Our Top 10 South African Wineries

Our third and final piece on the wines of the southern hemisphere feature our favourite 10 wineries in South Africa that are available here in Hong Kong. South African wines are a tough sell here in the city mainly due to the lack of a large South African population and also because of competition from other countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Chile. However, the country makes some stunning wines in both white and red and, although the native Pinotage grape may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are plenty of varietals grown in the country to choose from. So take a look at our Top 10 and be inspired to buy some South African wine for the next time you are having a nice meal at home.

Klein Constantia:

I have had the pleasure of both having dinner with and interviewing Klein Constantia Managing Director Hans Astrom as he visited Hong Kong last year and if there is one wine that sets this old and very historic winery apart from the others is their world-class wine, Vin de Constance. The wine somewhat died out of production for around 100 years towards the end of the 19^th century but was revived by the winery and now makes arguably some of the best sweet wines on the planet. The wine is still made from a very small plot of Muscat Blanc and, even though the wines may be in short supply, they are extremely affordable and come highly recommended by all who have tasted it. Klein Constantia wines are available in Hong Kong from ASC Fine Wines (www.asc-wines.com)

Meerlust:

Meerlust winery has long been recognized for making world-class wines and has been doing so since 1756 in the Stellenbosch area of South Africa. They make both red and white wines from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir (for the reds) and Chardonnay for the whites. Their stand out wine and one that is highly regarded on the world wine stage is the Meerlust Rubicon, a wine that is their flagship wine and one that is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The first vintage was in 1980 and these wines have great cellaring potential and will develop and get better over time. Certainly one of the best reds coming from South Africa these days. Meerlust wines are available in Hong Kong from Wine N Things (www.winenthingshk.com)

Hamilton Russell:

The Hamilton Russell winery was founded by Tim Hamilton Russell in 1975 and was the first winery to be located and pant grapes in the Walker Bay region of South Africa. For the Hamilton Russell label only two wines are made, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – the latter of which is certainly one of my favourites from the country. In recent times the winery has expanded to make a Chenin Blanc (a grape commonly associated with South Africa but not indigenous to the region) and a Pinotage (an indigenous South African grape invented by Abraham Perold in 1925 by cross germinating Pinot Noir and Cinsaut). Both labels are affordable and really very good value for money and can be found in Hong Kong from Edrington Hong Kong (www.edrington.com.hk)

Villiera:

Villiera is certainly one of my top South African wines and we in Hong Kong are fortunate that Cathy Brewer visits us frequently to conduct master classes with her wines. Recently I was fortunate to taste a vertical of her top red Munro which showed how well the wines age, shows the reflection of how the terroir of South Africa affects the wines and shows how vintage variation is much more prevalent than wines from other Southern hemisphere wineries. The Munro is a multiple award winning wine made from a blend of Cabernet and Merlot but is not the only great wine they make; there are some lovely minerally and flinty Sauvignon’s and Chenin Blancs, plus a little Gewurtz and Riesling. Villiera wines are available in Hong Kong from Wine N Things (www.winenthingshk.com)

Napier:

The Napier winery was founded in 1989 and is situated in Wellington on the Western Cape of South Africa. Only three wines from this winery are currently available in Hong Kong which are the Napier Chardonnay, Lions Creek Cabernet Sauvignon and their world class Red Medallion (pictured). The Lions Creek is a simple every day wine that is very enjoyable drinking alone or with a nice piece of steak, whereas the Napier Chardonnay and Red Medallion and really a class apart and are a great choice of wine if you are looking for something South African to take out for dinner one evening, The Red Medallion will also cellar well so it’s something you can keep and lie down for a couple of years. Napier wines are available from Kerry Wines in Hong Kong (www.kerrywines.com)

Rolland Collection:

Yes, the most famous winemaker in the world and the most jet-set wine consultant ever makes wines himself in South Africa in the Stellenbosch region of the country. Only two of the wines are available here in Hong Kong with the top end wine, Bonne Nouvelle, only having an allocation of 60 bottles per year which is also the same allocation of their other wine, the Remhoogte Estate Blend. Considering the small quantity available their wines are very well priced and, upon tasting them you will not be disappointed at what you spent. The Bonne Nouvelle is considerably more expensive than the Remhoogte Estate so I would recommend picking up a bottle of both and make your own comparisons. The Rolland Collection South African wines are available in Hong Kong from Amorosso Fine Wines (www.amorossowines.com)

Vergelegen:

I have a lot of time for Vergelegen wines mainly because of the long history they have of winemaking and that, after 313 years making wine in the Winelands of South Africa, they have perfected the making techniques of the their Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Shiraz – the three Vergelegen wines available here in Hong Kong. The wines themselves are very affordable and great everyday drinking wines as they come in at under $200 in local Watson’s Wine Cellars. Personally, I prefer the Shiraz from the wines as it’s got a nice body and character to it but is not overly fruity or spicy like other new world Shiraz that can be found at this price point. Buy on line at www.watsonswine.com or in stores city-wide.

La Motte:

It’s truly amazing how old some South African wineries are and La Motte is no exception having been founded in 1695. I tried these wines for the first time in the middle of 2012 and they are excellent wines and very approachable, easy drinking wines. Personally, I love the Chardonnay (which has 90 Parker Points – but that’s not why I like it!) as it’s buttery and smooth but with a depth of flavours and a great finish. My other favourite is their red Shiraz Viognier blend, the Pierneef which again has high scores from Parker and, although it is a rather expensive wine for everyday drinking, it really is a pleasure to consume. If you are looking for something more affordable for every day drinking then give their Millennium a try, it’s a Bordeaux blend and has 92 Parker Points. Wines from La Motte can be found from Merit Wines in Hong Kong and can be found on line at www.meritwine.com

Fairview:

Fairview wines may not be everyone’s first choice for South African wines but they are good and available actually in most restaurants and bars in Hong Kong as the house pour South African wine. This is because they are inexpensive and a great everyday wine. I like the winery because they diversify and also make some great cheeses (that I have had the pleasure of tasting but not in Hong Kong). The wines are fun and easy going, much like the winery and if you see the wines available by the glass in Hong Kong then give them a go. Alternatively go and buy yourself a mixed case of their wines from local importer Summergate Fine Wines here in Hong Kong (info@summergate.com)

Spier:

Spier winery was again founded in the 1600’s much like many other old South African wineries and has been making wines in the region since 1692. The wines have won many awards over the years and has the oldest wine cellar in the country. Their Savanha range are simple everyday drinking wines that are great for that BBQ or boat trip – my favourites are the Pinotage Rosé and their Chenin Blanc. They also make some top notch quality high end wines in their Special Reserve Selection making three reds and white and, my favourite, the Noble Late Harvest. Their top wines are called Naledi and come in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and, the flagship Pinotage. Spier is definitely one of the top South African wines available in the city and can be found via Solar Max Limited. For more information contact Dave Witts on david@solarmaxlimited.com.hk