Why South Africa matters
South Africa sits stylistically between Old and New World — New World fruit with Old World restraint. It has made wine for over 350 years, and today is one of the most exciting value sources around.
- It is the world's heartland of Chenin Blanc (locally once called 'Steen').
- It created its own grape, Pinotage — a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
- Cooling ocean breezes and old bush vines keep the best wines fresh.
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Key idea: the bridge style
Expect wines that combine ripe, sunny fruit with savoury, structured, food-friendly character — neither fully European nor fully New World.