Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2010 750ml

Winery: Boekenhoutskloof

Varietal: Semillon

The grapes of the Semillon vine have been grown throughout Europe and the New World in abundance over the past three hundred years, and were at one point considered to be the most widely planted grape in the world. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that in the New World, wineries were looking to set up vineyards using grapes which grow well in a range of conditions, produce high yields and have a strong resistance to disease – things which Semillon is renowned for. The grapes themselves are usually golden in color, taking on their pink blush only when ripened in particularly warm climates. They produce wines of many different types, and are equally fine for use in dry wines as well as sweeter varieties.

Region: Coastal Region

Coastal South Africa has long been recognized as a vitally important global wine region, and was probably the first 'New World' country to produce wines of an exceptionally high quality. Indeed, in the late 18th century, wines from in and around Cape Town were regarded as amongst the best wines on earth, and were adored for their exoticism and big, fruity flavors Today, the South African wine industry is booming, and wineries are appearing each year along the sun drenched and windy oceanic coastline. Many grape varietals are now grown in the region, however, Chenin Blanc remains the country's flagship varietal, with over eighteen percent of vineyards in the country used for this particular grape, closely followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Colombard.

Country: South Africa

Situated on the very tip of the African continent, South Africa has proved itself over three centuries to be an ideal location for producing a wide range of wines. Benefiting from something not dissimilar to a Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers complemented by both Atlantic and Indian Ocean winds, the grapes which grow on the valleys, mountainsides and plains of this fascinating country can ripen to their fullest capacity, producing wines packed full of fruity flavors and an array of interesting and enticing aromas. As a former colony, South Africa has long since been home to a range of different nationalities, who each brought something of their wine culture with them. As such, many European grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and others have been given time to flourish in South Africa, allowing the country to develop a diverse group of wine types which are proving increasingly popular around the world.