Know your wine

Explore a wonderful world of wines by getting to know your wine types better.  Understanding the difference between different types of red and white wines will help you discover wine varietals so you can understand wine labels and make the best choice:

  • THE BIG 5

    The emergence of niche varieties is exciting, but these five wines still account for the majority of South Africa’s red and white wine sales

    CHENIN BLANC Our proudly South African all-rounder. Consistent and classy.
    SAUVIGNON BLANC Green peppers, gooseberry and granadilla. What’s not to love?
    CHARDONNAY Unwooded with lime and citrus; wooded with peach, apricot and buttered toast.
    MERLOT Soft, smooth and seductive. Cherry and chocolate. Ripe, rich and rounded.
    CABERNET SAUVIGNON Blackcurrant, chocolate, a hint of mint and velvety tannins. 

    SHOP THESE AND OTHER WINES

  • CHARDONNAY

    (Shar-doh-nay)

    IN THE GLASS: Chardonnay takes on a glowing straw hue in the glass. It can range from a gentle yellow to a golden yellow.  
    SMELL: Like the colour, you can expect hints of straw, pine and mild fruity notes. Unwooded Chardonnay holds a fresh, zesty flavour while its wooded counterpart leans more toward vanilla, butterscotch and nuts.
    TASTE: The taste varies vastly according to whether it is wooded or unwooded. Unwooded Chardonnay is crisp and fruity. Wooded Chardonnay is buttery and rich.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: Full-bodied Chardonnays pair beautifully with buttery, rich dishes, think: Hollandaise sauce, rich fish and creamy sauces. Medium-bodied Chardonnays lend themselves to seafood, smoked fish, sushi, Thai flavours and curries.  
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 10° and 16° C.

    SHOP CHARDONNAY 

  • SAUVIGNON BLANC

    (Sew-vee-nyon Blonc)

    IN THE GLASS: Expect a bright wine with a light straw hue.
    SMELL: Aromatic and light, you can look forward to notes of blueberry, nettle, herbs and a hint of freshly cut grass.
    TASTE: Clear, crisp and summery, you will taste racy acidity, fresh flavours and hints of ripe fruit.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: This versatile wine compliments many flavours.
    SERVING TEMPERATURE:  Between 8° and 14° C.

    SHOP SAUVIGNON BLANC

  • CHENIN BLANC

    (Shen-in Blonc)

    IN THE GLASS: A great Chenin will be clear with a slight glow, when young. As it ages it will lean more towards a golden straw colour.  
    SMELL: Fresh, tropical fruit aromas like guava and melon can be expected.
    TASTE: Whether dry or sweet, Chenin will always offer an uncomplicated drinking experience. It’s the perfect easy drinking white wine.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: Pair Chenin with seafood or fish, Thai food or any light summer chicken sih.
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 12° and 14° C.

    SHOP CHENIN BLANC 

  • VIOGNIER

    (Vee-yon-yay)

    IN THE GLASS: Voignier is crystal clear and diamond bright when young and yellows with age
    SMELL: Look forward to hints of peach and apricot.  
    TASTE: Similar to it’s smell, it’s taste is infused with peach and apricot flavours and a mild toastiness.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: Viognier is perfect with Asian-inspired dishes, go easy on the chilli though.
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 10° and 14° C. 

    SHOP VOIGNIER 

  • SHIRAZ

    (Shih-raz or See-rah)

    IN THE GLASS: Shiraz presents as a dense ruby shade.
    SMELL: Expect smoky, peppered noted with hints of wild herbs, leather and allspice.
    TASTE: Rich, intense red berry flavours can be expected when drinking Shiraz. Rustic, flavours can also be tasted.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: Read meat matched perfectly with Shiraz.
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 16° and 18° C.

    SHOP SHIRAZ

  • PINOTAGE

    (Pea-no-taarzh)

    IN THE GLASS: Pinotage presents as a deep ruby to crimson shade. Older wines tend to edge more toward mahogany.
    SMELL: Expect hints of plum, black cherry and mulberry.
    TASTE: Young wines are packed with plum and berry flavours.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: Unwooded  Pinotage pairs well with game, lamb, bobotie, braaied wors and young cheddar. Full-bodied Pinotage pairs well with steak, rich, gamey stews (using ostrich, kuku or guinea fowl).
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 16° and 18° C.

    SHOP PINOTAGE 

  • MERLOT

    (Mer-low)

    IN THE GLASS: Merlot presents as a bright garnet red.
    SMELL: Look out for notes of chocolate, coffee, smoked meats, cinnamon, almond and broader tones of mint and eucalyptus.
    TASTE: Expect a rich and rewarding drinking experience. Merlot is fleshy and velvety on the palate. You can expect to taste: red berry, mocha and nuts.
    MATCHING WITH FOOD: Merlot is perfect with lamb, quail, duck, tongue or cold meats.
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 15° and 18° C.

    SHOP MERLOT 

  • CABERNET SAUVIGNON

    (Cab-er-nay Saw-vee-nyon)

    IN THE GLASS: A Cabernet will be deeply coloured, dark ruby approaching an ink black; when matured, the ruby turns a  tawny shade of red.
    SMELL: Look out for notes of blackberry, mulberry and mineral tones.
    TASTE: You can expect a combination of the following: blackcurrant and cassis, blackberry,  tea-leaf, tobacco and firm dry tannins.
    PAIRING IT WITH FOOD:  Chose a great roast beef, hearty casseroles, grills or venison.  
    SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 16º and 18º C.

    SHOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON

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