SOUTH AFRICA
A vineyard nearly 350 years old

   Traditionally considered as part of the New World vineyards, the South African vineyard was created in 1655. It was Jean Van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape of Good Hope, who planted the first vines in 1655, and on February 2, 1659, the first wine was made from Cape grapes. However, it was not until the arrival of the French Huguenots, from 1680-1690, that South African wine growing fully came into its own.
   South African wine growing went through a difficult period in the 18th century as Cape wines were not easily accepted in Europe and the Far-East. However, in the 19th century, a new market opened up in Great Britain owing to the latter country's war with France and the production of wine developed significantly. Then at the end of this war, in 1861, South African exports collapsed, phylloxera destroyed part of the vineyards, and the Boer war broke out in 1899; the wine growing industry was in complete disarray.
   The creation of an Association of wine growers in 1918 (the present KWV "" Kooperatiewe Wynnboversvereniging van Sud-Afrika") brought a period of calm to the sector and provided the basis for the thriving state of wine growing today.

Evolution in vineyard plantings in South Africa

A LOCAL SPECIALITY : THE PINOTAGE

   South African vineyards stretch over an area 105, 000 ha and 800 km long and benefit from a Mediterranean type climate.
   Presently, South Africa produces around 70% white wines and only around 30% reds. However, more red grape varieties are being planted to ensure the production of red wines in the years to come.
   The main varieties grown are Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc for whites, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Syrah, Merlot and Cinsault for reds. The Pinotage is a local grape which produces complex, fruity red wines and is a genuine South African specialty. Made from a cross between the Pinot Noir and the Cinsault (known locally as the Hermitage) carried out by Professor Abraham Perold, the Pinotage combines the noble character of the Pinot Noir with the reliability of the Cinsault.
   South Africa produces around 9 million hectoliters of wine a year, five to six million of which is destined for drinking wine, while the rest is used for making brandy, eau-de-vie and concentrated grape juice. The consumption of wine in South Africa is around 4 million hectoliters with 1.4 million hectoliters in exports. The latter have grown steadily, mainly to Great Britain (42% of exports), the Netherlands (18%), Scandinavia (9%), Germany (8%), Switzerland (6%), Belgium (5%), and France (3%).

Evolution in South Africa wine exports (in millions of hl)