David Hodgson uncovers some of the secrets behind the success of South African wine makers.

With South Africa now boasting 29 wine growing areas, all expressing there own character from the environment that surrounds them, we are certainly not short of choices. More and more people are exploring the wines of South Africa, so what is it that makes South Africa’s wines different and why, when choosing your next bottle of wine, should your pick a wine from South Africa? 

Although wine making is relatively young here the geology is not. South Africa’s magnificent mountains were created by tectonic movement over millions of years ago. This created a vast variety of soil types in the process, and these soils have a great impact on the vine’s performance. One of the most important soils is a two part soil consisting of coarse material and sand on clay, and this soil is usually found on low-lying areas of the coastal region, which is home to Swartland, Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Cape Point, Constantia, Tulbagh, Paarl and Darling.

One of the most sought after districts in South Africa is Stellenbosch which has been making wine sine the mid-17th century. Stellenbosch benefits from cool summer breezes, hot temperatures in February and good drainage. Stellenbosch is best known for its red wines.  The main varieties in this district are: intense, youthful Merlot; dark and spicy Cabernet Sauvignon; ripe fruity Shiraz; and we must not forget a variety that regularly receives awards internationally, Pinotage.

South Africa’s wine growing areas are mainly influenced by regular coastal fog, cooling sea breezes, and the Mediterranean type climate from the meeting of two oceans, the Atlantic and Indian oceans. South Africa has a varied terrain and vineyards are planted in many different locations: on mountain slopes, valley floors, over hills and tucked away hidden under high peaks. These varied locations offer many different soils, altitudes, climates and sunlight exposure. These factors are all taken into consideration before vineyard owners pick their perfect spot.

Perhaps with all these factors South Africa’s wines offer something which cannot be tasted in a bottle of wine. Is it that sense of the vineyard maker capturing the spirit and geology of the vineyard and area in that year, or does it take you to a picturesque vineyard gazing at a magnificent backdrop of rugged mountains?  Why not explore the wines of South Africa today?