South African Wine Recommendations
Take a look at my South African wine recommendations and help save South African wine.
The effects of South Africa’s alcohol ban have been catastrophic. The rural communities are among the hardest hit, where tens of thousands of workers are at risk of losing their jobs; many already have. On average, each worker has six dependants to feed and care for, so wine industry job losses will mean serious socio-economic upheaval for many communities.
South Africa’s strong international relationships have helped keep many businesses afloat and the UK, along with the USA, have stepped up with campaigns to boost sales of South African wine. In 2020, exports of South African wine to the UK were up 23%, meaning that some wineries have been able to stay in business during the ban.
We can all help to #savesawine by buying it. Here are my South African wine recommendations that you can pop in your shopping basket next time you’re on the high street!
1. The Wolftrap 2019, Boekenhoutskloof
I’ve been drinking a lot of white wines this winter, kind of a challenge to myself not to pigeonhole crisp whites and fruity rosés as summer wines. A Provence rosé started off my Christmas dinner and many a vibrant white has brightened up these grey lockdown days. But last week, I was really craving a comforting red to soothe my weather-beaten, missing-family-and-friends soul!
This totally hit the spot. I got it from my local high street wine shop, Wine Rack, for £10-something. Softness and spice from the Shiraz, intense, brooding fruits from the Mourvèdre and a smidge of Viognier in the blend (á la Côte-Rôtie) gave this wine an aromatic lift and a silky texture. It was fruity enough to be thirst-quenching but rich enough to savour between sips. It was definitely the red wine cuddle I was longing for in this January freeze.
2. Klein Rust 2018, Stellenrust
Klein Rust, £9.99 from Wine Rack. Yes, I’m on the bold, spicy reds train and I don’t want to get off!
Made from Pinotage and Shiraz, this 14% abv fruit bomb is more than meets the eye. At first, it was all blackcurrant and blackberry jam, a little tight, but still there was stuff going on with a bit of mid-palate liquorice and a savoury pinch of black pepper on the finish. I guzzled a glass on the phone to my friend, then vacuum-pumped it for the next day.
The next day: Voluptuous black cherries! The more this wine opened up, the more generous it became. Black pepper was joined by cloves and star anise; liquorice by dark chocolate. With my roast dinner, this was exactly the kind soft, mellow red I wanted to sink into Sunday evening with.
You can get some excellent value wines from South Africa. This one is also Fairtrade certified – another reason to bung it into your weekly shop. £10 well-spent!
3. Spier Shiraz 2018, Stellenbosch
The 2018 Spier Shiraz from Stellenbosch is another example of the incredible value South African wine offers (this was only £10.69 from Wine Rack). This youthful Shiraz is big on fruit and freshness! I got lots of blackcurrant and black plum, which mellowed into almondy cherry goodness (think Bakewell Tart). There was also some fresh raw fennel too, which came onto the palate and a tiny bit of spice - some black pepper and a pinch of cumin. A lovely, warming wine that lasted over a couple of dinners in the week, with an intensity that didn’t fade.