Tolchards Wine Brochure 2023 - Magazine - Page 200
200
SOUTH AFRICA
C U R I O U S LY C O M P L I C AT E D
Although considered part of the ‘New World’, South Africa
has a winemaking history going back over 300 years with
production centered around Cape Town with areas such as
Stellenbosch and Swartland. Constantia is the oldest region
which at one time boasted the world’s most famous wine
when Napoleon had their ‘Vin de Constance’ sweet wine
shipped to his home in exile on St Helena. French varieties
are predominant, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot and Syrah, known as Shiraz.
Pinotage is South Africa’s own red wine grape, a crossing
of Pinot Noir and Cinsault which produces bold wines full
of black fruit and spice. Chenin Blanc is the country’s most
planted variety with fresh, floral notes of ripe apple and
peach as well as terrific value Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay and Viognier.
