Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa’s second-largest city and the most southerly
major city in Africa, has a population of about 3,25 million. It is the
seat of the National Parliament, a major port and one of the most popular
tourist destinations in South Africa. The city is landmarked by Table
Mountain, a majestic flat-topped rock formation which seems to stand
sentinel over the city. Situated on a coastal peninsula, it is blessed
with a wealth of natural attractions. Situated at the convergence of the
Atlantic and Indian oceans, the climate is Mediterranean, with rainy
winters and warm dry summers.
Cape Town is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a rich cultural
history and an energetic commitment to its future. It was in this city,
from the balcony of the Town Hall, that Nelson Mandela made his famous
speech in 1990, his first public one in decades, after being released from
his incarceration as a political prisoner on Robben Island. It heralded
the start of a new era of democracy for South Africa.
It’s one of the most diverse of all the Great Wine Capitals, as can
be heard in the mixture of languages which officially numbers 11 and
includes English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. The city council’s stated aim is
to provide a city with dignity for all, and to ensure that economic and
social development do not adversely affect the environment which sustains
everyone.
The removal of political barriers and the redressing of historical
injustices in South Africa now see people from previously disadvantaged
communities emerge as wine farmers and winemakers in the Cape winelands
for the first time. Historically, they provided the labour on which the
industry is based. Currently, over 100 000 people from historically
disadvantaged groups are employed directly in the industry, which supports
a total of over 215 000 jobs in the wider economy.
The industry is in the process of developing a transformation Wine
Charter, which has as a prime objective the development of a strategy
combining transformation and growth in the wine industry.
The diversity of the population is part of the wider biodiversity of
the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only six such kingdoms in the world, where
almost all South African wine is produced. In this small area, with its
ancient soils, high mountain peaks and verdant valleys, more plant species
than occur in the entire northern hemisphere can be found. The 9600 plant
species are all adaptations to hugely varied soils and unique
microclimates created by the different aspects, topography and climatic
conditions. These same soils and microclimates represent a treasure trove
of grape growing and winemaking possibilities.
South Africa is the world’s ninth largest producer. The first
vineyard was planted in 1655, three years after Jan van Riebeeck landed to
establish a victualling station for the Dutch East India Company. The
first wine was made in 1659; since then, vineyard areas have reached over
100 000 hectares.
The wines
Vines have been grown for more than three centuries in South Africa but in
the last decade the industry has been going through a period of renewal,
and there has been new investment. There has been considerable replanting
in recent years, as the industry has redefined its global position and
moved its production basis from volume to high quality. A new generation
of enthusiastic and knowledgeable winemakers is producing wines which are
winning international recognition.
Over the past few years, South Africa’s red wine plantings have
increased dramatically, shifting the profile from predominantly white to
red in line with international demands. Red wine plantings now constitute
45% of our national vineyards, with white wine varieties accounting for
55%.
A wide variety of grape cultivars are planted. The noble varieties are
well represented, with cabernet sauvignon the most widely planted,
followed by shiraz, merlot and pinotage – unique to South Africa, it’s
a cross between pinot noir and cinsaut (which used to be known as
hermitage). Also to note are pinot noir, cinsaut, cabernet franc and ruby
cabernet. More recent introductions include Mediterranean plantings like
grenache, mourvèdre, malbec and petit verdot.
The most widely cultivated white variety is chenin blanc, noted for its
versatility. Sauvignon blanc is grown across the regions and wines
produced from this variety are being recognised internationally for their
quality and complexity. Chardonnay is made in a number of styles, both
wooded and unwooded, and is also used in our sparkling wine, Methode Cap
Classique.
See: Cape
Town Image Gallery
Contact: capetown@greatwinecapitals.com |
