About Red Wines from South Africa

About Red Wines from South Africa
Today, South Africa ranks as the eight largest producer of wine in the world. The wines however a still largely a secret, as there has not been a serious marketing push for these products. There are several excellent wine types, both white and red. For the former, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc have excelled, while for the red, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are recent successes, joining the local variety Pinotage. The Chenin Blancs offer great varietal purity and are made in a dry to off-dry style. Sauvignon Blancs, especially those from the Western Cape or Stellenbosch areas, offering excellent varietal focus and impressive structure, have been critically praised. However, the reds, thought quite good, are less recognized, with Pinotage still a bit of a mystery as far as its image. Perhaps they producers will be able to get their message across soon about the quality of its wines, which will lead to better consumer recognition and additional sales.

Top Picks for South Africa

Red Wines

Reign Of Terroir 2024  Pinotage
92 points
$24
Best Buy
A grippy wine with red fruit on the palate and savory roasted notes on the finish.
92 points $24 Best Buy
Hartenberg Estate 2020  Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$80
Very complex with an interesting ripe, herbal quality that balances the red and black fruit; would like this with a steak, bell pepper, onion, and plum kebab.
Darling Cellars 2022 Black Granite Vintage Reserve Red Blend Darling
91 points
$24
A nice red wine blend with good depth and heft that would be an excellent steakhouse BTG option.
Hartenberg Estate 2019 The Megan Red Blend Stellenbosch
91 points
$149
A big yet well-balanced red wine that has all the flavors of being warmed by the South African sun.
Mount Rozier 2023 The Fire Pit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$24
A tangy, smoky Cabernet well-suited for grilled and barbecued meats.
Darling Cellars 2022 Chocoholic Pinotage
87 points
$19
Wine made to pair with a backyard barbecue; lovely typicity.