South African wine districts

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South African wine districts

1. BREEDEKLOOF

District in the Western Cape where most wine is produced at some 20 wineries. In the Breederivier valley, you will find bulk wine but also that fine Chenin Blanc (Droë Steen) from Olifantsberg by Dutchman Paul Leeuwerik. GRANDCRUWINES.CO.UK | € 11,95

2. CAPE TOWN

The cradle of viticulture in the Cape with Table Mountain and cool Constantia Valley. Jan van Riebeeck made the first Cape wine in 1659, Governor Simon van der Stel founded his Constantia winery, where wines are now paired with local food at Jonkershuis restaurant.

3. ELGIN

High in the ancient sandstone mountain range of Hottentots-Holland. In this later maturing, cooler terroir, wines are elegant and fruity. British Master of Wine Richard Kershaw founded his winery Kershaw Wines there in 2012: CLONAL SELECTION ELGIN CHARDONNAY | VINDICT.EN | € 41,30

4. FRANSCHHOEK

There has only been an official 'wine map' since 1973. There are four major regions, 23 districts and, within them, micro-zones that are wards are called. The Franschhoek district was founded by French Huguenots. Taste the iconic The Chocolate Block from winery Boekenhoutskloof (1776).

5. PAARL

So many mountains, so many valleys with rivers. The Berg River, flanked by majestic mountains Groot Drakenstein and Wemmershoek, is Paarl's lifeline. Cabernet sauvignon, pinotage, shiraz, chardonnay and chenin blanc have the best potential. Simonsberg is a well-known ward.

6. STELLENBOSCH

Rainfall and an Atlantic breeze are essential in this dry country. Among the increasing number of estates and producers in Stellenbosch (more than 200), you will find Delaire Graff Estate, also one of the finest: WINEVANDEKAAP.CO.UK. Stellenbosch University offers viticulture and oenology.

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