South African wine: the best bottles to buy now
Award-winning sommelier Luvo Ntezo on his pick of South Africa’s world-class wines
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The ‘ravenous’ demand for Cornish mineralsUnder the Radar Growing need for critical minerals to power tech has intensified ‘appetite’ for lithium, which could be a ‘huge boon’ for local economy
-
Why are election experts taking Trump’s midterm threats seriously?IN THE SPOTLIGHT As the president muses about polling place deployments and a centralized electoral system aimed at one-party control, lawmakers are taking this administration at its word
-
‘Restaurateurs have become millionaires’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Travel for all: 6 of the world’s most accessible destinationsThe Week Recommends Experience all of Berlin, Singapore and Sydney
-
Where to begin with Portuguese winesThe Week Recommends Indulge in some delicious blends to celebrate the end of Dry January
-
Touring the vineyards of southern BoliviaThe Week Recommends Strongly reminiscent of Andalusia, these vineyards cut deep into the country’s southwest
-
The best sherries to try this autumnThe Week Recommends The warming tipple from sunny Spain is an underrated cold-weather staple
-
The rise of English sparkling wineThe Week Recommends As UK-based brands give champagne a run for its money, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right bottle
-
8 hotels with ace tennis courtsThe Week Recommends Bring your A game
-
Rosorange: the chic 'love child' of orange wine and roséThe Week Recommends Peachy to look at and crisp to drink, here's to the wine of the summer
-
5 cultural and scenic trails to wander on four wheelsThe Week Recommends Leave the hiking shoes at home