South Africa has an amazing wine-making history dating back to the 17th century. It is currently producing some of the most exciting and dynamic bottles to grace our dinner tables, but this certainly has not always been the case.
The cost of production is relatively low, which makes it easy to throw together ‘jug wine’ designed for the entry-level market. Twenty-five or thirty years ago, this basic offering was the only South African wine we could find in Scotland, piled high in the supermarkets to be sold for a couple of quid per bottle (and occasionally available on a buy one, get one free offer). These wines are still produced in bulk in South Africa, but are now destined solely for the domestic market. Minimum pricing combined with our ever-growing need for top quality wines has helped to change the winemakers’ focus for our market. Areas such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek have become synonymous with well-made, unique terroir-driven styles.
Producers like Meerlust, Boekenhoutskloof and Lismore have been seducing us with their Bordeaux blends and top quality Chardonnays. These wines are world-class, and style-wise sit nicely between the Old World and the New. The best ones have the gravitas and ‘feel’ of Bordeaux or Burgundy, with a touch more fruit increasing the approachability in the glass.
Samantha O’Keefe is an extremely talented winemaker based in Greyton where she heads up the Lismore operation. She makes Syrah and Pinot Noir in tiny quantities, but it’s her Chardonnay that you must try this weekend.
Lismore Chardonnay 2016 (Inverarity One to One, £19.49). This cool climate Chardonnay is perfectly balanced and emulates some of the best wines from Burgundy, with a decidedly lower price-tag. Try a bottle with a nice, rich fish pie or a roast chicken and you won't be disappointed. It's a Chardonnay to make you fall in love with the grape again.
And, if you’re more in the mood for a red…
Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block 2015 (Majestic, £25.00). This cult wine has enjoyed a dedicated following since its inaugural release, and no wonder. It’s a big Syrah-based blend to be enjoyed with a hearty stew as winter approaches. Cheers!
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