Category Archives: South Africa

Chinato and Quinquina from Italy’s Piedmont, South Africa’s Swartlands, and the Columbia Valley

Posted on October 23, 2021 by don

While technically not a Vermouth, Chinato is similar in its infusion of herbs and spices. What’s different is the addition of Cinchona. Cinchona is the dried bark of the South American tree that is a source of quinine and used … Continue reading →

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Wines to Brighten Up Your Thanksgiving

Posted on November 10, 2020 by don

For most of us 2020’s Thanksgiving will be different.    Because of the COVID pandemic,  family and friends will not be gathering in  large numbers to celebrate.   Instead,  we’ll keep it smaller for the sake of everyone’s heath. Although we’ll … Continue reading →

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2019 Vintage Rosés from Around the World

Posted on June 19, 2020 by don

Today, good quality rosé wines are made all over the world. In this article we focus on some of the most popular 2019 rosés on the market in the US.  The wines reviewed here are from Provence and other areas … Continue reading →

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South Africa’s Top Ten Sparkling Cuvées in 2020

Posted on May 28, 2020 by don

Our just published report on South Africa’s Outstanding Sparkling Wines noted the high quality of the champenoise méthode (Méthode Cap Classique–MCC) bubblies made in the country. We also provided reviews of the many MCCs we tasted earlier this year. In … Continue reading →

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De Krans: Outstanding Port-Style Wines from Calitzdorp

Posted on March 13, 2020 by don

Sweet wines in South Africa have a long and storied history beginning in the 17th century with the planting of the first vitis vinifera in the Western Cape. Huegenot immigrants, religious refugees from France, played a critical role in establishing … Continue reading →

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Mullineux Wines of the Swartland: It’s All About the Soils

Posted on February 13, 2020 by don

Andrea and Chris Mullineux met in the vineyards of France where UC Davis grad Andrea and Stellenbosch grad Chris were doing post-graduation internships. They married, moved to the Swartland, and in 2007 established their highly successful winery. They consistently receive … Continue reading →

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Avondale: A Natural Leader in South Africa’s Paarl Wine Region

Posted on February 8, 2020 by don

Avondale is one of the few South African wineries that uses Biodynamic and organic farming practices.  It is also a pioneer in natural winemaking methods including the use of clay vessels for fermentation. Avondale’s wines are authentic and very good. … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Babylon’s Peak in South Africa’s Swartland

Posted on September 30, 2019 by don

Located in the Swartland not far from the wineries of Eben Sadie and Adi Badenhorst, Babylon’s Peak has been in the Basson family since 1919. Its most remarkable feature, aside from deeply rutted roads and a profusion of wildlife, is … Continue reading →

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Rosés of Pinot Noir from Around the World: The 2018 Vintage

Posted on June 13, 2019 by don

Rosés made of Pinot Noir are the stars of this year’s rosé tasting. They’re typically light red in color, fragrant with red cherry and pomegranate scents, medium bodied with good fullness in the mouth, and flavorful with flavors that mirror … Continue reading →

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Top Chenin Blancs from South Africa

Posted on April 9, 2019 by don

Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most widely planted grape, and it makes some of the country’s most distinguished wines, including the ones reviewed below. Many of the best ones come from old vines, some very old. Rosa Kruger, whom we … Continue reading →

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