Spring for a drop of these readily available wines
DUTCH settlers started viticulture in South Africa in the 17th century bringing cuttings from Bordeaux.
Their sweet and fortified wines were so sought after in the 18th century that they brought higher prices than anywhere in Europe.
Then came the Phylloxera epidemic which ruined the wineries.
The export tariff relief given by the British Government ceased so South Africa became uncompetitive and a huge wine lake ensued.
Action was taken by forming the KWV- The Cooperative Wine Growers Association.
This controlled what could be planted, how much could be produced and the selling price, so we only saw KWV wines on the shelves in Britain.
In the 1990s, with a change of political leaders, KWV's special powers were removed, small growers began to grow new varieties and now winemaking is thriving with some excellent wines appearing on our shelves.
Probably the main white is Steen. We know it as Chenin Blanc. The other special South African wine is the red Pinotage.
Pinotage was created about 1925 by Abraham Izak Peroid of Stellenbosch University when he crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
Here are a few good wines readily available, starting with Whites.
Chenin Blanc 2025, Paarl 13.5% (Lidl £6.45) – crisp and peachy.
Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc 2025 , Western Cape, 12% (Morrisons £8) – tropical, pineapple and peach aromas, long, crisp aftertaste.
A.A. Badenhorst Curator White 2024, Coastal Region 13.5% (The Wine Society £9.95) – a fine blend of Chenin Blanc, with some Grenache and Palomino.
Honeycomb Chardonnay 2024, Western Cape 12.5% (M&S, Ocado £10) Winemaker Leon Eterhuizen – aged in oak for six months giving a slightly almondy nose and flavours of apple, peach and vanilla.
On to rosé and reds.
Wild Child Grenache Rosé 2025, Coastal Region (£12.25 Ocado) Strawberry, cherry, cranberry with crisp acidity.
The Society's Exibition Pinotage 2021, Kanonkop, Stellenbosch 14% ( The Wine Society £12.95) – big, spicy, plummy
Kanoncop Kadette Pinotage 2023, Stellenbosch 14.5% (Majestic £ 13.50 mix 6, Waitrose £14.50) – notes of raspberry, strawberry, red cherry and chocolate.
Leopards Leap Shiraz 2022 13.5% (Morrisons £8.50) – plum and blackberry, with elegant tannins and a lingering aftertaste.
The Wolftrap 2024, Boekenhoutskloof, Western Cape (The Wine Society £9..50, Majestic £10 mix 6) Mostly Syrah, this is rich and spicy dark fruit, spice and black pepper.
Inzuzo Malbec 2024, Western Cape 13% (Morrisons £10) – red fruit and plum aromas, palate of juicy fruit balancing acidity.