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South African White Wines

The bulk of South Africa's experience with wine rests on the shoulders of white wine grapes and South African vineyards have been dominated by white grape varieties in the past. The latest trend is towards a more market-driven balance between white and red, but white varieties still represent more than eighty percent of the total.

South Africa is widely planted with a broad range of the ubiquitous "international" varieties. South African wines fall somewhere between the archetypal new world and old world styles.

White wine varieties include:

• Chardonnay, also used in some of the base wines, from which South Africa's version of Champagne is made
• Chenin Blanc, known locally as Steen.
• Muscat d'Alexandrie - the first grape variety to reach South African shores.
• Sauvignon Blanc - one of South Africa's most successful varieties.

While South Africa's bias towards white grapes reaches all the way back to the first vines that were transplanted here from France it is today attempting to bring more balance.

South African Red Wines

Pinotage has become one of South Africa's most famous varietals. The first Pinotage was released in 1961, and gives the country a unique viticultural product. Unique to South Africa, it can produce complex and fruity wines with age but is also often very drinkable when young.

About 60 wines are bottled under the Pinotage label. The list of top Pinotage growing estates in South Africa includes Kanonkop, Simonsig , Warwick, Clos Malverne, Aventuur, L'Avenir, Uiterwyk and Middlevlei.

Other red wine varieties include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon - the most planted red grape variety in the Cape.
• Shiraz is made in several different styles in South Africa.
• Merlot - traditionally used as a blending partner to add softness and breadth to Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir - not widely planted, but it produces excellent wines in the cooler viticultural areas of South Africa.