FIVE SOUTH AFRICAN WINES TO TRY

1

Syrah 2016, Swartland, Porcupine Ridge, South Africa red, $16.45, SAQ # 10678510.

Really good. Dark-fruited, great freshness and refined tannins. Has a subtle note of smoked meat and spice on the finish, so very much like Crozes-Hermitage. Grape variety: syrah. Residual sugar: 3.3 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2019. Food pairing idea: apéritif, white meat roasts, vegetarian stir-fries with hoisin and ginger.

2

Pinot Noir 2015, Félicité, Breede River, Newton Johnson, South Africa red, $19.70, SAQ # 12556321.

Very fresh and fruit-forward pinot noir. Lots of red fruits, an underlying smoke note and just enough tannin to give it some grip. Good value here. Grape variety: pinot noir. Residual sugar: 2.2 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: apéritif, grilled salmon.

3

Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Elgin, Paul Cluver, South Africa white, $21.95, SAQ # 13061654.

Moving into grapefruit and riper citrus notes. Very salty, fresh and really juicy. No real herbal element — perhaps a faint hint of grass. The acidity is so comfortable, refreshing and not at all sour. Really good. Grape variety: sauvignon blanc. Residual sugar: 2.6 g/L. Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing idea: apéritif, asparagus, lighter fish like trout.

4

Red 2014, Kloof Street, Swartland, Mullineux, South Africa red, $22.55, SAQ # 12483927.

Super-fresh Rhône-style blend that is all about crunchy fruit, refined tannin and an earthy, meaty finish. Might lack a bit of texture for some, but drinks super easy. Grape varieties: syrah, mourvèdre, carignan, cinsault. Residual sugar: 2.4 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2022. Food pairing idea: vegetarian stir-fries with tamari and ginger.

5

The Chocolate Block 2015, Western Cape, Boekenhoutskloof, South Africa red, $38.35, SAQ # 10703412.

Much cleaner and fresher than I remember it being. Juicy with nicely layered tannins. Oak is way in the background, adding spice if anything. Yes, there’s a touch of chocolate on the finish and it has a New World feel, but if you want a powerful wine with elegance, this is it. Grape varieties: syrah, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, cinsault. Residual sugar: 2.7 g/L. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2022. Food pairing idea: pepper steak.