With the launch of our Cape Winelands section, I thought it fitting to share a little of my wine wisdom. It’s been accumulated after very little spitting and much sampling, swirling and swigging the vast bouquet of wines that South Africa, as the world’s 8th largest producer, has to offer.
World’s Top Wine Producers (millions of litres):
- France 5170
- Italy 4963
- Spain 3817
- USA 2357
- Argentina 1540
- Australia 1426
- China 1180
- South Africa 1033
- Germany 899
- Chile 845
While some of you might be new to this region, the Winelands have been barreled up in the valleys and slopes of the southern tip of Africa for 350 years! They’ve seen the flavours and cultures of Europe, America and Africa blended to create some truly inspired wines, vineyards and varietals. The viticulture belt of the Cape is home to some 112,598 hectares of vineyards and over 4,300 farmers that together produce about 1 billion litres of wine a year (approaching 4% of global production)! It is a wonder people in this part of the world are allowed to drive let alone farm! But perhaps that’s because 49% of SA’s total wine production is exported…
I’m sure we all know the more popular cultivars; Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauv, Shiraz as well as the Cape’s very own Pinotage. However, with the evolution of global palettes, recent years have seen over 40% of the more traditional, volume orientated vineyards being replaced by some lesser known cultivars. And with global trends such as innovative blending and of course the world’s fascination with shades and flavours of pink, I think its time to get to know some of the new vines on the block so you are not scared to try something new next time you visit one of the Cape’s awesome restaurants.
Stay tuned, as tomorrow I shall be showcasing some of those lesser known varietals!
