I have to confess that I am actually a closet South African wine drinker. It is not something that I shout about but I have my moments and wouldn’t turn down a nice cold bottle of Thelema Chardonnay on a summers day or a good bottle of Spier Shiraz with a nice steak Diane.
South Africa is known for its Mediterranean climate and the cooling Benguela ocean current are well suited to the production of wine. However irrigarion is needed in some regions.
The main red grape of South Africa is Pinotage, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault which results in red berry fruit character wines, and like marmite, you either love it or you hate it! I have to say I am more towards the latter and with a growing number of people following this trend winemakers branched out to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah for red wine grape varieties. The winemakers chose noble grape varieties and created Bordeaux style blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Spier Shiraz 2008 from the Coastal Region is a great Shiraz starter for those who are a bit unsure and has rich spiced tones that are reminiscent of a bonfire with sizzling sausages on, or a coal BBQ, meaning that this wine is perfect for both the summer and winter months! The under tones come from the aging process which consists of 70% of the wine matured in French- and American oak barrels for 6-8 months. The wine makers are of the opinion that this wine should be enjoyed now or within 4 years of harvest, and I would agree wholeheartedly.
Chenin Blanc is the favoured white grape variety and is known locally as Steen. This grape has declined over the years and the winemakers have realised the versatility of the variety, even including barrel fermentation and ageing. Sauvignon Blanc is also grown with great success and can be used to go down two roads, either light crisp and grassy varietal or take on the oak characteristics and develop nutty vegetal flavours. Chardonnay has shown potential in South Africa and one of my favourite Chardonnays comes into this category, Thelema Chardonnay 2005 from the Stellenbosch region. It is a great buttery toasty flavour and is a great way for those who like a full on Chardonnay! These buttery toasty notes are from the 33% new French oak where it was aged for11 months. The 2005 vintage is peaking this year so grab it while you can!
There is also a new wine which is emerging in the market called Noon Gun. This is a crafted dry white blend of Chenin Blanc 45%, Viognier 35%, Sauvignon Blanc 20%. This is a very approachable and drinkable wine that has
“Honeydew melon with slices of paw-paw and a touch of orange peel and a sprinkle of cinnamon on the nose. Sweet fruit with a creamy sensation on the palate and a zesty crisp lingering finish.” (www.flagstonewines.co.za)
Currently available from Tesco but hopefully other wine merchants will see the potential of this hidden gem, perfect for a summer BBQ!
Picture from http://www.thelema.co.za/gallery/