The Surprising Beginnings of South Africa’s Cape Vintage Wines

You won’t believe how port wines in South Africa came to be. It wasn’t a meticulously planned venture or the brainchild of an innovative winemaker hidden away in a remote corner. No, the story of Cape Vintage wines, often referred to as “Port,” is actually an accidental discovery that continues to captivate wine enthusiasts.

This captivating story begins in Calitzdorp, located in the scenic Klein Karoo region of South Africa. It was here, by pure chance, that Portuguese grape varieties such as Tinta Barroca found their new home.

The initial intention was to cultivate Shiraz grapes, not Portuguese varieties. But fate stepped in when a man named Danie Nel, who would later become the owner of Boplaas winery, returned from a trip to the Swartland in the 1970s.

Imagine this: Danie Nel cruising down the road in his trusty Chevy El Camino, loaded with Pinotage and Shiraz. Little did he know that the Shiraz would steal the show once it was bottled.

But guess what? When Danie’s son, Carel, finished studying oenology in Stellenbosch, he noticed something interesting. He realized that the Shiraz he learned about was different from the one they had on our farm.

After digging deeper, we discovered that what we had on our farm was actually Tinta Barocca, a grape from the Doura Valley.

In 1977, De Krans produced their very first “Port” using Tinta Barocca, and it was a huge hit at the Young South African Wine Show.

But wait, there’s more

The South African port industry faced a challenge from the Instituto do Vinho do Porto. This organization was established to regulate the production of ports worldwide and to ensure that port wine was made exclusively in the Douro Valley.

To abide by an EU ruling, which also restricted the production of Champagne to Champagne, the making of South African port was limited to Portugal.

Back in 2012, South Africa and the EU made a deal. They decided that no wine product made in South Africa could use the word “Port.” But, being the creative people we are, we South Africans came up with a solution. We created the Cape Port Producers Association (CAPPA), which came up with its own terms for port-style wines.

De Krans made the last-ever Port in South Africa.

The new port styles created by CAPPA are:

• Cape White – Made from any white grape varieties (like Chenin blanc, Colombard, or Fernão Pires), except Muscats. It has to age in wooden barrels for at least six months.

I want to talk to you about different types of Cape port wine. Port wine is known for its rich, fruity flavors and smooth textures. There are three main types of Cape port wine that you should know about.

First, we have Cape Ruby. This is a blend of several fruity, full-bodied wines that have been aged for at least six months in wood. The blend as a whole is aged for at least a year. Cape Ruby has a vibrant taste and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with chocolate or cheese.

Next, we have Cape Tawny. This is a blend of wines that have been aged long enough to acquire a tawny color. It has a smooth, slightly nutty flavor. It’s important to note that blending Ruby and White ports to create Tawny port is not allowed. Cape Tawny is perfect for sipping after dinner or as a dessert wine.

Lastly, we have Cape Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). This is a wine made from grapes harvested in a single vintage. It is aged for at least two years in oak and three to six years in total before being bottled. South Africa wine laws require that the term “Late Bottled Vintage” or “LBV” appear on the label, along with the vintage and bottling year. Cape LBV is a great choice for special occasions or as a gift.

So there you have it – the three main types of Cape port wine: Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny, and Cape Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). Each type has its own unique characteristics, making them a perfect choice for any wine enthusiast. Cheers!

I have tasted many different wines throughout my life, but there are two particular types that stand out to me: Cape Vintage and Cape Vintage Reserve. These wines are made from grapes harvested in a single year and are aged in wood before being released. What sets them apart is the exceptional quality that is recognized by the South African wine industry and trade publications.

Cape Vintage is a delightful wine that bears the label “Vintage port” along with the specific year of its production. It offers a unique taste with each vintage, reflecting the characteristics of that particular year’s harvest. The aging process in wood enhances the flavor, giving it a rich and complex profile that lingers on the palate.

On the other hand, Cape Vintage Reserve is a wine that truly raises the bar. It is only produced in vintage years that are deemed exceptional by the South African wine industry and trade publications. To qualify as a Reserve, it must be aged in oak for a minimum of one year and sold exclusively in glass wine bottles. This extra care ensures that each bottle contains a wine of superior quality and taste.

If you’re looking for a wine that embodies the essence of a specific year’s harvest and carries the mark of exceptional craftsmanship, both Cape Vintage and Cape Vintage Reserve are excellent choices. Their unique flavors and refined profiles make them the perfect companions for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply enjoying a quiet evening.

When it comes to choosing the right wine, it’s important to understand the different options available to you. Cape Vintage and Cape Vintage Reserve offer a glimpse into the world of wine that is both intriguing and rewarding. With these wines, you can explore the nuances of different vintages and appreciate the artistry that goes into their production.

So, next time you’re in search of a truly remarkable wine experience, consider Cape Vintage and Cape Vintage Reserve. They are more than just wines; they are a testament to the passion and dedication of the winemakers who craft them. Cheers to the beauty of wine and the joy of savoring the flavors that nature has to offer!