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Forbes
23-03-2025
- Forbes
Spring Wines From Australia, USA, Argentina, South Africa, France
The following wines produced on the continents of Oceania, America, Africa and Europe are ideal for spring—with crisp or brilliant acidity balanced with pronounced fruit and elegance. Three are whites, one is sweet and four are hearty reds that bridge winter to spring. This 14% alcohol wine includes aromas of dark red plums, raspberries, pencil lead, mocha, eucalyptus, mint, cedar, coconut and eucalyptus. Astringent attack followed by dense, chewy and edgy mid palate rich with flavors of fudge, chocolate and black cherries; on the finish—toffee, brownies and an explosion of red cherries. This is a captivating mystery, with delicate red fruits blanketing firm but suave tannins. Layered and rich—a Saint-Émilion of the southern hemisphere. A slice of Australia in America. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry jam, malt balls, red cherries and teak. A juicy, invigorating wine with dense, complex mid palate flavors that include brownies, black cherries and black currants. Layered and well buoyed by fresh acidity. Subtle and silky tannins in a delicious matrix of dark, chewy flavors. Consider pairing with barbecued beef or with vegetarian pumpkin truffle ravioli. Napa Valley, California, USA Chardonnay from grapes grown in San Pablo. 13% alcohol. Aromas of citrics that include lime and lemons, as well as wet granite and slight mango and mint. Crisp, fresh and tangy acidity and a finish both creamy and enticing. Serve with buttered scallops or a pineapple upside down cake dessert. Malbec. Dusky aromas of dry earth, gorse, red cherries and red plums with some burning sage. Delicate and delicious mid palate with soft tannins; layered and creamy flavors of red and black fruit flavors enveloped by firm acidity. Pair with a beef broth, grilled tuna steak or with cheese ravioli. Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina Aromas of honey, nutmeg, sage, mandarins, ginger and queen of the night. Coherent beam of a rainbow of flavors; luscious and focused stream of nectar. Medium bodied with brilliant acidity folded around tropical flavors as well as candy cane. Brilliant. Shared this with a Dutch sommelier in Minervois in France who recommends pairing it with duck liver and figs. Vin de Constance, South Africa Named after the American heiress who purchased Klein Constantia in 1913. Classic grapefruit aromas as well as some peach and honey, dry granite and minerality. A fresh, crisp, classy and elevated Sauvignon with rich flavors and brisk acidity. Includes nectarines and tangerines mid palate and slight gooseberry finish. Pair with Dover sole with lemon. From the Languedoc Roussillon region of France. Barrel aged 100% Syrah from Katie Jones. Creamy cherry and chocolate chip aromas, with stroganoff, cassis. A hearty, dark and chewy mouthful with flavors of German chocolate cake and soy and a raspberry parfait on the finish. Tannins enfolded into hefty dark fruit and mocha flavors, highlighted by firm acidity. Lovely. Pair with a beef and carrot stew or with vegetarian samosas. Lulu Trotteur. La Rencontre. Vin de France. 2023. 92+ points. A 70/30 Gros Manseng/Sauvignon Blanc blend from Anne-Sophie Labourdette in Bordeaux, creator of 'vins audacieux,' or audacious wines. Consider the original blend of grapes—one from the base of the Pyrenees peaks and one characteristic of Bordeaux. Subtle and syrupy first nose, followed by aromas of honey dew melon as well as honey, limes, guava and mandarins. A brisk and edgy attack followed by an engaging and dynamic mid palate—with tension between acidity and fruit and flavors of oranges, strawberries, green apples as well as spearmint on the finish. Artisanal, energetic and gastronomic. Serve with scallops or with buttered white fish. Anne-Sophie Labourdette, owner of Lulu Trotteur, Bordeaux, France
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The Independent
21-03-2025
- The Independent
Why it's time to stop under-estimating South African wine
Ask the average British wine drinker what they think of South African wine and the response is likely to fall into one of two camps: it's either a serviceable supermarket staple or, at best, a decent-value alternative to a French classic. Fine wine? Not quite. At least, that's the perception – but it's also completely wrong. For centuries, South African wine has occupied a curious space in the global market. It has history – some of the oldest winemaking traditions in the New World. It has terroir – arguably some of the most diverse and exciting in the world. And it has winemakers producing wines that can compete with and in some cases surpass, those of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. Yet, despite all this, South African wine has struggled to shake off its reputation as a budget option rather than a fine wine destination. With a new generation of ambitious winemakers and a shift in perception, this is beginning to change. The origins of South African wine date back to the 17th century, when Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards at the Cape of Good Hope. By the 18th century, the region's Vin de Constance was one of the most sought-after wines in Europe, gracing the tables of Napoleon and British royalty. Jane Austen prescribed it as a tonic for heartbreak. But the 19th century saw the industry collapse under the weight of phylloxera (an aphid infestation that can destroy whole vineyards), British free trade with France and shifting economic fortunes. By the time South Africa re-entered the global wine market in the post-Apartheid era, it was effectively starting from scratch. One of the biggest reasons South African wine deserves more recognition is its terroir. The country benefits from an incredible diversity of soils, microclimates and elevations, making it one of the most exciting wine-producing regions in the world. The Cape Winelands have a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. However, regions differ dramatically due to their proximity to the ocean, mountain ranges and soil compositions. Stellenbosch, with its granite and sandstone soils, produces powerful yet structured reds, akin to those of Bordeaux. The Swartland region, known for its schist and shale soils, has drawn comparisons to the Rhône Valley for its expressive, textured Syrahs and old-vine Chenin Blancs. Meanwhile, Robertson's limestone-rich soils, much like those found in Champagne, make it an ideal location for Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines, such as those produced by Graham Beck. Cool-climate regions like Hemel-en-Aarde and Elgin have emerged as South Africa's answer to Burgundy, producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with striking elegance and minerality. Here, altitude and the maritime influence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans help retain acidity and finesse, giving these wines a distinct sense of place. South Africa doesn't just mimic European wine regions – it carves its own identity, producing wines that blend Old World complexity with New World purity of fruit. South Africa's reputation as a fine wine producer is built on more than just its terroir – its grape varieties tell an equally compelling story. The country's most widely planted grape, Chenin Blanc, is perhaps its greatest asset. While Chenin Blanc is historically associated with the Loire Valley, South Africa has taken it to new heights, producing styles that range from crisp and mineral-driven to richly textured and barrel-aged. Swartland and Stellenbosch are home to some of the world's oldest Chenin vines, producing wines with concentration and depth that rival top-tier Vouvray and Savennières. Pinotage, South Africa's signature red variety, is another point of distinction. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it was created in the 1920s to thrive in South Africa's climate. While early examples suffered from inconsistency, modern Pinotage – particularly from producers like Kanonkop and Beeslaar – has evolved into a sophisticated, age-worthy wine. Its structure and dark fruit character place it somewhere between the elegance of Pinot Noir and the power of Syrah, making it a uniquely South African expression that has no direct Old World equivalent. Beyond these, South Africa excels with Syrah, producing wines that are reminiscent of the Northern Rhône, with peppery, savoury complexity. Stellenbosch and Swartland have become strongholds for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, often showing a balance of ripe fruit and refined tannins akin to Left Bank Bordeaux. The country's cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs, particularly from Elgin and Constantia, are drawing comparisons to Sancerre, offering freshness, minerality and precision. Now that South African wine is fully integrated into the global market, why is it still viewed as a value-driven category rather than a fine wine powerhouse? Many UK drinkers still assume that South African wine is cheap and cheerful, with little to offer beyond supermarket bargains. Others believe that, unlike French or Italian wines, it lacks the history or prestige to be considered truly fine. There's also a sense that South African wines are too rustic, too bold, or too inconsistent – certainly not the kind of wines that reward patience or investment. But for those willing to look beyond the supermarket aisle, South Africa is producing some of the most exciting wines in the world today. A new wave of winemakers and estates is proving that the country is more than capable of delivering complexity, finesse and age-worthiness. And if any brands illustrate this shift, it's Journey's End, Graham Beck and Klein Constantia – three names that are rewriting the South African wine narrative. Journey's End is a case study in how South African still wines can rival Burgundy and Bordeaux. This Stellenbosch-based estate, founded in the 1990s, was established with a clear focus on producing premium, terroir-driven wines. The Gabb family, who own the estate, have prioritised sustainability and ethical winemaking, making it one of the most forward-thinking producers in the Cape Winelands. Their V Series Chardonnay, for instance, has the kind of elegance and mineral precision that would be right at home in a lineup of top-tier white Burgundies. Meanwhile, their Cape Doctor Bordeaux Blend – a structured, age-worthy red named after the dry south-easterly wind that blows into the country in spring – proves that South Africa can produce wines with the same complexity and longevity as its French counterparts. Journey's End also leads the charge in sustainability, with a commitment to solar-powered energy, conservation projects and Fairtrade labour practices. If South African wine is still mistakenly seen as a bargain-bin category, wines like these should be enough to change minds. While Journey's End makes the case for South African still wines, Graham Beck does the same for sparkling. The UK is a Champagne-obsessed market, yet few drinkers realise that South Africa's Méthode Cap Classique can compete at the highest level. Graham Beck was founded in 1983 and has been at the forefront of MCC production, elevating South Africa's sparkling wine scene to world-class. Perhaps its most famous moments came when both Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama toasted their victories with Graham Beck Brut, reinforcing its status as a celebratory wine. Their Blanc de Blancs, sourced from the limestone-rich soils of Robertson – soils strikingly similar to those of Champagne – delivers the crisp acidity, refined mousse and brioche complexity that serious sparkling wine lovers crave. Their prestige cuvée, Cuvée Clive, has been compared to some of the finest vintage Champagnes, proving that South Africa isn't just an alternative – it's a contender. And with MCC's growing reputation among sommeliers and collectors, Graham Beck is leading the charge in positioning South Africa as a serious force in the world of sparkling wine. No South African winery encapsulates the country's fine wine heritage better than Klein Constantia. If UK drinkers assume South Africa lacks history, they need only look to Vin de Constance. First produced in the 17th century, it became one of the most celebrated wines of its time before vanishing for over a century, only to be resurrected in the 1980s with painstaking dedication to its original style. Today, Vin de Constance is one of the most collectible wines in the Southern Hemisphere, proving that South Africa can produce age-worthy, world-class wines to rival Château d'Yquem and Tokaji. Beyond its famous sweet wine, Klein Constantia has also established itself as a leader in cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, producing wines that have drawn comparisons to the best of Sancerre. The estate's legacy and revival make it the ultimate proof that South African wine is not a new contender in fine wine – it is a historic player reclaiming its rightful place on the world stage. Together, these brands dismantle the myths that have long held South African wine back. The evidence is clear – South Africa is no longer just a value-driven wine country, but a world-class producer of fine, age-worthy wines. It has the history, the terroir and the winemaking talent to rival the best from Europe, and it's time the UK market recognised that. Those still dismissing it as a cheap alternative are missing out on some of the most exciting wines available today. The question is no longer whether South African wine deserves a place alongside the greats – it's whether UK drinkers are ready to catch up and give it the respect it has long deserved.
