DE AFFRICA | SOUTH AFRICA
The Dutch East India Company first introduced wine grapes into South Africa in the early 1600s.
The warm climate and ancient granite soils are ideal for producing bold reds and intense aromatic whites. Almost all South African wine comes from the Western Cape region.
The coastal region (Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland) is renowned for bold reds - Cabernet, Pinotage and Syrah; the cooler locations for Chardonnay and Semillon.
The River Valleys mostly produced whites for blending in cheaper wines
The Cape South Coast is a small area with a cool climate producing good Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and sparkling wines.
Stellenbosch produces the largest quantity of wine, followed by Paarl, Swartland, Robertson and Breedekloof and the most grown grapes are Chenin Blanc, Colombard and Cabernet Sauvignon.
