Grape Varieties: what to buy and from where

Knowing the region is useful. Knowing which grapes tend to perform well there is even more useful when the label offers very little else to go on.

Grape	Known as	Start with	What to expect
Chenin Blanc	The South African essential	Swartland, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Breedekloof	From fresh, citrus-driven whites to textured, oak-aged wines and complex old-vine bottlings, Chenin is South Africa’s great shape-shifter. One grape, multiple personalities, very little need for international validation.
Cabernet Sauvignon	The structured red	Stellenbosch, Paarl	Expect dark fruit, tannin and structure, with cedar and savoury notes in some examples. Look for it when you want a red to accompany grilled beef or reward a little patience in the cellar.
Pinotage	Our home-grown original	Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland	Created in South Africa by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, Pinotage can offer anything from fresh red fruit to dark berries, smoke and savoury depth. Don’t judge the entire cultivar by one bottle you disliked in 2008. Winemaking styles vary considerably.
Chardonnay	The terroir detective	Elgin, Hemel-en-Aarde, Robertson	Compare cool-climate examples with fuller-bodied versions. Citrus, apple, stone fruit, oak and creamy textures can all appear in different proportions. Chardonnay is a good reminder that grape variety alone doesn’t dictate the finished wine.
Syrah / Shiraz	The savoury wildcard	Swartland, Stellenbosch, Paarl	Look for black pepper, dark fruit, smoked meat, olive or floral notes, depending on the site and winemaking. A particularly useful grape for exploring the differences between regions.
Sauvignon Blanc	The freshness test	Constantia, Elgin, Darling, Durbanville	Citrus, fresh herbs, green fruit and lively acidity are common reference points. Cooler sites can help preserve freshness and aromatic definition.
Pinot Noir	The subtle one	Hemel-en-Aarde, Elgin	Red cherry, raspberry, earthy notes and delicate tannins can be the attraction. Pinot Noir tends to reward attention to site and producer rather than sheer power.