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Jan van Riebeeck planted the first vineyard in South Africa in 1655 and the first wine was made four years later. On 2 February 1659 he wrote in his diary 'Today, praise be to God, wine was pressed from Cape grapes for the first time.’
South Africa is famous for many things—its exotic wildlife, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes. It is also renowned as one of the best wine-producing nations in the world, with the perfect climate for outstanding viticulture across several different wine regions.
About Our Wine
Pinotage
ABV: 13-15%
South Africa’s flagship grape is Pinotage – cultivated in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold, the first professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Pinotage was first cultivated on the Lanzerac Estate, and is a cross between princely Pinot Noir, and the robust Cinsault (known locally as Hermitage). Pinotage remains South Africa’s first unique and indigenous wine grape variety, and made history in 1991 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London when the Kanonkop Pinotage received the Robert Mondavi Trophy as the Best Red Wine.
The judges praised Pinotage as an “excellent wine and grape variety with tremendous potential”, with promise to be the “future of South Africa”, urging that “Pinotage should be taken seriously”. Since then, a separate category was created for Pinotage, putting it on the same level as the traditional European varieties.
Taste: Pinotage takes on black cherry flavours, along with hints of leather and tar. The clever use of oak by some wineries also gives Pinotage a distinct chocolate or coffee twist which wine lovers have become particularly fond of.
Pairing: Pinotage pairs best with meats like venison, goat, and lamb. It is also a favourite amongst beef lovers and offers a lighter alternative to the usual merlot or shiraz pairing.
Pinotage is not the only varietal South Africa is renowned for. Just as the wildlife industry has the Big Five, the South African wine industry boasts the Big Six, which refers to the cultivars: Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Shiraz
ABV: 14.5 – 15.5%.
Shiraz is a red wine cultivar with distinct smoky flavour. It developed from a crossing between the near extinct varieties, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. In most of the rest of the world, the variety is referred to as Syrah. Alongside it’s smoky aromas, Shiraz wines generally have peppery, spicy and fruity flavours. Shiraz is best paired with grilled meats, vegetables, wild game, and beef stew – or rich, hearty meals we all adore around winter time.
Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 13.5 – 15%
Stellenbosch is Cabernet Sauvignon country. This red grape variety is the King of Grapes, producing some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world, such as in Bordeaux in France and Napa Valley in the USA.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine variety that developed out of a spontaneous crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Ranging in flavours from berries to liquorice, or even green peppers with a hint of grassiness. Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with prime steaks, juicy burgers, short ribs, roast lamb, as well as portobello mushrooms, and cheeses. Cabernet Sauvignon’s flexibility is truly what makes it a winning wine.
Merlot
ABV: 13 – 14.5%.
Merlot is a medium to full-bodied dry red wine with mild acidity and smooth tannins.
While a cool climate Merlot has an alcohol content of 13 - 14%, Merlot from warmer climates like South Africa usually sit around 14.5% ABV.
Merlot is the second most widely planted red wine grape in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has seductive dark fruit flavors of black cherry and plum, along with vanilla and cedar notes. These are often accompanied by underlayers of herbs, tobacco, licorice, and berries. Merlot pairs well with roasted vegetables and hard cheeses, as well as proteins such as roast duck, turkey, beef. Merlot is a must have on any dinner table.
Chardonnay
ABV: 13.5 – 14.5%.
Probably one of the most familiar names among the myriad of varieties and wines out there, chardonnay is loved by wine drinkers and winemakers alike. It is easy to grow, which is why it has become one of the most widely grown white grape varieties in the world. Chardonnay is similar in taste to zippy styles of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, but without the ‘green’ flavors. Chardonnay is best paired with seafood, roast or baked chicken, as well as pastas and risottos. Perfect for the summertime, or light meals.
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV: 12.5 – 14%.
Sauvignon Blanc produces white wines with distinct green and herbaceous flavours. The name means “wild white” in French and the variety is believed to be a descendant of the ancient Traminer family. It is one of the most widely planted varieties in the world. Sauvignon Blanc is produced in all of the wine producing regions of South Africa, with Stellenbosch accounting for the biggest area under production. Sauvignon Blanc produced under warm climatic regions generally produce wine with flavours of tropical yellow fruit, while cooler climatic conditions produce wines with more wild spiced tones, such as grass, asparagus and green figs. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most food-friendly white wines. It pairs well with seafood, chicken, green vegetables, and herb-forward sauces like pesto, and chimichurri. Sauvignon Blanc is a firm favourite for wine lovers, and a must-try for anyone who has not yet shared the joy of this exquisite varietal.
Still thirsty after the Big Six? Some other popular South African cultivars include Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cape Reisling, Cinsault, Colombar, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel to name just a few.
About Our Regions
Vineyards can be found across South Africa, from the Agulhas coast to the Orange River Valley—but the most iconic vineyards are located in and around the Cape Winelands, in the key regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Breedekloof, Robertson and Franshoek.
Here, farms established by Dutch colonists and French Huguenots in the late 1600’s, now function as South African wine estates, with tree-lined driveways leading to impeccably manicured gardens and gentle hills covered in vines.
Other notable South African wine regions include the Swartland, Olifants River, Worcester, the Cape South Coast, and the Klein Karoo.
About Us
Taylor Trading Ltd. is an importer, distributor, and brand builder in Greater China of both premium and family-owned wine estates. Our distribution network includes both on and off-trade in the form of wholesalers, restaurants, fine dining, wine shops, as well as direct sales to corporate and private customers. With both partners hailing from South Africa, and over 8 years’ experience within the Chinese market, the main route of trade for the company is South Africa – China. One of the key operating objectives for the company and the partners is to grow interest for South African wine within the Chinese market. Did someone say Pinotage or better yet, 品乐塔吉?
Why China?
Revenue in the Chinese wine segment amounts to almost US$26 m, with an expected growth rate of 5.34% (CAGR 2021-2025). Currently South African wines only occupy 2% of the Chinese wine market. It is our mission to aid in growing the South African market share of wine imports to China.
