These recommended South African wines are a nod to the World Cup’s host nation, which now produces some of the best wines on the planet. Susy Atkins picks a bunch of high-scorers.
Best buy whites
Co-op Fairtrade Cape Chenin Blanc-Colombard 2009, Breede River Valley £4.75
Fresh, succulent and slightly off-dry, this refreshing wine also has a grassy, herbaceous streak. Perfect for a hot-weather party.
Flagstone Noon Gun 2009, £6.99, Tesco
A canny blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, this is a juicy, well-balanced white, packed with apples and pears. It’s a clever buffet wine, matching well with cold chicken, salads, savoury pastries and cheeses.
Tesco Finest Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2009, Stellenbosch £6.99
This rounded, appley white comes from one of the best Chenin Blanc producers in the Cape. Pair with mildly spiced fish, seafood and chicken.
Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Elgin £9.99, selected Waitrose stores and waitrosewine.com
Rapidly becoming one of the Cape’s cult wines, Iona Sauvignon has a pure, clean, citrus character. A wine to pair with fresh, simple seafood.
Springfield Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvée 2009, Robertson £8.99, Sainsbury’s
A whistle-clean, palate-wakening white with a grassy note as well as lemons and limes. It works well as an aperitif, or with light canapés or sushi.
Best buy reds
Co-op Fairtrade Cape Cinsault-Shiraz 2009, Breede River Valley £4.75
A vivacious, bright ruby-red blend of grapes that delivers redcurrant and cassis with a fresh, easy finish. This is easy to drink on its own, or paired with savoury party snacks, tomato pasta sauces or sausages.
Asda Extra Special South African Pinotage 2008, Coastal Region £6.98
A good-value Pinotage that packs in fresh, plummy fruit and a soft, chocolatey finish. An easy-drinking red for barbecues, especially good with beef or lamb. Otherwise, match it with a tomato-rich pasta sauce.
Tesco Shiraz 2008, Stellenbosch £7.99
Likeable, inexpensive Shiraz in a ripe, fruity style with a twist of spice on the finish. Unlike some New World Shiraz, this isn’t too heavy or overpowering and goes down well with pizzas, garlic bread, even mild lamb or veg curries.
Porcupine Ridge Syrah-Viognier 2008, Franschhoek £7.99, Majestic
Yet another impressive release from the excellent Porcupine Ridge label. A blend of 98 per cent Syrah (Shiraz) with a tiny bit of white Viognier. It’s leathery and rich, with distinctive notes of mocha, cloves and cardamom – one for spicy chillies or juicy steak baguettes.
Charles Back Barbera 2008, Coastal Region £9.99, Marks & Spencer
Here’s something different – the Italian grape Barbera popping up to create a vibrant red with a ripe core of blackcurrant flavour. Winemaker Charles Back has tamed the natural acidity of this grape to make a well-balanced wine that’s fab with peppery sausages and pork chops.