Cape Point Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa 2022 (£7, The Co-op) South Africa boasts an array of exceptional wines, crafted by dedicated producers who go to great lengths to find unique vineyards in remote and unconventional locations. These wines possess distinct regional characteristics that reflect their place of origin. However, the winelands also excel at producing affordable bottles that capture the essence of a specific grape varietal. Often, the same producer behind a budget-friendly £7 bottle is responsible for crafting a remarkably evocative wine that truly embodies its terroir. This is the case with Cape Point, a winery located on the southern tip of the Cape, which offers the exceptionally rich and precise Isliedh 2020 (£39.75, thewhiskyexchange.com), as well as the refreshing and tantalizing Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc available at The Co-op.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Fairtrade Chenin Blanc, South Africa 2022 (£8.50, Sainsbury’s) Sauvignon Blanc has become a signature grape for the Cape region in recent years. Producers have successfully struck a balance between the restrained greenness of the Loire Valley and the vibrant expressiveness of New Zealand styles. However, the true shining star of South African varietals is Chenin Blanc, which accounts for a significant portion of the region’s most interesting wines. These bottles include exceptional single-varietal expressions, such as the lively and tropical dry white from Sainsbury’s. Additionally, there are white blends featuring Chenin Blanc, like the peachy and fresh The Curator White Blend 2022 (£8.99, Waitrose), and the remarkably complex Kalmoesfontein White 2020 (£32.95, swig.co.uk), both masterfully crafted by Adi Badenhorst, one of the Cape’s most innovative winemakers.
Stellenrust Old Bush Vine Cinsault, South Africa 2021 (£9.99, Waitrose) The grape that South Africa is most closely associated with, and that is rarely found elsewhere, is pinotage. This varietal has sparked passionate debates among winemakers and consumers due to its unique character. In recent years, winemakers have learned to refine pinotage, moving away from the polarizing ashtray-and-bubblegum-style reds. Pinotage now shines when blended, contributing a supple character to wines like the savory Kanonkop Kadette, Stellenbosch 2019 (£12, Tesco), and the exquisitely light, perfumed Rhône-inspired Maanschijn Herbarium, Walker Bay 2021 (£23.50, leaandsandeman.co.uk). However, when it comes to single-varietal red wines, pinotage takes a backseat to its parent grapes: pinot noir and cinsault. The latter is responsible for the vibrant red fruit and earthy nuances found in Stellenrust’s superb and affordable red.
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