South African red wine

Important grapes in South African red wine

• Pinotage: South Africa's signature grape – a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Produces dark color, plums, smoke and spices. The style ranges from juicy and modern to complex and barrel-aged.
• Syrah/Shiraz: Grown in both cool and warm regions. Cool style is reminiscent of Northern Rhône with pepper and violet; warmer regions give riper fruit and body.
• Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot: Often used in Bordeaux blends. Structure, blackcurrant and cedar combined with acidity and length.
• Grenache and Cinsault: Included in GSM blends and single-varietal wines with red fruit, spice and soft texture.

Terroir and regions

• Stellenbosch: South Africa's wine mecca. Cabernet-dominated wines with structure, dark fruit and aging potential.
• Swartland: Known for old vines, granite soil and minimal intervention. Syrah, Grenache and natural style blends.
• Elgin: Cool highland and coastal region. Pinot Noir and elegant, light red wines with high acidity and finesse.
• Paarl and Franschhoek: Warmer climates, round and full-bodied wines. Cabernet, Shiraz and Pinotage dominate.

Many winemakers work with low intervention, organic or biodynamic methods. Styles vary from international prestige wines to terroir-focused cuvées with great personality.

Frequently Asked Questions About South African Red Wine