Introduction to Wine Varietals
It's worth knowing a little something about the available varietals before venturing off to taste the wines on offer in Franschhoek, however. The following list should provide a good guideline for beginners:
THE REDS:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Known to many as the 'king of reds', Cabernet Sauvignon ages gracefully, more often improving into a truly great wine than any other single varietal. Wine produced from Cabernet grapes is capable of great depth, displaying a pronounced liveliness and even a degree of richness, yet usually finishes with firm astringency.
The distinct black currant aroma associated with Cabernet Sauvignon in time develops to include nuances of plum, chocolate, mint, cedar, violets, leather and cigar box. Franschhoek restaurants boast a delectable selection of Cab Sauv and visitors will truly be spoiled for choice.
Merlot
The soft, round and fruitful Merlot grape has a flavour scope that ranges from juicy plums to cheerful cherries. The grape is lower in tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon and is often used to soften up Cabernet in Bordeaux blends.
Merlot wines are generally very soft on the palate and if you are making the transitions from white to red this will be a good way to ease yourself into the heavier world of tannins.
Pinotage
As previously mentioned, Pinotage is a local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (known as Hermitage in South Africa). Spicy and smoky, it can produce complex and fruity wines with maturation, but is also exceptionally drinkable when young. Generally bottled as a varietal wine, it is now the signature component of the 'Cape Blend'.
Pinot Noir
If you take pride in your olfactory capabilities, then this is the wine for you. Often used to lend body to blends, this is a silky red that generally has quite a sizable nose and a deceptively lighter taste.
Shiraz
Sexy to the core, Shiraz is spicy, full-bodied and demanding. Be warned, a love affair with Shiraz lasts a lifetime. Handled correctly, the Shiraz grape generally gives origin to a smooth, well-balanced wine with subdued smokiness on the nose and a palate of ripe fruit and interesting spice (imagine a particularly luscious Christmas pudding).
THE WHITES:
Chardonnay
Rich is the word that best both describes Chardonnay and explains its popularity. Its aroma is distinct, yet delicate, difficult to characterize, easier to recognize. It often smells like apples, lemons, peaches or tropical fruits.
Chardonnay is frequently wooded in oak barrels before bottling, but there are a few Franschhoek wine farms that produce a lighter, unwooded version of this traditional upscale summertime wine. Gentlemen tend to prefer the wooded version of this buttery wine, while ladies usually like the flirtier unwooded variety.
Chenin Blanc
Fresh and fruity, Chenin Blanc is a zesty lunch time wine that goes down without a hitch. This incredibly easy-drinking wine frequently boasts notes of honeysuckle, cantaloupe, vanilla and heather.
Sauvignon Blanc
A favourite among the fairer sex, Sauvignon Blanc is quite the tart, crispy white. A perfect accompaniment for light seafood dishes and tapas, it traditionally has overtones of gooseberry and guava.
Franschhoek's French influence can still be seen today in its architecture and attention to quality in both food and wine. It is well known as the culinary capital of South Africa with fine French restaurants and many of the farms pair cuisine with their wine tastings. Handy tip: After sampling all the delectable Franschhoek wine it would be wise to seek some comfortable catering accommodation where you can kick back and relax.