Boston Wine Expo 2001 -
South African Wines

The Wines of South Africa were extremely well organized at the Expo. There was an entire quadrant set aside for them, with a variety of wineries serving their wares. We met Riette Steyn, originally from Stellenboch, who now coordinates the marketing efforts of this group.

We talked about how very little of South African wines, and Pinotage in particular (pronounced pihno-tahge) makes it to the states. Pinotage is what Riette feels South Africa will be known for, with its rich, banana and butterscotch flavors. The South African wineries are currently concentrating on New York, but for now 40% of their sales go to the UK, with the Netherlands and Germany coming next.

Riette Steyn Pours the Pinotage

She recommended we find the 1997 Fleur du Cape Pinotage, which unfortunately was already gone. We began with the Porcupine Ridge Merlot, from the western Cape area. I love the name, and we found the wine fruity and rich. The 2000 Porterville Wynkelder Pinotage was great, with a banana, butterscotch, rich flavor.

The 1999 Wildekrans Pinotage was not as buttery, but had more of a fruity flavor. It was also nice and rich. The 1999 Rawson Pinotage was a bit tannic and fruity, with less complexity.

Pommery Pop

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