Welcome to the South African Winelands. Filled with blue waters, magical sunsets, picturesque mountain ranges, majestic flora, friendly strangers, and divine wine, this wondrous place has some of the oldest viticultural soils in the world. Traceable back to the first supercontinent some 1000 million years ago, this special terroir produces truly fascinating wines.
Located at the very southern tip of the African continent South Africa may be considered a new world wine-growing region, but they’ve been making wine for over 350 years. Blessed with a rare Mediterranean climate, South Africa is a must visit place for any wine enthusiast, foodie and globe trotter.
The Winelands are located in the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of six such plant kingdoms in the world and a World Heritage Site. Both warm and cooler growing areas allow grapes to excel in each of these great grape-growing conditions. South Africa is made for everyone who appreciates finely crafted artistic wines at very friendly prices.
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Sustainable Wine South Africa (SWSA) and the Wine and Spirit Board seal on bottles guarantees that the wines have been sustainably produced according to strict guidelines. You are able to verify this on-line by entering the unique seal numbers on each bottle.
Right now at the LCBO there are many South African wines on sale – so keep your eyes out for bonus Aeroplan points or limited time offers.
Here are our 6 Top South African wines of the week, available at the LCBO:
Spier Signature Chardonnay
Spier Signature Chardonnay is a bottle that I’ve loved and recommended for years now. I was lucky enough to even visit this winery and it’s one you have to put on your list to explore. Ethical farming practices and Spier’s Growing For Good initiatives empower local communities to unleash positive social and environmental change. This is truly a #winethatgivesback. With notes of soft apple, light pear and lemon citrus the aromatics entice the senses and the palate is crisp and textured offering versatility for food pairing. I love pairing this chardonnay paired with a soft cheese board, whether it’s a creamy cheese like brie or Chateau de Bourgogne you’ll appreciate the fresh crisp notes of the wine as they balance out the creamy texture of the cheese. 100 Bonus Aeroplan Points until August 13th.
Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon
With over 231 years of winemaking excellence, Nederburg crafts world-class wines that are made respecting nature. Nederburg consistently over delivers on taste and quality over and over again. Made by a world class team of winemakers, the iconic wine farm has been ranked on the World’s Most Admired Wines Brands Top 50 List for four consecutive years. With dark berry fruit and soft spice on the nose, this wine is concentrated and smooth pairing perfectly with grilled marinating ribeye steak. 100 Bonus Aeroplan points until August 13th.
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The Pavillion Chenin Blanc
When I went to South Africa in 2018 I helped to make Chenin Blanc at a winery in Stellenbosch. It was here where I became obsessed with the grape. The Pavillion Chenin Blanc is simply downright delicious and at a price of $12.05 (currently on sale until August 14th for $10.55) it’s a great bottle to add to your summer picnics, BBQ’s an entertaining. A perfect aperitif wine to showcase to guests, serve it at 8-10 degrees and revel in the lively fresh acidity that dances on your palate. This Chenin Blanc pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp or goat cheese stuffed chicken breast.
Big Bill Cabernet Sauvignon
Named after the larger than life first manager of KWV, Bill Millar, Big Bill cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied cab that offers notes of black berry and mocha with a juicy palate. A fantastic pairing with smoky barbecue pork ribs or a late night campfire. This wine is regular $14.05 and you can now save $2 until August 14th.
Porcupine Ridge Syrah
This great value Syrah from Porcupine Ridge is named for the crested porcupines of the region. Any Syrah lover will appreciate the finesse of this wine at a $16 price point (now with 75 Aeroplan points until August 13th). Big, bold and balanced, this bottle is a beautiful pairing with bison burgers or sirloin steaks.
Goats do Roam Red
Fairview is committed to the preservation of the local environment and are members of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) and Biodiversity in Wine (BWI) initiatives for the winery. Their cheese factory that operates at the winery was also proudly recognized by The Carbon Protocol of South Africa as the first Carbon Neutral Cheesery on the African continent. Inspired by the southern Rhône, Goats do Roam red is a blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Tempranillo and Durif. On the nose you’ll find dark berries and floral aromas. Ideal with Korean barbecue spareribs. 40-Aeroplan points until August 13th.
Check back weekly for my drinks of the week roundups as we explore what’s available in Ontario through the LCBO and other direct to consumer suppliers. Curated and brought to you by yourstruly, every week here at ViewtheVIBE.com.
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