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Winery
Beeslaar
Varietal: Pinotage
In South Africa, the most widely grown red wine grape varietal is undoubtedly the Pinotage, a wonderfully versatile grape which has become something of a flagship varietal for the South African wine industry. It is also grown in several other parts of the world, but to a lesser extent. It is a viticultural cross, brought about be interbreeding Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grapes, and capturing the finer points of both species. Pinotage grapes can be used to make a range of different wines, from fortified and sparkling red wines, to the more commonplace still wines which are enjoyed all over the world. Commonly, Pinotage grapes hold smoky flavors, with dark berry notes and a plummy character, although they also often contain tropical fruit flavors and a range of earthy tones. Pinotage produces dark red grapes, and their strong color is often used for blending purposes.
Region: Coastal Region
South Africa is a fascinating country for wine, and the coastal regions at the very tip of the African continent are widely regarded as being one of the finest wine regions in the world. It isn't difficult to understand why the early European settlers in the 17th century saw such potential for viticulture in the area; the heat is fantastic, the summer days wonderfully long, the soil rich in minerals, and the strong winds coming from the ocean provide much needed coolness in which the grapes could ripen slowly and fully. Over time, South Africa's coastal regions became covered in strong, healthy vineyards, and today, the wine industry of the region is booming. The past few decades have seen wineries experimenting with a wide range of grape varietals, and also producing fortified wines and sparkling wines of great character alongside their classic varieties.
Country: South Africa
Perhaps the most famous and well respected of all the wine regions in South Africa is that of Constantia, which holds many of the oldest and most traditional wineries in the country. Here, the temperate climate receives the Atlantic winds which cool the vineyards, and the fertile soil allows the grapes to grow to full ripeness, resulting in highly flavorful wines which are enjoyed around the world. Whilst Sauvignon Blanc varietals make up the most widely exported wines of this region, the rest of the country produces a huge and impressive range of wines, made up from varietals native to many different European countries. From excellent Champagne style sparkling wines, to aromatic fortified examples, fruity reds and refreshing whites, South Africa continues to impress and surprise, with modern techniques and technologies leading the way and producing exceptional results.