South African wine: the best bottles to buy now

Internationally recognised as the best young sommelier in South Africa, Luvo Ntezo has been serving wine at the luxurious One&Only Cape Town hotel since 2011. Here are his tips for the best South African wines to buy now:

South Africa is home to some of the world’s finest wines, at incredibly good value. Our local vineyards are producing a variety of world-class boutique wines that are unique, quality-driven and accessible.

Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most celebrated and consistently high quality wines – Thelema do not buy in any grapes and all wines are bottled on the estate to maintain absolute control over every aspect of the wine production, it is also the very first wine that my father and I ever shared together. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most planted varieties in South Africa and the top in Stellenbosch.

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Beeslaar Pinotage, made by Cellarmaster Abrie Beeslaar of the famed Kanonkop Estate, is completely unique. Beeslaar ventured into a solo project of making the finest Pinotage in the land and this wine is an assurance of how he’s mastered this grape variety that’s indigenous to the Cape.

Graham Beck Brut NV made by Pieter ‘Bubbles’ Ferreira is a world-class MCC (Méthode Cap Classique). Ferrieria shares an unmatched passion for finding the perfect bubble and leads the way in terms of MCCs, sparkling wines unique to South Africa which are witnessing a huge rise in popularity.

South Africa is also seeing a rise in the demand for Pinot Noir, often referred to as the temperamental grape, and a wine that commands slightly higher prices. South African winemakers have been very careful in their handling of Pinot Noir, not over-extracting, nor over-oaking, just a gentle, pure and elegant style, often showcasing red berries, forest floor and harmonious acidity. The Overberg region is home to some of these iconic styles.

For further information visit One&Only Cape Town; oneandonlyresorts.com