Grape
Varieties
Six grapes define South African wine. From the grape that's been here since 1655 to the one we created ourselves — each tells a different story, produces a radically different wine, and reveals a different side of what SA terroir can do.
The only grape variety created on South African soil — born from a daring cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut in 1925. Misunderstood for decades. Now producing wines that challenge the world's finest. Dark, characterful, uniquely ours.
Blanc
Pungent, zesty, aromatic. SA's alfresco wine — 50% of all labelled white wine sold here.
Blanc
The world's most versatile grape — SA produces 53% of the global supply. Here since 1655.
The world's most popular white grape. From bone-dry mineral Chablis to rich SA oaked expressions that rival Burgundy's finest — at a fraction of the price.
Shiraz
Two names, one extraordinary grape. Bold, peppery, savoury. SA's second most planted red stands toe-to-toe with the finest Rhône wines in the world.
Sauvignon
The world's most planted grape — dark, tannic, powerful, built to age for decades. Not an elegant ballerina. A muscular superhero of a wine.
How they compare
At a glance — key structure and character across all six varieties. Use this as a quick reference when choosing a wine style.
Ready to go
deeper?
Each grape variety has its own full profile — vineyard character, tasting notes, SA regions, winemaking, top producers, and food pairings.