Football (soccer) may not be your passion, but I hope that the next few weeks will prompt you to explore the wonderful wines of the World Cup host nation, South Africa. This country is unique in the New World/hot climate context in that while the wines are rich with big flavours, they don’t feel heavy. You’ll find lots of vitality and easy drinkability. And prices are low as the country struggles to compete with sexy Australia and value-king Chile.
Fans of Rhone Syrah will notice a similar earthiness in most South African reds. I’m told it has something to do with the country’s billion-year-old soils. Earthy reds are the perfect partner for BBQ’d meats ““ which is the chief diet of South Africans.
Recommended South African Wines
WHITES
NEDERBURG 08 Sauvignon Blanc 283713 $10.95
. . . crowd-pleaser
BEACH HOUSE 09 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 22390 $9.95
. . . zesty, party refresher
KWV 09 Chenin Blanc 18689~ $7.95
. . . best value house wine
GRAHAM BECK 09 Chardonnay/Viognier 140608 $11.95
. . . yummy, yummy
REDS
NEDERBURG 08 Shiraz 527547~ $10.95
. . . lively and lovely
SEBEKA 09 Shiraz 129635 $10.95
. . . spicy, smooth, super nice
BELLINGHAM 07 Shiraz/Viognier 554360~ $13.65
. . . flavourful, earthy and good with everything
FAIRVIEW 08 Goats do Roam 718940
. . . smoky, rustic BBQ wine
KWV 07 Roodeberg 7187 $12.55
. . . earthy, gutsy
PORCUPINE RIDGE 09 Syrah 595280 $14.95
. . . bold flavours
Thanks very much for the info on these SA releases. I really miss the old Zonnebloem Pinotage. I wish that Pinotages of a similar style were still imported. Everything now seems to be getting so sweet and innocuous … and expensive! I don’t like the new-style wines nearly as much.