What is Wine?
Wine is an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process.
Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are major factors in different styles of wine.
What Is The Best Wine In South Africa?
Route 62
South Africa is home to Route 62, which is the longest wine route in the entire world. It measures in at a whopping 850 kilometers, or 528 miles.
Route 62 spans the entirety of the country of South Africa from east to west, and there are many different wineries along the way.
Route 62 is considered by many to be the most beautiful and scenic road trip in the country of South Africa, and it is far less traveled and busy than the more famous “Garden Route.” It is possible to drive the route in two days, though four to eight days is recommended.
Chenin Blanc
Many wine enthusiasts regard South African Chenin Blanc as second to only Loire Valley wines, and about 18 percent of all wine grapes grown in the country are Chenin Blanc.
These fruit-forward and fresh wines are generally best when enjoyed young, and have a distinct crispness.
One of the most popular and highly regarded representations of South African Chenin Blanc is The FMC by Ken Forrester. This wine is grown in the Stellenbosch region and is a single variety wine that is made using 100% Chenin Blanc grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon produced in South Africa is known for its distinct deep body and strong flavor profile.
The Stellenbosch region produces some of the most famous and highly regarded bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon in the country, though it is also grown in many other regions.
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines produced in South Africa, and is a particularly big seller abroad in countries like the United States.
Shiraz
When grown in its homeland of France, this grape is called Syrah – but when produced in new world regions like Australia and South Africa, it is called Shiraz.
This medium-skinned wine grape thrives in a variety of different regions and microclimates throughout South Africa.
Cederberg Shiraz is one of the top-selling and most recognizable bottles of Shiraz produced in South Africa and is a favorite both abroad and among South African wine enthusiasts.
The wine is aged for 15 months, where it develops a deep and rich body with mature tannins.
Cederburg has won many international wine-making awards for its production of this Shiraz, including a “Gold 96” rating at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2021.
Sauvignon Blanc
Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most recognizable white wines produced in South Africa, and it is a staple on wine lists both domestically and abroad.
There is a bright burst of fresh and tropical fruit on the nose, and the wine is very crisp and mineral-driven.
This is an impeccably balanced wine with an extended length of finish, and it is an extremely versatile wine when it comes to food pairings.
The bright acidity and tangy and fruity notes work in harmony to elevate lighter fare without overpowering the palate.
Kleine Zalze is one of the most highly regarded winemakers in the country of South Africa, and they produce a number of different varieties of Sauvignon Blanc.
What is South Africa’s most famous wine?
Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are currently the most widely planted varietals in South Africa, but Pinotage is the only one that is unique to South Africa.
Does South Africa have good wine?
South African wines offer impressively good value, and feature styles and tastes that are food-friendly, blending elegance and power.
South Africa has been producing wine since the first vines were planted in the 17th century, brought by the Dutch governors of Cape Colony.
Why is South African wine so good?
Because of the generally warm climate, South Africa’s red grapes in particular get very ripe and produce full, high-alcohol wines.
But especially in the Western Cape, the cool ocean breezes help the wines retain the bright acidity that keeps things fresh and food-friendly.
What is the biggest wine company in South Africa?
Vredendal Cellar – South Africa’s Largest Winery – Fast Tracking on a Global Mission.