A Taste of South Africa Seminar-Wine World

Event: More than 20 tasters explored a wide variety of South African wines with Angela Sanchez Friday night at Wine World in North Augusta.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522

When: Friday, May 29, 2009. 7pm
Cost: The retail prices of the wines presented range from $ 9 to $ 28.

The Event: Angela Sanchez, of Vineyard Brands, spoke to more than 20 tasters gathered for the evening seminar on South African wines. She presented 11 wines (5 whites and 6 reds) that revealed how much the South African wine industry and steadily grown and improved over the last 20 years.

South Africa, she said, has been producing wines for over 350 years starting shortly after the Dutch had settled on the Cape. But with Apartheid South Africa was unable to share wine making techniques with others nor sell their products in the world market. After the fall of Apartheid the industry steadily grew, resulting in some 300 wineries that take advantage of the variety of soils and terrain that South African possesses to produce a broad range of wines for all tastes.

One sign of popularity of South African wines is that the Fairview Winery is the third most popular destination in South Africa.

Several of the wines presented are estate wines-wineries that grow all of their own grapes (Neil Ellis, Hamilton Russell, Conde Starke are examples) which is not common in South Africa, representing only 1% of the wineries. She added that with the seasons being reversed in the Southern Hemisphere that the vintages come earlier in the year and aren’t as young as a Northern Hemisphere wine of the same year.

She also said that smoked, black kettle stews and grilled foods are standard in South Africa so the wines often match these flavors.

Here are the wines that were presented:

Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
What: “A fresh, nervy Sauvignon Blanc, with good lime, fleur de sel and flint notes. Drink now” -Wine Spectator 87 points
From: South Africa
Winery: Boekenhoustskloof

Man Vintners Chenin Blanc
What: “Fresh, with a lively honeysuckle, heather, blanched almond and mineral notes followed by a refreshing finish”- Wine Spectator, Wine of the Day.
From: South Africa
Winery: Man Vitners

Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc
From: Western Cape, South Africa
Winery: Southern Right

Man Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon
What: “Bright plum and berry aromas are backed by cedar and smoke in this elegant Cabernet. Tobacco and spicy pepper balance juicy fruit flavors to create an appealing, New World style red. Pair with bigger dishes-, think steak, grilled lamb, stews.” Wine Enthusiast, Best Buy.
From: South Africa
Winery: Man Vintners

Neil Ellis Groenkloof Sauvignon Blanc
What: “Bright, Pale yellow. Subdued but pure aromas of lemon drop, fresh pineapple, and flinty minerality. Chewy, tactile and serious, with intense flavors of minerals, citrus peel and anise. Finishes dusty and strong. Rich for this bottling but also structured, pure and gripping. Finishes with brisk note of tangerine. A steal at this price.” – International Wine Cellar, 92 points.
From: South Africa
Winery: Neil Ellis Wines

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay
What: The most southerly wine estate in Africa and closest to the sea. “Quite ripe, with an almost botrytis-like hint of musk and spice on the nose, followed by taut apricot and citrus peel notes. The long finish lets the minerality slowly emerge. A bit atypical, but complex and delicious.” Wine Spectator 91 points.
From: South Africa
Winery: Hamilton Russell

Fairview Shiraz
What: “Has nice focus, with blackberry and dark cherry fruit woven with mineral and vanilla notes. The fine, supple finish fleshes out nicely, with a lovely mouthfeel.” Wine Spectator, 90 points.
From: South Africa
Winery: Fairview
Year: 2006

Fairview Pinotage
What: “Fresh, with a good mix of crushed cherry fruit and vanilla notes. A dash of grip on the finish keeps this honest.” WIne Spectator, Wine of the Day.
From: South Africa
Winery: Fairview

Wolftrap Red
What: Spicy, aromatic, red blend that has been French oak matured. “Has good concentration, with soft edges, showing plum, anise and violet notes backed by a moderately toasty finish. A very friendly blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Viogner from South Africa.” Wine Spectator, Best Buy.
From: Western Cape, South Africa
Winery: Boekenhoustskloof
Year: 2007
Grapes: 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier

Neil Ellis Groenkloof Cabernet Sauvgnon/ Merlot
What: “Offers a medium-weight mix of currant, black cherry, grilled herb adn vanilla notes, with a supple, creamy finish.” Wine Spectator, 88 points.
From: South Africa
Winery: Neil Ellis Wines

Stark Conde Cabernet Sauvignon
What: Hand-picked, fermented in small batches and basket-pressed. Matured in small French oak barrels for 22 months before being bottled without fining or filtration in January 2007. “Solid with a briary streak running through the black cherry and blackberry fruit. The finish lets graphite and licorice hints peek in.” Wine Spectator, 89 points.
From: South Africa
Winery: Stark Conde
Year: 2005