Inspired by a recent tasting of South African wines in London, Peter Morrell takes an in depth look at the wines from two South African vineyards

I recently attended Encounter South Africa, a wine tasting where sixty producers featured more than 500 vintages. The event was an ideal opportunity to assess the way in which South African wines were developing. Three key trends emerged from my visit.

The first was the quality and range of Cape Classique sparkling wines. These wines are made using the Traditional Method, where the wine is subject to a secondary fermentation in the bottle, this is identical to the production process of Champagne.

The second was the spread in the planting of the Cabernet Franc grape and improvements in the viniculture, the result has been the production of some fine wines with a complex earthy character.

The final trend, which was more of an affirmation, was the continuing proof that the South African terroirs and the chenin blanc grape is a match made in heaven. These wines are aromatic and delicious.

The two producers who I have been looking at, Kleine Zalze and Journey’s End, both make a very impressive range of wines. I’ve have tasted three which are good examples of the trends listed above.

Kleine Zalze

The history of winemaking at Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch dates back to the late 17th century when 7000 vines were planted. Much has changed since then, particularly when Kobus Basson and his family acquired the property in 1996 and proceeded to renovate the cellar and replant the vineyards to build the modern-day Kleine Zalze.

I have tasted the Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc 2022 and found it to be an intensely aromatic wine. In the bouquet there are lots of tropical aromas including pineapple, peach and grapefruit. On the palate the wine has good acidity making it taste bright and fresh. The flavours in the mouth remain tropical and are joined by apple, citrus, and melon. There is a lingering fruity finish.

This is a great example of a chenin blanc and is ideal for pairing with seafood and south-east Asian food.

Available from Booths and Morrisons.

Here are another two wines from Kleine Zalze to consider.

Kleine Zalze Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

A classic, multi-layered blend with redcurrant and dark plum flavours combined with notes of peppery spices, all balanced by well-integrated oak. Pair with smoky aubergine or barbecued chops.

Kleine Zalze Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022

Balancing aromatic intensity and natural acidity, this is a delightful blend of tropical fruit and lime, with grassy, herbaceous notes. A fruit cocktail in a glass! Pair with Thai spiced barbecued prawns and a zingy green salad.

Both are available at Tesco.

Journey’s End

In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with this picturesque wine farm surrounded by 20 ha of gorgeous vineyards.

Nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, beneath which lay 350-million-year-old decomposed granite soils. This creates one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa and is where the vines are planted. As well as fantastic views, the vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Journey’s End are also very philanthropic and run the Journey’s End Foundation which was created in 2020. The original goal was to provide 10,000 meals a week, and 520,000 within its first year to the local population. To date it has provided more than 2 million meals. (Read our article about it here…)

I have tasted two wines from Journey’s End. The first is the Journey’s End Cap Classique NV. This sparkling wine is a blend of 66% pinot noir, 33% chardonnay, and 1% pinot meunier. It produced very small bubbles when it was poured which created a fine mousse on the surface of the wine. On the nose there were yeasty brioche aromas which develop during its 18 months on the lees. The palate was crisp and clean with zesty citrus notes to the fore. The finish was fresh and fruity.

This is a top-class sparkler which can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with summer salads.

Available from Noble Green wines.

The next wine was the Journey’s End Cabernet Franc 2021. This wine had very definitive aromas in the bouquet, there was leather, tobacco and earthy truffles combined with cherry fruits. In the mouth it errs towards full bodied and has smooth, well-rounded tannins. The flavours of the soil are still strong on the palate and are complemented by oak, smoke, plum and cedar notes. The finish was strong, fruity, and very persistent.

This is a lovely, complex wine offering a wide range of taste experiences. Match with BBQ meats and casseroles.

Available from Ocado

Here are another three wines from Kleine Zalze to look at.

Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – new vintage

With 18 months barrel ageing, this richly curvaceous wine is packed with dark plum, chocolate, and sweet spice flavours. Fantastic with red meats.

Available from Waitrose

Journey’s End Bluegum Merlot 2021 – new vintage

Mineral rich, granite soils, cool coastal breezes and long sunny days have played their part in delivering healthy concentrated berries, which are handpicked and carefully selected to provide the perfect foundation for this wine. Delicious with duck and chicken.

Available from Sainsburys

Journey’s End Identity Shiraz 2022 – new vintage

This wine has a deep purple colour with flashes of scarlet. Bursting with intense flavours of red berries, spice, and chocolate. A versatile, vibrant medium-bodied wine, with a lengthy and elegant finish. Enjoy with BBQ favourites such as burgers and lamb sausages.

Available from Sainsburys