South Africa produces a wide variety of wines, including bold reds and crisp whites.
The key wine types and varieties produced in South Africa include Pinotage, a uniquely South African grape variety that produces wines with bold flavors of red and black fruits, spice, and hints of earthiness.
Cabernet Sauvignon is widely planted in South Africa and is known for its rich blackcurrant flavors, firm tannins, and aging potential.
Shiraz (Syrah) wines from South Africa showcase dark fruit flavors and a velvety texture, ranging from spicy and peppery to rich and full-bodied.
Merlot wines are smooth and velvety, with flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate, and are often used in blends or as varietal wines.
Grenache/Garnacha is another popular grape variety. Grenache produces wines with red fruit flavours, spice and a soft texture. It is often blended with other red varieties.
Cinsaut wines are known for their light and fruity character, with flavours of berries and herbs.
South Africa's signature white grape, Chenin Blanc (Steen), produces a range of styles from dry to sweet, with flavours of honey, tropical fruits, and floral notes.
Sauvignon Blanc wines from South Africa are crisp and refreshing, exhibiting citrus, green apple, and herbaceous notes, often with a zesty acidity.
Chardonnay wines can range from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery, with flavours of apple, pear, citrus, and vanilla.
Viognier wines are full-bodied and aromatic, with flavours of peach, apricot, and floral notes.
Riesling wines from South Africa can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, showcasing citrus, stone fruit, and floral aromatics.
South Africa produces refreshing and fruity rosé wines, often made from red grape varieties such as Pinotage, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Additionally, South Africa's traditional method sparkling wines, known as Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinotage grapes, offer elegance and finesse with fine bubbles and complex flavors.
Finally, South Africa also produces natural sweet dessert wines. South Africa produces a variety of natural sweet wines, such as late harvest, noble rot affected (Botrytis), and fortified dessert wines. These wines exhibit intense sweetness and complex flavours.