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SOUTH A<strong>FR</strong>ICA<br />
GRAPE<br />
FAIRVIEW HARVEST<br />
T<br />
he inspiration drawn from France’s northern and southern Rhône regions is evident<br />
in the landscapes that, in a way, mirror each other. South Africa’s vignerons, in some<br />
instances, find common ground with the Rhône, courtesy of amphitheatre-like terroirs<br />
that retain heat, ensuring the ripening of Shiraz and its accessory, Grenache, with<br />
that sought-after berry flamboyance. A wide range of terroirs, including rolling hills,<br />
plateaus, and river valleys, make this connection palpable. Winemakers, whose wines<br />
underwent the discerning palate of the Gilbert & Gaillard tasting panel, often recount<br />
how their time in the Rhône gave them invaluable lessons on approaching these grape<br />
varieties in their homeland.<br />
While the magic of the Rhône lies in its steep, south- and southeast-facing slopes in the<br />
north, the South African landscape is certainly more forgiving with timid gradients in<br />
comparison. Still, there is something to be said about a similar essence of the southern<br />
Rhone and the Cape Winelands. They share a Mediterranean climate that produces wines<br />
with a delicate balance between fruitiness and acidity. Despite their weight, these vibrant<br />
and lively wines are the style South African wineries have embraced, without mimicking<br />
these quintessentially Rhône wines.<br />
As many Rhône-style wines in South Africa are based on Shiraz, the art lies in balancing<br />
its generous expressions of dark fruit and spice with a more savoury tone, preventing<br />
the wine from overwhelming the palate. Various soil types are crucial in determining<br />
the ripening period, absorbing, or reflecting sunlight—an aspect mirrored in South<br />
Africa. And, while the Rhône faces challenges (and benefits) from the mistral wind,<br />
the Cape Winelands must brace their vineyards against a similar power. As ruthless as<br />
the onslaught of the Cape’s south-easterly wind, aka Cape Doctor, can be, this natural<br />
frenemy also cools and aerates the canopies in the peak of summer.<br />
WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE <strong>FR</strong>ENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
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