African Wine Country
by Jennifer VerPlanck
Of
the fifty countries on the African continent, eight produce wine. South Africa,
a country roughly twice the size of Texas, is by far their most successful wine
area and is the 7th largest producer in the world. It contains more than 290
conservation parks, 8 World Heritage sites and 8 distinct
biomes.
The country’s wine history goes back to the 18th century, when their
Constantia, a Muscat-based wine, was both the preferred, and most expensive in
Europe, a favorite of Frederick the Great and Napoleon. The industry
faded almost into obscurity for almost two hundred years, and did not re-emerge
until the late 20th century. Later, boycotts, government interference,
and the establishment of a huge and dominant wine grower’s cooperative (KWV),
resulted in mostly lackluster, uninspired wines. Winemakers even openly
smuggled vines into their vineyards, called wine farms in South Africa, to
bypass restrictions.
Until
quite recently, the region’s principal grape was Chenin Blanc, locally known as
Steen, with half the harvest dedicated to produce brandy and spirits. Chenin
Blanc is still very popular but now there is interest, value and investment in
diverse and significant other quality wines as well.
Through
the 1980s, international apartheid sanctions severely restricted the export
market. The combination of the Mandela presidency and the growing demand
for quality reds, changed everything. The climate being very similar to
the Mediterranean, it was relatively easy to start producing high quality wine.
Probably
the best-known region and the nearest to Cape Town is Stellenbosch, a pretty university
town in a region best known for its red wines, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon-based,
but also a good producer of Pinotage, the country’s signature wine, a genetic
blend of Hermitage (Cinsault), and Pinot Noir.
To
the northeast of Stellenbosch is Paarl, a source of dessert wines, particularly
Sherry-style solera wines. Paarl’s south latitude is almost the same is
the north latitude of Spain’s Sherry region.
Between
Stellenbosch and Paarl is Franschhoek, another area known for excellent wines,
mostly Bordeaux-style blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There is a
distinct French winemaking influence in this region. To the northeast is
Robertson, which is quite hot and dry, but its proximity to the Breede River
and its alluvial soil makes it an ideal source of big, sumptuous whites, such
as Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Chenin Blanc.
South Africa also has a large wine tourism industry, with spectacular
vineyards, wine trails, including state parks and fabulous foods. If you have
not yet experienced any South African wines, try some. You will be
pleasantly surprised. The Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop has a great selection
of S. African wines.
