Coastal Region

South Africa's Coastal Region, situated in the Western Cape, is planted with almost half of the country's total area of vineyards. Its 65 mile length stretches from Darling in the north to Constantia and Cape Point south of Cape Town and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Boland Mountains to the east. The cool Benguela current exercises a cooling influence to the coastal vineyards but the effect of this diminishes inland especially in sub-regions such as Stellenbosch and Paarl. Sauvignon Blanc is favoured in the cooler coastal vineyard locations with Shiraz (Syrah), Chenin Blanc and South Africa's own Pinotage faring better in the hotter, dryer conditions inland. The Bordeaux grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrive in the more southerly parts of Constantia and Stellenbosch.

The major Wine of Origin districts are Cape Peninsula, Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Wellington, Darling, Swartland and Tulbagh all of which benefit from a diverse geology. Heavily weathered granite is predominant along the Western Coast with outcrops further inland although here Table Mountain sandstone is rather more prevalent. Malmesbury shale features in Swartland and the Tygerberg Hills. One factor these subsoils have in common is to reduce the vine's vigour which results in smaller yields with more concentrated flavour profiles. The top-soils vary from the well-draining sandy soils nearer the coast to red clay-based soils further inland which are better at retaining moisture for the vines' roots in areas of lower rainfall.

South Africa's dynamic wine industry is making wine of a very high standard these days the style of which falls between the structure of the old world and the fruit-driven styles of the new world. This balance of styles is finding increasing favour with wine drinkers the world over and some very fine wine indeed is being produced.

Vriesenhof, Paradyskloof Pinot Noir, Stellenbosch, 2014

The nose is complex and is typical of a Pinot Noir with earthy, forest floor scents, mushrooms and a mineral edge.

Details
Colour	Red Wine
Grape Variety	Pinot Noir
Country	South Africa

£14.36 As low as: £12.64

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Vriesenhof, Paradyskloof Chardonnay, 2011

An elegant Chardonnay with fresh aromas of lemon and lime and a touch of minerality.

Details
Colour	White Wine
Grape Variety	Chardonnay
Country	South Africa

£11.69

Out of stock

Vriesenhof, Paradyskloof Chardonnay, 2014

An elegant Chardonnay with fresh aromas of lemon and lime and a touch of minerality.

Details
Colour	White Wine
Grape Variety	Chardonnay
Country	South Africa

£11.69

Out of stock

Vriesenhof, Paradyskloof Grenache, Stellenbosch, 2012

This South African Grenache is a red wine with small quantities of Malbec and Shiraz. Cherry and raspberry on the nose and palate with a long, spicy finish.

Details
Colour	Red Wine
Grape Variety	Grenache
Country	South Africa

£11.56 As low as: £10.17

Out of stock

Vriesenhof, Paradyskloof Pinot Noir, Stellenbosch, 2011

The nose is complex and typically Pinot Noir with earthy, forest floor scents, mushrooms and a mineral edge. The palate continues both the earthy and mineral theme as well as exhibiting fruit flavours of plums, cherries and dried apricot with mushroom and a spicy leather finish making this a nicely complex red wine.