Wines by grape variety
Find your wine by grape – with a short portrait of what makes each variety distinctive.
Red grapes
From velvety Merlot to South Africa’s own Pinotage.
Cabernet SauvignonDark fruit such as blackcurrant, firm tannins and good ageing potential – especially expressive in Stellenbosch.Explore→
MerlotSoft and approachable, with plum, red berries and a velvety texture.Explore→
Cabernet FrancFragrant and refined, with red berries, herbal notes and finer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon.Explore→
PinotageCrossed in South Africa in 1925 from Pinot Noir and Cinsaut: dark berries, often spicy, sometimes smoky.Explore→
Syrah / ShirazDark fruit and pepper; “Syrah” often signals a fresher, spicier style, “Shiraz” a fuller one.Explore→
Pinot NoirElegant and light-footed, with red cherry and strawberry – at the Cape mostly from cooler sites.Explore→
CinsautLight, juicy and fruity – long underrated, now rediscovered by many winemakers.Explore→
GrenacheRipe red fruit and warmth, usually with soft tannins – at the Cape often part of spicy blends.Explore→
MalbecDeep and dense, with dark berries and violets – rare in South Africa, but striking.Explore→
MourvèdreSpicy and dark-berried with a firm structure – adds depth to blends and rosés.Explore→
Petit VerdotColour, tannin and dark spice – a classic blending grape that also shines on its own at the Cape.Explore→
White grapes
Fresh, mineral or creamy – depending on grape and winemaking.
Chenin BlancSouth Africa’s most planted grape: from fresh and fruity to layered wines from old vines and oak.Explore→
ChardonnayFrom crisp and citrusy to creamy with oak – and a key base for many Cap Classique sparkling wines.Explore→
Sauvignon BlancLively and aromatic, with citrus, gooseberry and green notes; especially fresh from coastal sites.Explore→
SémillonFine and citrusy when young, honeyed and nutty with age – often a partner of Sauvignon Blanc.Explore→
ViognierLush and floral, with apricot and peach – on its own or as an aromatic lift in blends.Explore→
RieslingGermany’s signature grape: fine acidity, citrus and stone fruit – from dry to noble sweet.Explore→
Pinot GrigioLight, fresh and uncomplicated, with pear and citrus – a versatile companion.Explore→
MuscatIntensely grape-scented, with blossom and exotic fruit – a delight dry or sweet.Explore→
RoussanneA noble Rhône grape with herbs, pear and honey – a small, fine rarity at the Cape.Explore→
VerdelhoFresh and citrus-driven with a spicy edge – originally from Madeira, now also at the Cape.Explore→
VermentinoMediterranean and lemony-fresh with a mineral streak – ideal with seafood.Explore→
ColombardLight and fruity with crisp acidity – long the backbone of many fresh South African whites.Explore→
ClairetteAn old southern French grape, delicately floral and nutty – at the Cape mostly found in white blends.Explore→
Blends
When several grapes together become more than the sum of their parts.
Cape BlendSouth Africa’s own creation: red blends with a distinctive share of Pinotage – spicy, dark-fruited, unmistakable.Explore→
Bordeaux styleClassic blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & co. – structured and age-worthy.Explore→
More red blendsRed blends beyond the classics – with Syrah, Grenache or Mourvèdre, for example.Explore→
White blendsWhite blends, for example from Chenin Blanc, Viognier or Sémillon – from fresh to layered.Explore→
All blendsThe full selection: from Bordeaux-style to Cape Blends with Pinotage.Explore→
Grape varieties as a guide
Grape variety shapes a wine’s aroma, acidity and structure more than almost any other factor. Knowing which variety you enjoy makes it easier to find new favourites. This overview only shows grapes with wines currently listed in our shop.
Same grape, different styles
Site, climate, vintage and winemaking change the character noticeably: an old-vine, barrel-aged Chenin Blanc tastes different from a young, early-bottled one. Check each wine’s tasting note too.
More overviews
Questions about grape varieties
Which grape is typical of South Africa?
Chenin Blanc is the country’s most planted grape, and Pinotage was bred in South Africa in 1925. Both are seen as signatures of the Cape.
What is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz?
They are the same grape. The name often hints at the style – Syrah fresher and peppery, Shiraz riper and fuller – but this is not a rule.
Why is a grape variety missing?
We only show grapes with wines currently listed in the shop. You will find many more varieties in our blends or via search.