This may be out of the blue, but have you ever tried wine from South Africa?
When you think of wine, you may have a strong image of European countries such as France and Italy, but in fact wine has been made in South Africa for over 350 years, and the country ranks among the top 10 in the world in terms of wine production. It is a wine superpower.
This time, we will tell you about the charm of South African wine, a hidden wine region.
What kind of country is South Africa?
Wine making in harmony with nature
The Republic of South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent.
Since it is located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to Japan. The climate is relatively warm with many sunny days throughout the year.
South Africa has magnificent nature, 10 world heritage sites, and a wealth of ecotourism-based tourist spots.
The Western Cape, a major wine producing region, is home to the Cape Botanical Reserve, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
This protected area is home to vineyards, and viticulturists are working to protect the environment while producing wine in accordance with the 1998 guidelines for "environmentally harmonious winemaking" (IPW). going. These guidelines include many regulations, such as reducing pesticides and reducing antioxidants, with the aim of allowing wine producers to sustainably grow high-quality grapes over a long period of time.
In addition, the ``Quality and Sustainability'' seal, which certifies the authenticity of wine labels, is affixed to wine bottles that meet established standards, thereby marking the quality of wine and conservation of nature. The environmentally friendly efforts of these wine producers are attracting attention from around the world.
Abundant wine tourism
Cape Town, a city located at the southern tip of the African continent, is home to many famous wineries.
Located to the east of Cape Town, South Africa's finest wine region is also known as the ``Wineland'', and wine tourism is also popular.
This wineland is centered around three towns: Stellenbosch, Paar and Franschuck. There are over 150 wineries in Stellenbosch, and many are open to the public for tours, so you can enjoy wine tastings and meals.
There are also around 20 official 'wine routes' in the Southern Cape. This wine route introduces a variety of wineries, making it very convenient for wine tourism in South Africa. If you are interested in wine tourism in South Africa, please refer to this wine route.
https://www.wosa.co.za/Wine-Country/Wine-Tourism/Wine-Routes/
What are the characteristics of South African wine?
South African wine regions
In South Africa, wine is produced in five provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
However, 90% of South Africa's wine production is in the Western Cape, making it South Africa's largest wine producing region.
South Africa's main grape varieties
Among the white grape varieties, Chenin Blanc, which originates from the Loire region of France, is the most commonly cultivated, but the amount of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay cultivated is also increasing.
Among the red grape varieties cultivated are Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz.
south african wine styles
In addition to single varietal wines, South Africa also produces many blended wines. For both red and white wines, ``Bordeaux blends'' based mainly on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are the mainstream. In addition, many ``Cape Blends'' are made, which are blended wines that use 30-70% Pinotage, a variety unique to South Africa.
In addition to still wine, the city is also famous for its sparkling wine, which undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, called ``Cap Classique,'' and its traditional sweet wine.
Recommended wineries in South Africa
leopard's leap
The winery is exported to more than 40 countries around the world and has earned a high reputation for its reasonable prices and stable, excellent quality. We produce a wide variety of wines using grapes of various varieties and characteristics from various regions in the Cape region. The winery is located next to Franschuc, which is also famous as the ``gourmet capital'' and is visited by many tourists as a base for wine tourism. We plan various programs to enjoy the marriage of wine and food, such as opening restaurants within wineries, and are promoting wine tourism in South Africa.
In addition to wines made from South Africa's characteristic varieties such as Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, there is also Lion's Majestic White, where you can enjoy South African wine at a reasonable price. All of them are reasonably priced, so they are also recommended for those who want to try South African wine for the first time.
In particular, Leopard's Leap sponsors the Cape Leopard Foundation, which carries out conservation activities for animals that live in the Cape region, and is actively engaged in conservation activities for the Cape Mountain Leopard, a mountain leopard that lives in the Cape Mountains. Currently, leopards received from the Cape Leopard Foundation are bred within the winery and can be observed up close. Furthermore, they are working hard to protect the natural environment around the winery, such as planning tours where you can experience wild Cape Mountain leopards.
The label features images of the first three leopards we received, Lisa, Ouma Maichi, and Joan, and a portion of the proceeds from wine sales go to conservation efforts for endangered animals, including leopards. It is used.
◆Leopards Leap/Lions Land Majestic White
◆Leopard's Leap/ Pinotage Shiraz
◆Leopard's Leap/ Chenin Blanc (SC) [2018] 750ml White Wine
◆Leopard's Leap/ Special Edition Pinotage [2016]
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons
This winery is located in the Franschuk area, approximately 50 km east of Cape Town, and currently owns a vineyard in Fredericksburg. Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, known as a pioneer in the modernization of South African wine, is the first in the country to obtain ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and HACCP (International Food Hygiene Management Method) certification. Among the wineries in South Africa, this winery is particularly committed to protecting the natural environment and working environment. We produce wine in an environmentally friendly manner by practicing a pesticide-reduced farming method called Rutte Raisonné.
``Baroness Nadine Chardonnay,'' which has a mineral scent and delicate aromas of fresh lemon and macadamia nuts; ``Classic,'' a standard wine with a pure fruit flavor of fresh berries; and ``Classic,'' which is a merlot-based wine. We produce 3 items of ``Baron Edmond'', which is characterized by complex and silky tannins created by blending.
◆Rupert & Rothschild/Baroness Nadine [2018] 750ml White wine
◆Rupert & Rothschild/Classic [2016] 750ml Red Wine
◆Rupert & Rothschild/Baron Edmond [2015] 750ml red wine
Shannon Vineyards & Wines
The Elgin area, where Shannon Vineyards & Wines is located, has a high altitude and a cool climate, and has long been famous for growing apples. In recent years, the region has attracted attention as a suitable area for growing grapes, producing many wines with wonderful fruit flavors and elegance.
At Shannon Vineyards & Wines, we are committed to making high quality wines with small production volumes. When cultivator James Downes released his own wine in 2008, it received rave reviews from many wine experts.
Including the flagship wine ``Shannon Mount Barrett'', which is made with 100% Merlot and is also known as South Africa's highest merlot, we also have ``Pinot Noir'', which has an elegant impression with fine tannins, and a crisp wine. Sauvignon Blanc is popular for its sour taste and aromas of passion fruit and lemon. Enjoy the high quality wines produced in Elgin.
◆Shannon Mount Barrett 750ml red wine
◆Shannon Elgin Pinot Noir 750ml Red Wine
◆Shannon Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 750ml white wine
