choice, plan a trip or place an order request.

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