South African wines have been gaining prominence for more than three centuries to become some of the most sought after and best valued on the planet.
It is already the seventh wine-producing country in the world, with 10.5 million hectoliters according to the latest data from the 2016 harvest. Many of them are exported, mainly to countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada or the United States.
Various social and political factors have hindered, on many occasions, the flourishing of vineyards that today have enormous quality, and that result in exceptional wines.
Within these factors we can mention, for example, the lack of expert professionals in this sector centuries ago, the coexistence of crops with wild animals, wars or international sanctions on South African products. However, a few hundred years later, all these barriers have been pushed aside to give rise to what are now South African wines.
For about half a century, the South African authorities have been concerned with the international image of their wines.
The best South African wines
The Sauvignon Blanc variety is one of the most used in whites, along with other types of grapes such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc (there, Steel). In reds, Hermitage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot, Pinotage or Merlot are some of the most used grapes.
South African wines are considered some of the best red and white wines in the world. They have many particularities, as we have already explained above.
But without a doubt, for a better assessment of South African wines, the best thing is to try several of them and be able to speak with knowledge of the facts, right?
