Category: South Africa

Sauvignon blanc grapes

How Well Do You Know Sauvignon Blanc New World Wine Regions? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  August 26, 2023

The Sauvignon Blanc grape traces its lineage to the historic vineyards of France’s Loire Valley, where it gained early recognition for its distinct aromatic profile and vibrant acidity. It is also one of two grapes, along with Semillon, which makes white Bordeaux blends. However, it was the New World wine regions that truly propelled Sauvignon Blanc to worldwide fame, reimagining…

Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Napa Valley, Barossa Valley, Chile, and South Africa

How Well Do You Know Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Regions? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  August 12, 2023

Cabernet Sauvignon is the King of single-varietal red wines.  The robust body, coupled with its signature notes of black currant, black cherries, plum, and cedar, creates a sensory journey that is both powerful and refined. Its ability to age with grace only adds to its majesty, as tannins soften and intricate layers unfurl, revealing the true artistry of winemaking. It…

Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva Viognier 2020, Stag's Hollow Winery Syrah 2020, and Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2020 wines

Old World Rhone Valley Grapes in the New World – 3 Examples

 mywinepal  September 17, 2022

Can you name the native grapes of the Rhone Valley?  There are the north and south ends of the valley and different varieties.  The main varieties of the north end are Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. The northern Rhone is cooler and the valley has steep hillsides while in the southern Rhone, the climate is more Mediterranean and the terrain…

Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc 2021 and Bellingham Limited Release The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2019

Two Final South African Chenin Blanc Wines for Drink Chenin Day

 mywinepal  June 17, 2022  1 Comment on Two Final South African Chenin Blanc Wines for Drink Chenin Day

Today, June 17, 2022, is Drink Chenin Day. South Africa is a major producer of quality Chenin Blanc wine. I have posted 4 Chenin Blanc wines earlier on mywinepal to help you celebrate this day, and now I have my final two South African Chenin Blanc wines can you can try. I have the Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc 2021…

Spier Signature Chenin Blanc 2021 and 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2019

2 Chenin Blancs from Spier Wine Farm to Celebrate Drink Chenin Day

 mywinepal  June 10, 2022

I have two more South African Chenin Blanc for you to celebrate Drink Chenin Day on June 17. Both wines are from the Spier Wine Farm in the Stellenbosch region. The Spier Signature Chenin Blanc 2021 is unoaked and probably the one you may be most familiar with. The other wine is the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2019 which…

Anthonij Rupert Wyne Protea Chenin Blanc 2020 and Nederburg The Anchorman Chenin Blanc 2018

2 South African Chenin Blancs for Drink Chenin Day, Friday, June 17

 mywinepal  June 6, 2022

Drink Chenin Day is on Friday, June 17. Chenin Blanc has been grown in South Africa since the 1600s, and it continues to be the most widely planted varietal, accounting for nearly 20% of the acreage currently under vine. If you have not tried Chenin Blanc from South Africa, you are missing out on a very versatile food-friendly wine. I…

French Influence in Southern Hemisphere Wines

The French Influence on the Southern Hemisphere

 mywinepal  April 26, 2022

Winemaking has been around for hundreds of years.  We are very familiar with wines coming from Europe, in particular France, where we talk about Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.  We typically call Europe the “Old World” wine region, while wines made from the southern hemisphere, are known as the “New World“, plus North America.  But where did the grapes come from…

Douro region in Portugal

MyWinePal’s Wine Destination Travel Bucket List

 mywinepal  December 30, 2021

Wanderlust.  We must all have it after staying in our homes for the past two years due to COVID.  Maybe venturing out to a nearby city or town within a day’s driving distance, but not getting on an airplane and going where your heart desires.  I love wine, and I enjoy going to wine regions around the world, meeting winemakers…

Wildeberg Coterie Cabernet Franc & Malbec 2018

Quick Review: Wildeberg Coterie Cabernet Franc & Malbec 2018

 mywinepal  December 23, 2021

Do you have a coterie? A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially one that is exclusive of other people? I think you probably have a small group of friends that you enjoy drinking wine with. I do. They are my coterie. Today I sampled the Wildeberg Coterie Cabernet Franc & Malbec 2018 wine from the Franschhoek…

Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2019 and Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2018

Two Signature Grapes from South Africa via Ken Forrester and Kanonkop Wineries

 mywinepal  December 10, 2021

Today I have wines from the two signature grapes of South Africa; Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.  Chenin Blanc hailing from France but has flourished in South Africa. Pinotage, a red grape, was created in South Africa in the early 1920s, by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault.    Kanonkop Wine Estate and Ken Forrester Vineyards are both located in the quality…