South African Red Wines

Grape varieties: Cabernet, Pinotage and beyond

Cabernet Sauvignon often produces full-bodied reds with firm structure. Merlot appears both as a single-variety wine and in Bordeaux-inspired blends, where it frequently complements Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Shiraz, also called Syrah, ranges from fragrant, elegant expressions to powerful, spicy wines. Pinot Noir offers an alternative when you want a more delicate style. Pinotage is South Africa’s cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault; it can show plum, dark-berry and smoky notes. The producer and winemaking choices matter as much as the grape.

Regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia

Stellenbosch is especially associated with Cabernet Sauvignon and structured reds, but its varied sites do not produce one uniform style. Franschhoek offers a range of grapes and blends, so look at the individual estate rather than relying on the region alone. Paarl lies further inland and is generally a warmer wine region. Constantia has a stronger maritime influence. These differences provide a starting point; the vineyard, vintage and winemaking information on each product page gives a more precise picture.

Food pairings: steak, BBQ and more

A structured Cabernet Sauvignon is a useful starting point for grilled steak. For BBQ with spiced marinades, consider Shiraz or Pinotage. Sauce, heat and cooking method matter just as much as the meat: a very sweet or hot sauce does not automatically call for the biggest red. Compare the tasting descriptions and choose the style you enjoy, rather than pairing by grape variety alone.

Prices and choosing your wine

Available variants in the German shop currently range from €9.90 to €199.90 (checked 14 October 2026). Use the price filter to compare wines within your budget. Prices and availability can change, and other markets use their displayed local prices. Selected structured Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends and Pinotages can reward cellaring. Check the estate’s advice for the specific wine and vintage before buying for long-term storage: not every red improves with age.

Explore wines by grape and region: Cabernet Sauvignon

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