South Africa – What makes it so exciting?
In the vast landscape of global wine production, South Africa stands out as a gem, offering a diverse array of exceptional wines that reflect the country's unique terroir, rich history, and innovative winemaking techniques. From the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch to the rugged terrain of Swartland, South African wines have been steadily gaining recognition for their quality and distinct character. In this blog post, we delve into what sets South African wines apart and why they deserve a place on every wine enthusiast's radar.
What Makes South Africa so great?
We cannot discuss South African wines without acknowledging the profound influence of its terroir. Blessed with a varied climate, diverse soil types, and unique geographical features, South Africa offers an ideal environment for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties. From the cool maritime breezes of the Western Cape to the sun-drenched slopes of the Cape Winelands, each wine-growing region imparts its own signature characteristics to the grapes, resulting in wines of exceptional complexity and depth.
I have been in love with South African wine since I first started in the wine industry, in fact one of my favourite wines of all time was a delectable Pinotage. It opened my eyes to another world of wine – when the vast majority of what I had drunk before was Australian Shiraz.
South African winemakers are renowned for their ability to seamlessly blend traditional winemaking practices with modern innovation. While the industry may have deep roots dating back to the 17th century, it has embraced technological advancements and sustainable practices to continually improve quality. From meticulous vineyard management techniques to state-of-the-art fermentation processes, South African wineries leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence.
One of the hallmarks of South African wine is its astonishing diversity of grape varieties. While Chenin Blanc and Pinotage may be the country's signature grapes, winemakers also work with an extensive array of international varietals, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, among others. This diverse palette allows for the production of wines that cater to every taste preference, from crisp and refreshing whites to bold and robust reds.
Above all, what sets South African wines apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. The country's winemakers adhere to strict quality standards at every stage of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to bottling. With a focus on low yields, hand harvesting, and careful attention to detail, South African wines consistently deliver an unparalleled drinking experience that rivals some of the finest wines from around the world. Waterkloof expands upon this by being organic, certified by ECOCERT, and working biodynamically. The winery is also sustainable, as a member of The Integrated Production of Wine Scheme and of The Wine and Agricultural Trading Association. They are also part of the World Wildlife Fund’s Biodiversity & Wine Initiative.
Waterkloof was founded in 2004 by Paul Boutinot after careful searching for the correct vineyard sites. Set high up on the Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this site provides the perfect location for growing stunning grapes. Nadia Langenegger comes in as the expert Cellarmaster to transform the grapes into wine. Brilliant wine. Louis Boutinot has been hand in hand every step of the way – helping to transform the vineyard into an Organic and Biodynamic masterpiece.
Left to right: Louis Boutinot, Paul Boutinot, Nadia Langenegger.
Overall South Africa provides some absolutely beautiful wines at every level. If you want to impress your dinner guests or just enjoy a glass in the evening, look no further than this countries offering. I heavily recommend Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc as a go to crisp and delicious white wine, and for the heavier red option, Waterkloof Circumstance Syrah is a deep peppery blackcurrant punch. These are my go to wines for impressing and enjoyment!
