South African Red Wine

South Africa’s red-wine scene has been transformed over the last 20 years. While once the preserve of rather inconsistent winemaking, standards of viticulture and know-how in the winery have improved markedly in the last two decades. Today it is home to refined, ageworthy Cabernet blends; vibrant, vivid Syrah; and nuanced, cool-climate Pinot Noir. Stellenbosch remains the Cape’s red-wind heartland, notably through its signature variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, which yields Bordeaux blends to match any in the southern hemisphere. Swartland has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting wine regions, source of supremely compelling Syrah and Rhône blends, via producers such as Eben Sadie, Mullineux and Badenhorst. Meanwhile, cooler climate spots such as Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde yield wonderfully fresh Pinot Noir.