SOUTH AFRICAN WINES(2)
SOUTH AFRICAN WHITES:
Chenin Blanc (Steen)
The widely grown Chenin Blanc offers a range of South African sweet and dry wines with fruity flavors. It is also used in the production of their sherry, brandy, sparkling wines, and spirits.
Sauvignon Blanc
This grape lady produces the best of South Africa’s sweet and dry whites that ooze melon-whiffs and spicy or herby nuances. The Sauvignon Blanc yields high, which brings its costs down low.
Chardonnay
A base grape in the champagne-like Cap Classiques, the Chardonnays in South Africa are found oak aged with tropical fruit or buttery essences.
HOW TO ORDER/BUY
The selection of quality and well-priced (many under $10 a bottle) South African wines is slowly growing in the States and around the world. Of course, if you live in England, you’ll have selection-a-plenty.
If you happen upon a nice variety at your local wine shop, it’s simple to choose a wine (simple, meaning not like choosing a French wine). When perusing, you’ll find the grape variety or “cultivar” listed right on the label.
If you want a big red, pick a Pinotage, a smooth, medium-bodied red, pick a Merlot, or a crisp fruity white, pick a Chenin Blanc. Get to know the rest of the label specifics by reading the “Legal Quality Code” section below.
CHOOSING AN SOUTH AFRICAN WINE
Various South African Producers
Chenin Blanc Backsberg Fleur du Cap Plaisir de Merle Boschendal Glen Carlou Chamonix Clos Cabrière Mulderbosch Neil Ellis Rust en Vrede Saxenburg Stellenryck Stellenzicht Thelema Vergelegen Warwick LEGAL QUALITY CODES
South Africa has specific laws in place to strictly control wine quality and ensure each wine’s origin, authenticity, and style. The Wine and Spirit Board oversees these regulations by keeping the Wine of Origin and Integrated Production of Wine schemes in check. These laws also standardize wine labels with regard to:
1. Country of Origin
2. Appellation of Origin
3. Quality Standard
4. Name & Address of Producer/Brand Owner
5. Bottle Content
6. Alcohol Content
7. The Term 'Wine'
8. The Term 'Domain'
9. Wine and Spirit Board Authenticity Seal
