In the mid nineties 80% of the vineyards in South Africa were white grapes and mostly Chenin Blanc with very little Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Reds were led by Cabernet and Pinotage. There were a handful of good producers but most of the Chenin was dull and dilute and the reds were mostly hard, acidic and green. Today the balance is better with 45% red. There's still plenty of Cabernet and Pinotage but now Shiraz is the second most commonly planted red and much of it is very good. There's also some exciting Pinot Noir being made in the cooler climate districts near Hermanus.
You'll still find cheap and cheerful Chenin but some of it, particularly from old low yielding bush wines is now being used to make really high quality wines. These days you'll find plenty of good sauvignon and Chardonnay but maybe more interesting is the increase in plantings of Rhone varieties, such as Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, which are suited to the warm Cape climate.
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Millionaire's Corner
There are some amazing lots on offer at thecapewineauction.com on March 15th and you can bid on line. It's not just wine on sale but experiences too. The man behnd it is Mike Ratcliffe from Warwick Estate. His wines and many others will be on tasting on Monday March 5th when his importers Tindalwine.com host a tasting open to the public at the Marker Hotel from 6-8pm. Tickets €10 in advance or €15 on the door.
There are some amazing lots on offer at thecapewineauction.com on March 15th and you can bid on line. It's not just wine on sale but experiences too. The man behnd it is Mike Ratcliffe from Warwick Estate. His wines and many others will be on tasting on Monday March 5th when his importers Tindalwine.com host a tasting open to the public at the Marker Hotel from 6-8pm. Tickets €10 in advance or €15 on the door.
Wines Tasted on the Show
Reyneke Organic White 2012, Stellenbosch, jnwine.com €15.53 as part of a mixed case. €17.25 as single bottle.
65% Chenin Blanc, % Chardonnay, 9% Sauvignon Blanc. A liively fruity crisp dry white made from biodynmically grown fruit.
65% Chenin Blanc, % Chardonnay, 9% Sauvignon Blanc. A liively fruity crisp dry white made from biodynmically grown fruit.
Newton-Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2011, jnwine.com, €27.44 as part of a mixed case, €30.49.
Dave Johnson and his family produce arguably South Afria's best Pinot Noir. It shows classic cherry and berry varietal fruit character and has a beautiful elegance and freshness.
Dave Johnson and his family produce arguably South Afria's best Pinot Noir. It shows classic cherry and berry varietal fruit character and has a beautiful elegance and freshness.
You can follow Martin at @winerepublic on twitter
