South Africa’s wine industry blends centuries-old European influence with a spirit of modern experimentation. Centered around the dramatic landscapes of the Western Cape, it produces wines that are both structured and expressive. From windswept coastal vineyards to rugged mountain slopes, this is a region of contrasts and stunning potential. This month’s Explorer wine box includes a minimally processed Chenin Blanc, a beautiful Pinot Noir newcomer, and a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from one of South Africa’s most revered producers.
This crisp white wine is made with 100% Chenin Blanc, hand-harvested from a single vineyard site. It is tightly structured, featuring flavors of yellow apple and subtle notes of apricot, accented by a granitic mineral quality. The palate offers crisp acidity balanced by a round fruitiness and a savory finish. It is the perfect gateway wine to experience the world of South African Chenin Blanc. Pair with risotto and spring peas.
The Producer: Blackwater Wines
Francois Haasbroek started Blackwater Wines in 2012 after studying viticulture and oenology and working for prestigious wineries in California and New Zealand. His vision is to make interesting and dynamic wines regardless of origin; he champions individual sites, growers, and cultivars. He uses minimal intervention when crafting wines. Blackwater Wines does not own or farm any vineyards, instead they find fascinating and interesting sites across the Western Cape, build long-term relationships with landowners, and continue a journey together.
The Region: Swartland
Swartland is located within the larger Western Cape region, just north of Cape Town. Traditionally farmed for wheat, the area has become a prominent wine producing area in South Africa. The topography is varied, and vineyards can be found on steep mountain foothills or on gently folding hillsides. The warm and dry climate helps guard the vines against disease and develops more concentrated fruit. Swartland (Dutch for ‘black land’) is named for the native rhinoceros bush, which turns black after rain.
This exceptional Pinot Noir is the newest offering from celebrated wine producers Mick and Jeanine Craven. In their words, it “has one foot in California, one arm in Burgundy, and a soul in Stellenbosch.” There are juicy fruit flavors, with rustic and black tea notes that give it a savory lift. The decomposed granite soils add a distinct freshness and stoney finish. Pair with Dijon and herb crusted lamb chops.
The Producer: Anne Faure
Ann Faure is the latest venture by Mick and Jeanine Craven of Craven Wines. The label name combines their children’s middle names, Ann and Faure, while also alluding to ‘amphorae,’ hinting at their use of concrete in aging. For nearly fifteen years now, the Cravens have been honing their craft, getting deeply familiar with their windswept vineyards, and building long-term relationships with growers in Stellenbosch. It was time for something new – new varieties, new packaging, and new aromas in the cellar. The idea behind starting the Ann Faure label was to branch out from the Craven lineup in terms of varieties, vineyards, and price points. However, the ethos remains the same: honest wines from honest growers.
The Region: Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is arguably the most prominent and popular wine growing region in South Africa. Located southeast of Cape Town, it has some of the oldest soils on earth. Geologists have classified them into more than 50 types. Stellenbosch has a pleasant, warm climate, with cooling influences from the nearby False Bay. Over one fifth of grapes grown in South Africa are from Stellenbosch.
This beautiful full-bodied red wine is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot. It is an deep ruby black color with a complex perfumed oak bouquet. On the palate are blackberry flavors with undertones of spice. It is an excellent wine to drink now and will continue to age beautifully for the next several years. Pair with shepherd’s pie (traditional beef or a vegetarian lentil version).
The Producer: Boschkloof Wines
Boschkloof is a second-generation wine estate in the Polkadraai Hills ward of Stellenbosch known for making world class Syrah. It was founded in 1996 by Jacques Borman, and today, his son Reenen is at the helm. Reenen has brought a fresh perspective to an already ascending estate. His university studies and work in the Rhône Valley have impacted his stance greatly, but it is really his relationships with other new wave South African winemakers that have influenced a lot of his winemaking decisions. While the styles of wine that he makes could be called classically Stellenbosch, there is a definite new-wave spin as he has dialed back the amount of new oak greatly and added some concrete to his aging program.
The Region: Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is the second oldest settlement in South Africa (after Cape Town). It is named for the first governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel. Van Der Stel was also a botanist and is responsible for planting many of the grapes in this coastal area, including the famous Klein Constantia winery. Wine growing in Stellenbosch also has French influence. As the Dutch were taking over the region at the end of the seventeenth century, Huguenots were also arriving as they fled religious persecution. As they assimilated into the Afrikaans culture, they imparted their agriculture and viticulture knowledge.
