South African Vegan Wines: Exploring a Richness of Flavours

South African Vegan Wines: Exploring a Richness of Flavours

South Africa is one of the most renowned wine-producing countries in the world. In recent years, the country’s wine industry has undergone a transformation to cater to the growing demand for vegan and organic wines. South African vegan wine is made from grapes grown without the use of animal-derived fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. The result is a wine that is not only environmentally friendly but also delicious and complex.

The South African wine industry has a long and proud history, dating back to the 17th century when the first vines were planted by Dutch settlers. Over the years, the industry has developed into a world-class producer of high-quality wines, with an array of grape varietals, from classic Cabernet Sauvignon to unique Pinotage. And, in recent times, South African vineyards have embraced sustainable and organic viticulture practices, resulting in a range of delicious vegan wines. Not only do these wines taste great they are also ethical and environmentally friendly.

One of the unique features of South African vegan wine is the range of grape varietals used to produce them. South Africa is known for its unique varietals, such as Pinotage, a grape that was developed in the country in the 1920s. Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and it produces a wine with a rich, fruity flavour, and a hint of smokiness. The grape is perfect for producing vegan wine, as it is hardy and resilient, requiring minimal intervention in the vineyard.

Other grape varietals used to produce South African vegan wine include Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that can produce a range of styles, from crisp, dry wines to sweet dessert wines. Syrah is a grape that is well-suited to South Africa’s climate, producing wines with dark fruit flavours and spicy notes. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic grape that produces full-bodied, complex wines with notes of blackcurrant and vanilla.

South African vegan wine is also unique in its flavour profile. The wines produced in South Africa are known for their complex, layered flavours, with notes of fruit, spice, and earthiness. The wines have a distinct minerality, which is a result of the country’s unique terroir. South Africa’s vineyards are located close to the coast, and the sea breeze helps to cool the vines, resulting in wines with a crisp acidity and a distinct freshness.

South African vineyards have also embraced sustainable winemaking practices, which help to preserve the environment and protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Sustainable viticulture practices include the use of natural fertilizers and the implementation of biodiversity programs. These programs help to maintain a healthy and diverse ecosystem, which in turn helps to produce better grapes and more complex wines.

South African vegan wine is a great option for those looking for low-alcohol wines. Many South African winemakers have started to produce low-alcohol wines, which are perfect for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine without the associated side effects of higher alcohol content. These wines are also a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake or who prefer a lighter wine.

Here at Vegan Wine Online and additionally at our South African Wine Online site we stock a wide and growing range of South African Vegan Wines. We have listed a selection of our wines below. These are available now to be purchased from the website www.veganwineonline.co.uk . Stock is as always subject to availability. Click on the names of the wines in bold for full details of each wine.

• Waterkloof Wines

Circle of Life Red– A great blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Circle of Life Red is a fantastic example of the huge potential of Cape red blends.

Circle of Life White – A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. The wine is produced as naturally as possible, with no additions of acids or enzymes.

• Fairview Wines

Fairview Paarl Pinotage – Dark ruby red in the glass. Aromas of ripe red cherries, black berries and plum with hints of oak spice.

Fairview Sweet Red – The palate has balanced spice and raisin flavours and a fortified finish with sweet lingering berry fruit.

Goats do Roam Red – A red blend with a well-known innovative reason for the unusual name

Goats do Roam White – The Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne for this blend were all sourced from vineyards grown on the sunny slopes of Paarl Mountain on the Fairview farm, with a Grenache Blanc component from Darling also added to the blend.

• Wilderberg Wines

Coterie by Wildeberg Chenin Blanc/Grenache Blanc – A ripe, succulent combination of 65% Chenin from a 60 year old Franschhoek vineyard and 35% Grenache Blanc from Paarl,

Meteorique Blanc de Blancs – Great sparkling wine, it has a nose of proving sour dough with a fine bead, the palate releases notes of fresh almonds, warm sand and apricot kernel.

• Here and There

Grenache Blanc – Ripe, spicy aromas, gently floral with notes of apricot and peach. A pithily generous palate, full flavoured and textural with a crisp salinity on the finish.

Malbec – A deliciously fresh, succulent expression of Malbec from low yielding Swartland vineyards.

• Wild House

Shiraz – Inviting aromas of summer pudding, ripe black cherry, vanilla and even a touch of Framboise.

Sauvignon Blanc – A vibrant cool climate style of Sauvignon with intense citrus and crushed nettle aromas.

• False Bay

Pinotage – The grapes for False Bay Bush Vine Pinotage stem from a single vineyard of unirrigated bush vines in Stellenbosch.

Sauvignon Blanc – False Bay Vineyards was borne out of a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable.

Chenin Blanc – Fantastic coastal fruit, naturally balanced grapes and wild yeast ferments abound, with additions avoided.

• Seriously Cool

Cinsault – Seriously Cool Cinsault is crafted from 50–60-year-old bush-vine vineyards in the Helderberg area.

Chenin Blanc – This elegant wine displays aromas of stone fruit, white flowers and a hint of honey.

• Percheron

Shiraz Mourvedre – Grapes for Percheron Shiraz Mourvedre has been sourced from traditional growers in the Swartland area of the Cape.

Old Vine Cinsault – Bright, expressive and gently savoury on the nose.

Chenin Blanc Viognier – Vibrant and aromatic with delicious subtle perfumed aromas with white peach and hints of jasmine on the nose.

• Primordial Soup

Red Blend – A rich and bloody bouillabaisse of the Western Cape’s classical cultivars, packed with juicy life, red in tooth and claw.

White Blend – On the nose, it has notes of jasmine and white stone fruit. It has a nuanced citrusy palate and tangy finish.

• Daschbosch

Daschbosch Avon Clairette Blanche – Delicate aromaitic, lychee aromas with greengage and citrus fruit. Textural palate with baked apricots and ripe citrus fruits with a smooth, seductive finish.

• Warwick Wine Estate

Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc – Striking nose with notes of elder flower, nettles, ripe passionfruit, and lime.

• Spice Route Wines

Swartland Mourvedre – A passionate dedication to exceptional quality and traditional hand crafting captures the essence of this fruit in the wines of the Spice Route.

All these wines represent excellent value for money and have all been chosen for their vegan veracity as well as their quality and flavour.In conclusion, South African vegan wine is a great option for those people looking to experience the great experience, richness, and taste of South African wines together with the environmental and health benefits of Vegan wines.

South African Vegan Wines: Exploring a Richness of Flavours