South african wine has needed a book like wines of the new south africa for some time. Posted on september 29, 20 by don if only tim james had written this book about south african wine two years ago, before we spent many hours researching the producers, appellations, and wine history for our report on the wines of south africa. South africa s wines are quickly becoming worldrenowned, and its wine growing region is turning into a foodie destination as well. We should all be thrilled that wines from south africa are starting to enjoy some serious presence on wine lists and store shelves here in. This movement wants to preserve vines older than 35 years by creating an awareness of the heritage of old vines. History has a way with wine, and the capes wine culture, which goes back 350 years, is one that both reflects the countrys troubled colonial and apartheid past but also shines with the potential and expectation. Essay wines consists of 2 blended wines produced in a mediterranean style representing what we believe to be the best from our area, the agterpaarl. Download citation a brief history of wine in s outh africa vitis vinifera was first planted in south africa by the dutchman jan van riebeeck in 1655. I i n recent years the drought has forced producers to make inroads into dry farming, irrigation and old vine preservation. Nov 25, 2010 the story of wines of south africa wines of south africa. Best wines from south africa the 2020 reverse wine snob picks. Get your kindle here, or download a free kindle reading app. Jul 09, 2014 south africas wines are quickly becoming worldrenowned, and its winegrowing region is turning into a foodie destination as well.
The history of wine in south africa the arrival of jan van riebeeck at the cape in 1652 heralded the beginning of wine growing in south africa. For much of the 20th century, the wine industry of south africa received very little attention on the worldwide stage. The inaugural generic tasting the beautiful south, hosted by wines of argentina, wines of chile and wines of south africa in october in london, was a resounding success. Today, the best of south african wine is up there with the rest, while in the easydrinking category no one beats us. South african wine history at the southern tip of africa, where two mighty oceans meet in the shadow of landmark table mountain, lies the fairest cape in the world. In the 1980s, over 60 cooperative wineries supplied a. I boastfully think its better and more complete than any other equivalentlength history. Betts 1944 thomas jeffersons garden book 17661824 philadelphia. Wine magazine was published until september 2011 and now lives on in digital form as.
For the first time in south africa, a team of highly qualified subject experts have collaborated to write a publication simultaneously addressing the most influential factors facing the wine. Wines produced from these vines are some of the most exciting wines produced in south. During the 21st century a growing influence of bee black economic empowerment within the wine industry brought a significant change through various empowerment programs, black ownership and their. James brings a fresh perspective and a critical eye to a wine region about which he clearly cares deeply. The first lady range of wines are a tribute to norma ratcliffe. The founder and first winemaker at warwick estate and of the first women to make wine in south africa. Anyone with an interest in south african wine can do this online course, which was put together by wosa in conjunction with cathy marston, head of the international wine education centre and wset educator of the year. Anchoring his narrative in a rich historical context, james discusses all the major wine regions, from cederberg to walker bay. Anchoring his narrative in a rich historical context, james discusses all the major. The narrative is structured around several pivotal events, such as the dutch settlers decision to rely on imported slaves and the union of south africa in 1910, which paved the way for apartheid. A brief history of south african wine to 1994 is just that.
The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the new world. With their unique classification system and grape varieties, at first glance it may seem like approaching south african wine requires a. South african wine has a history dating back to 1659, with the first bottle produced in cape town by its founder jan van riebeeck. Six informative modules cover a variety of topics related to the south african wine industry, from history, varieties, wine styles and winegrowing areas to sustainable production and tourism. The world atlas of wine by hugh johnson, red, white, and drunk all over. Mar 02, 2017 even though south africa has a long history of producing highquality wine, most wine drinkers outside the country know little about it. Graceland vineyards colour field 2014 79% merlot, 17% shiraz, 4% cabernet sauvignon with half barrel matured and the balance in tank. The book also debunks many of the most common myths about south africa. The history of winemaking in south africa began as the dutch east india company established a refreshment station at the cape for trading fleets a precursor to the truck stop in 1652.
Sep 27, 20 south africa s most planted wine grapes are chenin blanc and cabernet sauvignon. The history of wine in south africa the arrival of jan van riebeeck at the cape in 1652 heralded the beginning of winegrowing in south africa. South africa wine history wine production, south africa. It is time to shake off the image of cheap and easy wines and show the world that south africa is also. South africa consistently ranks in the top ten wine producing countries and while it may not produce the most wine, south africa produces some of the finest wines in the world. This hidden gem is uncharted territory for many wine lovers but its worth getting to know.
Download the south african wine map, learn the major wine varieties produced and. The book is focused on old world, countries in europe, africa and the middle. South african wines have been extremely successful during the last 20 years. You need to pass each one in order to progress to the next a pass. Pdf south african wine an industry in ferment researchgate. Jan van riebeeck was given the task of managing the station and planting vineyards to produce wine and grapes in the wijnberg wine mountain area. With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in south africa. A daily postcard with a few simple words of wine wisdom. South african red wines cabernet sauvignon 30,000 acres 2011 there is a savory complexity to south african cab, which makes it a delightful alternative to the more fruitforward cab values from paso robles or sonoma, california. For it was he who recommended to the dutch east india company that the cape, with her suitable grapegrowing climate would serve as a useful victalling station for the ships on their passage to the east. Our winemaking tradition started when the dutch east india company, who traded in spices and all things, decided to establish a halfwaypitstop at the southern point of africa in 1652. South african wine a guide to the wines of south africa. Wines of the new south africa tradition and revolution. Get tips on finding awesome valued south african wines including cabernet sauvignon by knowing these tricks.
In 1999 the south african wine industry trust sawit was established to advance transformation of the industry and promote the exporting of wines. The wine producers, the changing vineyard, the social landscape. During the first democratic elections in 1994, south africa began to reemerge onto the international wine scene. Since then, the south african wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century. Merlot, the backbone of the blend, is from vines planted in 2003.
Best wines from south africa the 2020 reverse wine snob. The story of wines of south africa wines of south africa. The south african wine index sawi has announced the winners of its annual grand wines collection awards for 2016, naming the best wines in south a frica. Access to international markets led to new investment in the south african wine market. Here you will find uptodate information on our regions, varieties, terroir and amazing biodiversity, which all make for magic wines from a magical place. Pdf south africa has gone through a true revolution in wine quality in the last 1015 years.
Access to international markets has unleashed a burst of new energy and new investment. It is fitting that this is the best known and most popular wine from the estate. Its home to a new generation of innovative winemakers using old world knowhow and new world techniques to produce some of the most wonderfully diverse styles of wine. Try searching on jstor for other items related to this book. Wines of the new south africa by tim james hardcover. The colour of wine isnt just another book about picturesque cape vineyards. South africa is a diverse nation with many cultures and traditions. South africa convergence of the old world and the new as a wine producer, south africa is considered to be part of the new world, along with the americas, australia, and new zealand. Tim james, an expert on south african wines, takes the reader on an. A journey through south africas stunning wine region cnn.
The result is that wines of the new south africa is as complete a reference on the south african wine scene as youre likely to find, and those with an interest in learning more about south african wine will be able to spend many hours with the book. Were on the lookout for great wine deals and when we see them, well send you an email. Frank welshs a history of south africa is a vividly written, definitive guide to south africa s turbulent past. Styles vary of course, and our notes aim to clarify this, but you will probably already know whether you like sauvignon blanc now among the worlds best, chardonnay, riesling, syrah, pinot noir, or cabernet. Wine lovers guide to south africa fodors travel guide go. The early history of the south african wine industry also known as new world wine can be traced to the founding of a supply station at the cape of good hope by the dutch east india company. South african wine has a history dating back to 1659, and at one time constantia was considered one of the greatest wines in the world. The ultimate guide to south african wine expertise. A wine soaked journey from grape to glass by natalie. South west france is essentially all the wine areas between bordeaux to the. Production is concentrated around cape town, with major vineyard and production centres at constantia, paarl, stellenbosch and worcester. A brief history of wine in south africa volume 22 issue 3 stefan k.
Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Wines of south africa wosa is the industry body which represents all exporters of south african wines and promotes these abroad. Get snooth s free wine newsletter for a daily dose of what to drink right now, pairing ideas, wine country travel tips, and more. Known locally as the mother city, cape town is the gateway to the south african wine lands and one of the great wine capitals of the world. Most south african wines are varietally labelled a key factor in any buying decision. One of the most famous aspects of tourism in south africa is none other than the famous south african wine route.
Even though south africa has a long history of producing highquality wine, most wine drinkers outside the country know little about it. In 2009, harrison hope wine estate was registered as the first wine estate in the eastern cape province of south africa. When fine wine is mentioned the countries of france and italy usually come to mind, but south africa has a history of winemaking that goes back nearly 4 centuries. Wine searcher currently lists 1033 south african wine producers. For a full description of the country and its wines, see south africa. Our wines warwick wine estate, stellenbosch, south africa.
But it has a long history with wine grapes, and its soils are among earths oldest. The eastern cape followed soon after through the pioneering efforts of ronnie and janet vehorn. The first half approximately of the book consists of the following chapters, following an introduction suggesting the great variety of landscape and winemaking and the complexities of south african history. Nicknamed the rainbow nation, it is this diversity that attracts people from all over the world to experience the splendidly rich heritage. He recorded that the first wine was produced in the cape, where they had landed on the 2nd february 1659.
This is the book on south africa for which wine lovers have been waiting. In the mid17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of constantia were highly prized by the. Wine and the new south africa gives an idea of the state of wine here today after the great breakthrough of 1994, with subheadings. Wine 101 grapes regional wines regions wine glossary. Pdf rightslink rights and permissions read an excerpt buying options. Jul 03, 2015 south africas wine industry is entering into the next chapter of its success story. Wine expert jancis robinson notes that the history of the south african wine industry in the 20th century shows how intimately wine mirrors social and political change. Jul 06, 2017 why the best values in wine are from south africa. The essential guide to south african wines is a new book that addresses two important aspects of our wine industry. Search the worlds most comprehensive index of fulltext books. Here the cultures of africa, europe and the east have met and mingled for over 350 years, shaping a city both ancient and modern, rich in colorful history and culturally diverse.
Wines of the world distributors pty ltd phone and map of address. This is a list of wineries in south africa arranged by wine region. Journey to one of the worlds most captivating wine regions. Known primarily for cheap wines of decent quality, ambitious south african wine. South africas premium wines made from vines aged 35 years or older. Pulling focus towards old vines, rosa kruger of old vine project believes older vines in south africa bring intensity and freshness to wines. Tokara excels for 4th consecutive year at wm 10 year old wine awards. Today, however, south africa is increasingly responsible for highdemand, highquality winesa blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. South africa essay refers to the popular abbreviation for south africa sa as well as implying an assemblage or blending of things to create a whole greater than its parts. South africas largest and most loved travelling tryandbuy wine show the tops at spar wine show has launched its 2020 tour with a refreshing new identity and brand promise that invites guests to step into the beauty of the cape winelands. South africa is another wine region making a wide assortment of excellent wines. Sought after by european aristocrats and a favorite of napoleon bonaparte, the sweet wines of constantia in the cape colony were considered to be among the worlds best during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Wine doyen john platter offers insights into where south african wine is now, and where. As such, it is responsible for building the brand south africa image. A winery is a building or property that produces wine, or a business involved in the production of wine, such as a wine company. Explore available downloads by clicking on the subject youre interested in. Wines of south africa wosa is a notforprofit industry organisation which promotes the export of all south african wine in key international markets. Here the cultures of africa, europe and the east have met and mingled for over 350 years, shaping a city both ancient and modern, rich in colorful history. Wrapping up my trip, and emptying my glass, i realize the defining element for south africa s wines wasnt the mountains, the soil, the history or even the taste. With their unique classification system and grape varieties, at first glance it may seem like approaching south african wine requires a bit of a learning curve. A repositioning has been approved by the wosa board and the south african wine and. The history of wine in south africa with the arrival of the dutch east india company led by jan van riebeeck in 1652, so the land was divided into farms. Wines from graceland vineyards the small winemakers.
Anchoring his narrative in a rich historical context, james discusses all the major wine regions, from. Find great content to download for free, right here. A brief history of wine in south africa researchgate. Cabernet sauvignon is the first wine made under the warwick label. The estate made history again with its 2009 merlot becoming the first certified estate wine ever produced in the eastern cape region. The history of wine making in south africa began as the dutch east india company established a refreshment station at the cape for trading fleets a precursor to the truck stop in 1652. Wine lovers guide to south africa fodors travel guide. Browse by regions, use the search box or click on a producer name for contact information, services offered and more details. Jan van riebeeck, the first cape governor planted the first vineyard in 1655 and others followed with various dutch immigrants.
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