GG_N50_FR

SOUTH AFRICA
VINEYARDS
BON COURAGE IS HOME TO ELEGANT CAP CLASSIQUE WINES THAT OWE THEIR CHARACTER TO LIME-RICH SOILS
What moulded the South African landscape as an excellent wine producing
country is its geographical wealth of soil, mountains and valleys, creating
micro and meso climates within its predominantly Mediterranean climate. The
wine industry extends from the Olifants River in the North to the blue-green spectacle
of mountains framing the Cape South Coast and Coastal regions. Moving
inland, the red rocky peaks of the Klein Karoo reveal vast plains bedecked in
vineyards. Although the Breede River Valley is poised in the centre, it has shed the
middle-child notion, excelling in its diversity of styles and price points.
After three centuries of refining its viticulture, no vine is planted in vain. South
African winegrowing regions are confidently celebrating terroir. They have learned
to embrace the gift of abundant sunshine, with numerous awards debunking the
belief that vast, warmer appellations produce homogenous wines. Many, if not all,
especially the Breede River Valley, have booted these assumptions, rising to the
podium with elegant, world-class wines.
THE EXPECTED, AND THE UNEXPECTED
Mountains abound in the Breede River Valley, with various scenic routes leading
here. Home to various co-ops and bulk-producing wine facilities, wineries located
in its production areas, namely Breedekloof, Robertson and Worcester, have also
successfully positioned themselves as leading producers of award-winning Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadel. Fortifying their strengths and the confidence
in what they offer makes them a sought-after supplier of grapes to other
WINTER 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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