South Africa wineries fight fires
Wineries in South Africa are battling to extinguish bushfires that have been raging from Stellenbosch to the Somerset West area over the last 10 days.
South Africa
Simonsberg and Stellenbosch from the air. Credit: wilpunt / Getty Images
Most South African wine is produced in the Western Cape region, a Mediterranean climate heavily influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Key South African wine regions:
Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest settlement after Cape Town, is perhaps the most recognisable of the many winegrowing areas within the Western Cape. It is home to names such as Kanonkop, Meerlust and Thelema, and excels at producing Bordeaux-style blends as well as South Africa’s signature variety – Pinotage.
Constantia is located on the peninsula to the south of Cape Town, almost completely surrounded by the two oceans. It is best known for producing Klein-Constantia’s Vin de Constance, a world-class sweet wine, but the area also suits varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling thanks to the cooling sea breezes which help to retain acidity in the grapes.
Paarl is located further inland, and has a warmer climate as a consequence. Paarl Rock dominates the area, one of the biggest granite outcrops in the world. The area is well-suited to robust wines made from varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay.
Swartland is a hot and dry area, although it benefits to some degree from the Atlantic Ocean’s cooling effect on its western border. Producers such as Mullineux, The Sadie Family and AA Badenhorst specialise in producing high quality Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Rhône-inspired blends.
The cool climate of Walker Bay is particularly suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with which estates such as Hamilton Russell, Ataraxia and Crystallum are making world-class wines.
The latest South African wine articles:
-
-
South Africa Fights Back
Despite global acclaim, consumers’ opinion of South African wine is still poor. GUY WOODWARD looks at how the country is fighting back
-
South Africa prepares for World Cup 2010
The South African wine industry is gearing up for the 2010 football World Cup.
-
Vinexpo opens with chaos for South Africa
Vinexpo opened yesterday amid chaos for the South African contingent, whose entire delivery of sample wines had been stopped on the French Belgian border.
-
Wine glut hits South Africa
South African winegrowers are being forced out of business as prices drop due to oversupply, it was revealed this weekend.
-
Cape of South Africa: where’s the excitement?
Where’s the excitement? Anthony Rose asks why the Cape is the only New World giant without any icon wines to its name
-
South Africa's In The Money
Millions of rand are being pumped into South Africa’s wineries. But, asks JAMES LAWTHER MW, when will they start producing standout wines?
-
Cape Town city guide
With the sea in one direction and South Africa's wine country in another, Cape Town is well worth a visit, says ANTHONY ROSE.
-
A sense of South African place
South African winemakers are now planting the right grapes in the right locations. JOHN DOWNES MW returns after 20 years and notices the difference
-
South African Wines: Icons
Premium South African wines with the price tags to match are sweeping into international markets. KIM MAXWELL asks if the world is ready for them yet
-
Colourful language from Van Rensburg
André van Rensburg is renowned for being outspoken, arrogant and rude. He is also responsible for some of the best wines to come out of South Africa. He talks to SUSY ATKINS.
-
Vaughan Johnson: Cape crusader
Vaughan Johnson champions South African wines with his two shops in Cape Town and Dublin. PETER COBB meets the accountant-turned-winemaker-turned-retailer.
