South Africa’s trump card red, Pinotage, is instantly recognisable, with its distinctive, spicy coffee aroma and sumptuous, rich berry flavours. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it was first bred in South Africa in 1925 and was originally referred to as Hermitage. The French, of course, were not happy with that so it became Pinotage – and a much-loved varietal in its own right. The Grinder is a textbook example of the quality good Pinotage can achieve. The grapes were picked at the last possible minute for optimum ripeness (and that lovely velvety texture) from three premium vineyard sites. But the first thing you’ll notice is the wonderful mocha roast coffee bean aroma. Perfect with char-grilled spare ribs and garlicky lamb dishes.
The Gooseberry Bush 2013
Nestled between the Breede River and the Langeberg Mountains, Bon Courage is the showpiece estate of Robertson. Its stately Cape Dutch homestead dates back to 1818 but grape growing only started there in 1921. Three generations later, the Bruwer family wins armfuls of awards every vintage. Bon Courage was Robertson’s best performing winery at the South African Young Wines Show 2009, with nine Champion Wines and 19 Gold medals. Shortly afterwards the 2009 Gooseberry Bush beat 200 wines to win the ‘Best White Blend’ Trophy. It’s an uplifting glassful of grassy, kiwi fruit Colombard with a dash of lemony Sauvignon. Zesty and appetising, this wine is best served chilled solo, as a party wine, or with avocado and prawn salad or grilled chicken.
Stumble Vineyards Malbec 2012
Bruce Jack is one of a kind – a contagiously enthusiastic winemaker with degrees in English from St Andrews and in winemaking from Australia’s Roseworthy College. He was declared South Africa’s ‘Winemaker of the Year 2009’ and his Cape Town cellar, based in a former dynamite factory and 400 metres from the sea, scooped ‘Winery of the Year’ in 2008. Out hiking one weekend, Bruce ‘stumbled’ upon the vines for this pure Malbec and negotiated to buy the crop. Cooled by sea breezes, the grapes, you see, ripen slowly, developing pronounced aromatics. And thanks to Bruce’s gravity fed winery, the wine’s texture is velvety smooth. Crack open a bottle and enjoy its big spicy damson and bramble fruit with a large steak, hearty stews or moussaka.
West Cape Howe Shiraz 2009
A paradise for surfers, Western Australia is home to some of the country’s finest wineries. An absence of extreme temperatures in Summer and Winter allows the grapes to linger on the vine and develop impressive flavour and depth. The upshot is some gorgeously complex and elegant wines. This fine red is from West Cape Howe Wines, which was run by Brendan and Kylie Smith for a “highly successful seven years” (Halliday). Gavin Berry, former winemaker to legendary Plantagenet Wines, bought the property in 2004 and has continued to build on its success.Gavin combined smoky blackberry Shiraz with cherry rich Tempranillo, maturing the wine in oak barrels for a year to add complexity. Enjoy with peppered steaks or roast lamb.
Waterval Hoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Tim Atkin MW of The Observer writes “South Africa’s reds are getting better with every vintage”. And if you’re a Cabernet fan, you have much to look forward to here. This deliciously ripe red is made at the state of the art DGB cellar by highly experienced winemaker Jaco Potgieter. Along with his team, Jaco identified the very best vineyards across the Western Cape and by working closely with his growers, he gets the most perfectly ripened, hand-harvested Cabernet grapes around.Waterval Hoek means Waterfall Corner and it’s indeed a place of immense beauty, with stunning views of the Drakenstein Mountains. Bursting with cassis and mint character, this supple Cabernet goes well with lamb dishes – from shepherds pie to the Sunday roast.