SOUTH African wines are produced in one of the most amazing eco-systems in the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is home to more species of flora and fauna than the entire Northern Hemisphere!
So important is the Cape Floral Kingdom to the diversity and variety of South African wine that the country's wine producers have banded together to help conserve this unique environment. Here's a few to try.
Tesco Finest* Beyers Truter Pinotage 2
006 - £8.19 Tesco. South African reds have often been derided for their somewhat "tyre-like" aromas, but this is a cracking example of their most famous red grape. A rich, juicy red made by premier Pinotage winemaker Beyers Truter, this wine is full of dense curranty flavours and has a soft and smooth character.
Spier Discover Shiraz 2007 – £4.98 Tesco If you fancy a trip to South Africa, Spier is a fantastic place to stay. They have their own hotel and make cracking wine such as this Shiraz. This is a well-structured and balanced wine with intense berry and fruit aromas on the nose, following through on the palate with tones of spice and leather.
Lourensford Viognier 2007 – £7.19 Tesco Perhaps not a grape variety you would expect from South Africa but the sun ripens it to give delicious results. This golden yellow-white wine has lifted aromas of apricot and peach, complemented by light vanilla notes. It is perfect with fish and white meat dishes.
BARGAIN OF THE WEEKSave £2 – £7.99 down to £5.99 until August 19 – Tesco. Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc 2007 just continues to get better and better. With fresh herbs and tropical fruit on the nose, the palate explodes with a citrus freshness that will set the mouth watering for more. The perfect aperitif.
BOTTLE OF THE WEEKFish Hoek Chenin Blanc 2007 – £6.19 Tesco. South Africa is probably the spiritual home of Chenin. This wine is all about fun in a bottle. It looks great and tastes as fresh and zippy as the land it comes from. With its tangy acidity and lemon and apple flavours, this is fine match to slightly spicy foods.
The full article contains 367 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
