South Africa 2 products.

South African viticulture is concentrated in the southwest of the country, in the Western Cape, where the convergence of the cold Atlantic Benguela Current and the Indian Ocean generates a tempered Mediterranean climate. The granites of Stellenbosch, the slates of Swartland, the sandy soils of Constantia, and the limestones of Robertson are the substrates that define the character of the different districts.

Chenin Blanc (Steen in local nomenclature) is the most planted variety—South Africa retains old-vine Chenin vineyards unique in the world—and produces whites of high acidity, creamy texture, and ageing potential that connect with the style of Savennières in the Loire. Pinotage (a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault), the indigenous red variety, provides the most distinctive element of South African viticulture. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc complete the main variety register.