South Africa — Grapes Varieties — Every Glass Matters

Viognier

A wonderful variety that was almost lost to the world….

GrapesCoralie StrongApril 30, 2021Grapes, Mango, Honey, Rhone Valley, Rhone, Southern Rhone, floral, Orange, Vanilla, Nutmeg, Rose, Stone, South Africa, Australia, France, Chateau Grillet, Condrieu, White, White Wine, Chile, USA, California

Mourvèdre

Part of the famous GSM blend, Mourvèdre is used to make highly tannic and full-bodied wines. It needs lots of heat to ripen properly but can make very age-worthy wines.

GrapesCoralie StrongSeptember 18, 2019Australia, South Africa, America, California, Valencia, Jumilla DO, Alicante, Murcia, Spain, GSM, Grenache, Syrah, Shiraz, Languedoc, Phylloxera, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, Rhone Valley, Southern Rhone, Bandol, France, Highly tannic, full-bodied high in alcohol, Alcohol, Plum, Blackcurrant, Blackberries, Rose, Wet Stones, Sun, Heat, Rosé, Red, Oak, Mataró

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a very versatile grape variety that can produce wines at a range of sweetness levels and sparkling wine. Equally, the quality level can also range significantly. There are two key countries for Chenin Blanc, France, specifically the Loire Valley and South Africa.

GrapesCoralie StrongJune 5, 2019Honey, Lemon, Pear, Apple, Apricot, Flint, Chenin Blanc, White Wine, Wine, Grape, Loire Valley, France, South Africa, Sparkling Wine, Vouvray, Acid, Green Apple, Bulk, Premium, High Acid, Noble Rot, Sweet, Dry, Rot, Botrytis cinerea, Quarts de Chaume, Savennières, Dutch East India Company

Chardonnay

Known for the unfair term ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) this is a variety with a mixed reputation. At its best, the wines can be highly complex, with a great ageing ability and show great winemaking skill. At its worst, it can be dull, flabby and forgettable.

GrapesCoralie StrongJune 4, 2019Pineapple, Peach, Nectarine, Lemon, Passion Fruit, Almond, Celery, Lemon Zest, Green Apple, Honey, Vanilla, Chardonnay, South Africa, Chile, USA, California, Burgundy, Chablis, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, UK, England, Champagne, Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Oregon, Washington, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet, Corton Charlemagne, Flint, Mineral, Chalk, Limestone, Clay, SA, NZ, New Zealand, Acid, Elegant, Flabby, Oak, Battonage, MLF, Stellenbosch, Elgin, Roberston

Cabernet Sauvignon

The worlds' most famous red wine grape. Descendant of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Planted in warmer regions as tends to ripen later. Powerful aromas of blackcurrant, and if matured in new oak, aromas of cedar and tobacco can be seen. In youth deep purple in colour, ages well. The grapes are small but thick skinned-high ratio of colour matter and tannins to juice.

GrapesCoralie StrongJanuary 24, 2019China, Bordeaux, Red, red fruit, red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, USA, California, Napa Valley, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Cherry, Blackberry, Plum, Oak, Toast, Cedar, Mint, St-Émilion, Medoc, Haut-Medoc, Spain, Italy, Languedoc, France

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc shines in its ability to show off its elegant structure and perfumed aromas.

GrapesCoralie StrongOctober 25, 2018Cabernet Franc, red wine, red fruit, Red, Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Loire, Bordeaux, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau Cheval-Blanc, St-Émilion, Hungary, Italy, USA, Washington, California, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Chile, Uruguay, Caberes, Red pepper, Strawberry

Touriga Nacional

The most famous variety used in the production of port. High tannin, acid and deeply coloured wines. It's grown throughout Portugal and also in Spain, USA, Australia and South Africa.

GrapesCoralie StrongDecember 7, 2017Portugal, Douro Valley, Dao, Touriga Nacional, Red, Tannin, Full body, Blackberry, Plum, fruit, Spain, America, Australia, South Africa, Mint, Violets

Sauvignon Blanc

An extremely well known grape making wines all over the world. Depending on the wine making techniques used it can be very varied in style from fresh, crisp and refreshing to an oaked style often referred to as fume Blanc.

GrapesCoralie StrongNovember 18, 2017Sauvignon Blanc, White, wine, New Zealand, South Africa, America, Australia, France, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Aromatic, Passionfruit, Grass, Wild White, Lime, Europe

GRAPES

Check out the 'Grape Guide' to find out key information about each grape or select an article below for more information

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