Ask anyone in the know who the most charismatic, innovative man in South African wine is today, and Charles Back’s name will come up. Voted the second most influential man in the industry (behind a certain Mr Mandela!), he is one of country’s undisputed winemaking legends. We’re thrilled to have secured this gorgeous wine – a delicious testament to his appetite for the unusual. Grenache is rare in South Africa, and only a small volume is currently produced. Taste this trendsetting wine and you’ll see why this can’t be the case forever. Six Hats is an exceptional, intense effort – and it’s Fair Trade too! The Six Hats project seeks to highlight the various roles of everyone involved in wine farming. The hats indicate partnership, change, potential, equity, dignity and sustainability – the six cornerstones of Back and his team’s philosophy. The wine had the chance to strut its stuff next to its peers in October 2010 at a Fair Trade tasting. Decanter magazine’s Tastings Director Christelle Guibert was impressed, calling it a wine “I would gladly drink on a regular basis … packed with juicy red fruit.” It certainly is that: its gorgeous, sweet black fruits leap from the glass and make it an irresistibly refreshing proposition … but its peppery complexity and power means it’ll also stand up to some of the richest food on your table!

Klein Constantia is one of the Cape’s oldest and most prestigious estates. The owner, Duggie Danford Jooste also owns vineyards in Stellenbosch which is where this exclusive wine comes from. It is made by newly appointed Klein Constantia winemaker, Adam Mason, who brings an injection of youth and overseas experience – including several vintages in Bordeaux. All mouthwatering blackcurrant, sweet-cassis, spice and tobacco … a New World ‘Bordeaux’ for big red fans! Serve as you would fine young claret – with rare roasted red meats.

This lusciously powerful, plum-laden Merlot comes from a premium Cape producer and top vintage … and shows just how good South African reds can be. Gifted winemaker Frank Meaker has created a super-smooth red, insisting as he does that his grapes are picked at the perfect point of ripeness. They’re then crushed gently to release the entire spectrum of fruit flavours. Delicious!

The Fairview Winery is one of the most innovative and exciting in all South Africa. Carignan, one of Southern France’s richest and most charming grapes, has found an unexpected new home here under the careful attention of winemaking pioneer Charles Back. The winemaking expertise here has been recognised as real triumph. Jancis Robinson calls it “massive but delightful … a most unusual example of Carignan thriving in the New World.” It’s a superb BBQ red – rich, generous and full, but with real elegance and complexity. An exciting discovery – be sure to try it!

The Fairview Winery is one of the most innovative and exciting in all South Africa. Carignan, one of Southern France’s richest and most charming grapes, has found an unexpected new home here under the careful attention of winemaking pioneer Charles Back. The winemaking expertise here has been recognised as real triumph. Jancis Robinson calls it “massive but delightful … a most unusual example of Carignan thriving in the New World.” It’s a superb BBQ red – rich, generous and full, but with real elegance and complexity. An exciting discovery – be sure to try it!