South Africa- Presentation

November 15, 2025

The Wines of South Africa: A Journey Through History and Landscape

Title: The Wines of South Africa: A Journey Through History and Landscape
Subtitle: From Dutch Settlement to Modern Democracy
Visual Suggestion: A picture of the Cape Winelands (e.g., Stellenbosch mountains and vineyards).

The Dutch Arrival (1652):
- Cape established as a refreshment station by the Dutch East India Company.
- Jan Van Riebeeck (Commander 1652-1662) planted the first vineyard in 1655.
- First wine made: February 2nd, 1659 ("Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes").
The Golden Era:
- Simon Van der Stel (Governor, 1679) established the renowned estate, Groot and Klein Constantia.
- Arrival of French Huguenots (1688) in Franschhoek ("French Corner") injected critical viticultural expertise.

The Setback:
- Phylloxera struck South Africa in 1886, quickly decimating vineyards.
The Rise of KWV:
- KWV (Ko-Operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereeniging van Zuid-Afrika Beperkt) formed in 1918 to stabilize production and control wine surplus.
- Key figure: Dr. Charles Kohler (Chairman).
- KWV gained immense power, becoming the sole exporter of surplus wine after the 1924 KWV Act.
Modernization and Change:
- KWV was instrumental in establishing the WO (Wine of Origin) Scheme in 1972/73.
- Due to controversy and immense influence, KWV became a private company in 1997.
- The end of Apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela (1990) paved the way for international re-engagement.

Cooling Influences: Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean (West) and the Indian Ocean (South).
- Benguela Current: Cold upwelling wind from the Atlantic, cooling the Western Cape.
- Agulhas Current: Warm current from Mozambique affecting the East (small influence near the Cape).
Ancient Soils: Some of the oldest in the world (formed 1000 million years ago).
- Major types: Shale, Sandstone, and Granite.
- Example: Stellenbosch Mountains are characterized by Sandstone with granitic foothills.
Biodiversity & Sustainability:
- Most vineyards are in the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's six such kingdoms, with over 10,000 plant species.
- Commitment to the environment is underscored by the "Integrity & Sustainability" Certificate (introduced 2010), allowing bottle traceability.

Category	Percentage	Leading Varieties	Note
White	$\approx 55\%$	Chenin Blanc (18.6%), Colombard (11.9%), Sauvignon Blanc (9.8%)	Historically 85% in the late 80s (for Brandy).
Red	$\approx 45\%$	Cabernet Sauvignon (11%), Shiraz (10.3%), Pinotage (7.4%)	Red plantings have increased significantly.

Chenin Blanc (AKA: Steen): South Africa has the world's largest plantings. Old Vines are highly prized, producing high-acid, versatile wines (sparkling, dry, sweet).
- Tasting Profile: Ripe yellow apple, peach, honeysuckle, and a round, "wooly" texture.
Pinotage: A unique South African crossing (developed in 1924 by Prof. Abraham Perold).
- The Cross: Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (formerly known as Hermitage).
- Tasting Profile: Black cherry, blackberry, light savory notes. Varies from fuller, oak-influenced (Stellenbosch) to crunchier, fresh styles (Maritime).

Coastal Region: Covers most high-quality areas (Western Cape).
Swartland: Named for its dark soils. A hugely exciting area that has seen a resurrection in the last 20 years (e.g., Sadie, Badenhorst). Known for its distinctive red and white Rhône-style wines.
Olifants River Region: Stretches along a broad valley, known for bulk production but also quality, with districts like Citrusdal Mountain.
Cape Town (Constantia): Southern slopes of Table Mountain. Home of Vin de Constance (Muscat de Frontignan), a famous historic dessert wine, reportedly enjoyed by Napoleon. Also good for Sauvignon Blanc.

Location: Between Simonsberg-Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountains.
Soils: Alluvial, shale, granite, and sandstone.
Grape Focus: Heavily planted to Bordeaux Varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc lead), Syrah, Pinotage, and Chenin Blanc.
Education: Stellenbosch University is the sole institution for postgraduate oenology and viticulture.
- Pinotage was developed here in 1924.
Notable Producers: Warwick Estate, Meerlust (Rubicon), Kanonkop (benchmark for Pinotage).

Paarl: Warmer climate north of Stellenbosch (irrigation essential). Divided by the Berg River. Focus on Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Syrah, and Cab Sauv.
Wellington: Supplies $\approx 85\%$ of the Cape's grape vines from its nurseries. Combines Benguela Current effects with Hawequa Mountain foothills. Focus: Chenin Blanc, Pinotage.
Tulbagh: Surrounded by three mountain ranges, creating a dramatic diurnal shift (traps cold air). Known for Cap Classique (SA Sparkling) and Shiraz.
Klein Karoo: Further inland. Known for fortified wines and Portuguese grape varieties.

Cape South Coast: Separated by the Hottentots-Holland Mountains. Maritime climate influenced by three oceans. Boasts some of the coldest areas (Elgin, Cape Agulhas).
- Focus: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme.
- Walker Bay (Hemel-en-Aarde): Home to pioneering producers like Hamilton Russell (known for smuggling in vines during KWV control).
Breede River Valley: Critical for volume (Worcester is $\approx 25\%$ of SA production).
- Worcester: Largest district, important for Brandy production.
- Robertson: The most quality-oriented district, with extreme diurnal shift. Emerging region for high-quality, elegant Chardonnay and Cap Classique (e.g., De Wetshof, Graham Beck).