High-quality varieties of South African wines

Although the climate in South Africa is hot, more than half of the white grapes are planted. The most important white grape variety is Chenin Blanc, which is called Steen locally. Here, Shirin Blanc has a variety of styles and can brew sweet wines from refreshing dry white to different sweetness. But the most popular wine is old white heather, with complex and rich flavor.

Bai Shinan is also called Bai Shinan. Originated in France, it is an excellent wine-making variety in the middle reaches of the Loire River in France.

The wine has excellent quality, light yellow color, full acidity and rich honey fruit aroma, and is one of the excellent varieties for brewing liquor.

Ears are moderately large, with an average ear weight of 3 15g, conical or cylindrical, with forked shoulders and accessory ears. Small fruit, close planting, single fruit weight 1.26g, nearly round or oval, yellowish green, thick peel, juicy pulp, soluble solid content of 20%, sugar content 17%, acid content of 0.9%, and juice yield of 72%. The wine brewed with it is light yellow with green color, clear and transparent, with excellent fruit aroma, full body, mellow and refreshing, and excellent wine quality.

Pinotagi

Pinotagi is a unique wine grape variety cultivated by South Africa itself and is the pride of South Africa. When it comes to South African wines, it is inevitable to mention Pi Nuo Tachi.

Pinotagi is a national symbol of South Africa. The new variety, which is formed by crossing Pi Nuo and Zinso, can age wine with rich aroma, rough taste and heavy body style in oak barrels, and can also brew wine with light and soft taste and raspberry aroma, which is suitable for big mouth drinking. Pinotagi's potential has been continuously exploited and attracted more and more attention from the world. Because South Africa is mainly exported, the proportion of internationally popular grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Xiha is also increasing. The blending method of Bordeaux is often popular here, and elegant and serious red wine similar to Bordeaux style is brewed.

A large number of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have been replanted. Although they are still young, they have begun to show their potential in the future. Bold winemakers adopted some latest brewing techniques, such as fermenting Chardonnay in new oak barrels, which increased its body and complexity and tasted like Burgundy Jinshan style. Sauvignon Blanc not only retains the original plant flavor, but also adds some more complex aroma such as baking in oak barrels. There are many kinds of wines in South Africa, including red wine, white wine, sweet wine, sparkling wine and fortified wine. The grape planting season in South Africa is half a year earlier than that in Europe, and the new wine is listed half a year earlier than that in France.

white wine

From 65438 to 0994, South Africa ended apartheid and returned to the embrace of the international community, and the wine industry in South Africa was also bright. However, since South Africa began mass production and the first wave of sympathy for buying cheap white wine appeared, the situation was far from smooth sailing.

The quality of wine-not ridiculous-has been steadily improving. This is because the new generation of producers are very different from their predecessors. They traveled all over the world, looking for inspiration and technology for brewing. However, they still have to envy the wine sales in Australia and covet the special column space for wine merchants in New Zealand and South America.

The floating exchange rate did not bring them much benefit; Distell is the only large local wine producer, mainly relying on spirits and the domestic market. Multinational brewing companies have been slow to invest in South Africa-although Gallo, an American wine giant, has been asking for a long time and plans to cooperate with Swartland, another large South African producer, to launch a product line.

Another problem in South Africa's wine industry is the lack of internationally renowned brands that can compete with Australia's Huangwei or New Zealand's Montana. Kumara is South Africa's largest brand in Britain, its largest export market and the leading product of South African wine entering Britain, but it faces a double dilemma: in fact, it is not from South Africa, and it is difficult to find traces in that country. It was originally born in Shropshire, England. After a series of acquisitions, Kumara has almost accidentally fallen into the hands of Americans. Perhaps because of this uncertainty, Kumara's sales plummeted, which in turn affected South Africa's share of this very important wine market in Britain-fortunately, the situation improved slightly.

South Africa's wine industry has long relied on cheap labor, and now workers' wages, education and living conditions are gradually improving. South Africa's wine industry can rank eighth in the world, but it still cannot compete with Australia's low-cost mechanized wineries. After listening to a lot of suggestions, the South African Wine Industry Association decided to make full use of its unique natural resources-Cape Plant Kingdom, and vigorously promote the rich and rare biological communities in this area, not just the age of the soil. None of these features can be directly transmitted to the wine glass, but the relationship between them is slowly being established. According to South Africa's Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, 50,000 hectares of vineyards have been designated as protected areas to encourage all wineries in South Africa to carry out long-term sustainable planting and picking.

Wine producers watched with envy the high scores given by two authoritative American wine review magazines-robert parker's Wine Advocate and Marvin Shanken's Wine Observer to big-name wines outside Europe, and seemed to be trying their best to copy them. Obviously, South Africa no longer focuses on the production of white wine, taking into account a little red wine, but concentrates all the brewing resources to create red wine that has been flooded in many export markets. Shiraz, a household name, is this kind of red wine that is highly anticipated by local people.

The annual old wine tasting exhibition is one of the most authoritative wine product competitions in South Africa. In the 20 13 exhibition, Shiraz is the most competitive wine, with 15 1 entries (there are about 400 winemakers in South Africa). In 2005, Shiraz only accounted for 0.7% of all wine grapes in South Africa, so Shiraz red wine was mostly produced from relatively young vines, and the fruit also lacked heavy taste and expressiveness.

In contrast, the situation of liquor is much better. After all, the history of planting Semillon, Shiraz and other white grapes in South Africa is much longer. Since1980s, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc produced in South Africa are also very competitive. The white vines in the winery are often mature and can bear many hybrid fruits; Moreover, when the fruit is close to maturity, the damage of white grapes to the leaf curl virus that often ravages South African vineyards is far less than that of red grapes.

Among the white wines in South Africa, there is also a particularly attractive natural freshness, especially the top Chardonnay, the quality of which is comparable to that of French Burgundy white wine. Compared with similar white wines from other non-European regions, the life cycle of South African Chardonnay wines is significantly longer. Chardonnay in many wineries has a perfect growth process, such as Chamonix, Glen Kalou, Hamilton Russell, Hattenburg Reserve, Jordan, Rustenburg, Selma, Wiglegan and so on.

Sauvignon Blanc in the Cape of Good Hope is usually fruity. Compared with most similar liquors produced in non-European regions, its taste is drier and less rough, and its liquor body is richer than that of European varieties, between Sansel and marlborough. South Africa can be proud of their white wine skills. According to 1989 (replacing the version of 1957), the control and management of wine origin, cultivated varieties and grape harvest period belong to the fruit wine and spirits administration, and each wine or brandy bottle has a seal issued by the fruit wine and spirits administration. The seal guarantees the authenticity of all information such as the place of origin, variety and harvest year marked on the label. The identification code on the seal is a sign that the Fruit Wine and Spirits Administration strictly manages wine products from pressing to final product identification.

Under the guidance of the wine origin plan, the Cape of Good Hope wine producing areas are divided into officially designated regions, places and communities. It includes four main areas: Blid Valley, klinger Lu, coastal areas and Olefin River. It includes 17 different local areas and 5 1 smaller areas, including the exciting Elim near CapeAgulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

About 73 cultivated varieties have been approved for wine production. Each variety has different characteristics due to its long-term adaptation to different soil and climate, which can meet the requirements of brewing wine with specific quality and taste. This is a close relationship between cultivated varieties, producing areas and wine itself.

New place of origin

Exciting new fields are emerging, some of which have not yet been separated.

Erin, located at the southernmost tip of Africa, has a cool sea vineyard, which is an independent small area. Langkloof is located in the semi-arid Klinkaroo area, but it is only 18km away from the coast, so it can benefit from the ocean in terms of climate. Of course, there are vineyards in the mountainous areas of Wartburg where it often snows in winter.

The wine-producing countries in the new world have a unique variety as a symbol, such as Zinfandel in California, Shiraz in Australia, Sauvignon Brown in New Zealand and malbec in Argentina. For South Africa, this symbol belongs to Pi Nuo Tachi. Pinotagi wine has an unusually fresh and rich fruity aroma, and it shows its unrestrained aroma unabashedly. The taste is soft and juicy, slightly sweet.

There are 12 wine farm avenues in South Africa. The first avenue is GrootConstantia, the oldest vineyard in South Africa is Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch, and other famous farms are Paarl, Wellington, Vignerondesdefranchhoek, Ulbagh, Worcester, Robertson, Swartland, OlifantsRiver, Overberg, Little Karoo and Durbanville.

Growth region

Cape Town has five grape-growing areas, covering an area of over one million hectares, with 340 wine cellars and wineries.

Cape Town has five grape growing regions: Binhai, oifanta River, boberg, breede Valley, klein and karoo, as well as Orange River Vineyard and Loopspruit Wine Region. The grape variety name on the product label is authorized according to the wine origin plan, and can only be used if the varieties match. Moreover, only 75% of the ingredients in wine come from this variety can the corresponding name be used. In addition, if wine is exported to the EU, 85% of the ingredients must come from cultivated varieties.

I. Constantinia

Constantine Valley, the famous valley in history, is the birthplace of Constantine sweet wine, which was famous all over the world in 18 and 19 centuries. On this wine road, there are several wine cellars, which keep the tradition of making excellent wine. The vineyard is adjacent to Constantinople, which is an extension of Mount Tarbu, and Cape Town and its extended suburbs are under the mountain. The grapes planted here also benefit from the cool sea breeze blowing from Voss Bay, 5 to 10 km away.

Second, dear.

Daling is covered with high-quality grape estates, only one hour's drive from Cape Town, which is increasingly attractive to tourists. Groenekloof community in this area is famous for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc because it is closest to the cool Atlantic Ocean.

Third, Durbonville.

Like Constantinia, the dry vineyards in Durban Valley are close to Puton. There are four wineries and three wineries here, which are mainly distributed on the undulating hillside by the sea. Different terrains and altitudes gave birth to various wines, mainly red grapes. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot produced in this area are famous all over the world.

4. Klinkaroo (Little Karoo)

This long and narrow area extends from Monterrey to Ozhorn, and the climate is a bit extreme ―― warmer in summer and less precipitation. Grapes are usually planted in valley areas with abundant irrigation water. Klinkaroo produces some of South Africa's most famous fortified wines, such as Zhuobu District in Kalize, which is famous for producing high-quality port wine.

V. Western Cape (Northern Cape)

The northernmost planting area in Cape is also the fourth largest producing area. It has been extending along the Orange River, and it is the warmest area, with an area of over10.5 million hectares. This is the most important white wine producing area, with more and more red grapes, especially Merlot, Pinotagi and Syrah.

6. Olivanz R.

This is a banded area along the wide valley of the Olefinz River. Compared with other Cape wine producing areas, it is warmer and has less precipitation. Meticulous leaf curtain management technology ensures that grapes can rely on leaves to block the sun. At the same time, combined with modern wine-making technology, Olefin River region has become an important base for high-quality and high-value wines. This area includes the cool high-altitude areas of Cederborg and Cuff, Piquenet.

Seven, Overberg ()

Emerging grape growing areas such as Porter River, Aijian and Walker Bay are distributed in the cooler southern region. Walker Bay, near the coastal city of Hermanus, is the best producing area of Chardonnay, Black Pi Nuo and Sauvignon Blanc. Some of these vineyards are close to the sea and can benefit from the cool sea breeze. The soil is weathered shale, which is very suitable for varieties that like cool climate.

Eight, Paarl (Paarl)

Parr is a beautiful town, 50 kilometers away from Puton. Located in the lower part of the rock formation formed by three huge granite domes, the largest of which is called Parr Peak. Many kinds of grapes are planted here, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotagi, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

In Parr, known as the "cooking capital" of the Cape region, the French Huguenot Sect is still maintained here, which is also reflected in the wines produced. The region also includes Wellington, a developing wine producing area, which produces some potential wines, and the latest Simon Castle-Parr.

Nine, Robard Cen (ROBERTSON)

Robard Cen, irrigated by Blid River, is known as "the Valley of Wine and Rose". The carbon rocks and soil here are very suitable for horse racing. Of course, it is also suitable for producing high-quality wine. Although the temperature is relatively high in summer, there is a cool and humid southeast wind blowing in the valley. This is a traditional white wine producing area, which is famous for Chardonnay. Robard Cen is also one of the most remarkable Sila producing areas in Cape area. In addition, there are fortified liqueurs.

X. STELLENBOSCH

Stellenbosch is a beautiful town with a university town and research institutions. It is proud that its traditional wine-making history can be traced back to the late17th century. Among its rapidly growing number of wineries and breweries (more than 130), there are also some well-known enterprises in Cape. In this area, there are wineries with a long history and contemporary wineries, which have almost all outstanding grape varieties. In addition, it is also famous for its various mixed red wines. The concentrated planting area here is divided into several small variety planting areas, including Simonsburg-Stellenbosch, Jonkeshuk, Portelary, Devon Valley, Heldburg, Fort Gai, Pape, Korenhoff and Wrotenburg.

Xi。 Swartland

The black property area is located in the northwest of Cape Town and belongs to the coastal area. It borders Fort pickett to the north. Under the background of rolling golden wheat waves and green vineyards, the black real estate area is a traditional producing area of rich and mellow red grapes and high-quality fortified wine. All kinds of red and white wines won the grand prize excitedly. This area also produces top wines.

Twelve, Tulba (TULBAGH)

Tulba grows orchards and wheat fields, surrounded by mountains on three sides. Although the complexity of mountainous areas has created various regional microclimates, the summer climate is still relatively warm. With today's high-tech vineyard irrigation management and advanced planting practice, the potential of this area is gradually emerging. In this hidden production area, there are two cooperative organizations and some wineries, some of which belong to new immigrants.

13. Last name

Worcester's wine production is characterized by large-scale cooperative organizations. It is also the most important brandy producing area. In the past few years, some large production organizations began to produce bottled high-quality wine. This production area occupies most of the Blid Valley and its tributaries. Here, the soil and microclimate of different valleys are different. In the village of Rosen near Worcester, dense vineyards are planted on the soil of the valley. On this wine road, there are 18 wine cellars within 10 km.

Characteristic grapes

Pinotagi is a characteristic grape variety in South Africa, which was obtained by crossing Black Pi Nuo with Shensuo by Professor perrot of Stellenbosch University on 1925. Pinle is not only found in South Africa, but also in neighboring Zimbabwe and New Zealand. The climate in New Zealand is humid, and grapes are susceptible to infectious diseases. Pinle grape has strong skin thickness and disease resistance, which is very suitable for local climate conditions. There are also Pinle grapes in California, USA, and he can also be seen in Canada and Australia.

The wine brewed by Pinle has good depth and level, and it is a wine with extremely refreshing fruit aroma. Tastes like bananas. Aromas of black plums and violets.

vineyard

More than 45% of vineyards have been transformed according to the theme of the revival of the wine industry in South Africa. Re-integration of wine products and global competition, the main measures include: from mass production to variety cultivation, brewing high-quality wine. South Africa's vineyards used to be dominated by white grapes, but driven by the market, they have developed in the direction of balanced development of white grapes and red grapes.

The wine producers here are committed to choosing the most suitable planting place for special varieties of grapes. In addition, attention should also be paid to selecting new varieties and rootstock grafted seedlings that can adapt well to local soil and climate. The planting scale of wine grapes in South Africa is 1 10200 hectares, distributed in an area about 800 kilometers long.