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South Africa's wine regions are spread over the Western and Northern capes, which cover about 130,000 square miles. This vast space is home to a great diversity of soils and microclimates, which allows for the cultivation of different grape varieties. Today's selection represents the rainbow of wines that South African producers make, with seven picks from different grapes for wine lovers to explore the country's range. The best part: They're all $30 or less.
KLEIN CONSTANTIA Chardonnay Constantia 2016
WS Review: Pretty, with yellow apple, jasmine and pear flavors gliding along, framed gently by a brioche note on the finish. Stylish. Drink now. 50 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: This Chardonnay hails from just south of Cape Town in the Constantia ward. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean provides a cooling effect, extending the ripening period, which is perfect for cultivating grapes that thrive in cooler climates. Klein Constantia is famous for its dessert-style Vin de Constance made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes, but this Chardonnay shows that the winery's whole range is worth seeking out.
GLENELLY Estate Reserve Stellenbosch 2012
WS Review: Mature, showing a broad, loamy swath of currant and blackberry fruit flavors that have melded with smoldering tobacco and worn leather notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Stellenbosch is probably the most recognized wine region in South Africa, and is prolific in making Bordeaux-style reds. This Estate Reserve from Glenelly is just that, with a little Shiraz in the mix. At six years old, it's a great companion to heartier fare, like braises and stews, which complement the wine's mature aromas and flavors.
REYNEKE Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2017
WS Review: A delightful, gently toasty style, with a subtle brioche and macadamia nut frame around lemon curd, white peach and verbena flavors. Focused and racy through the finish. Drink now through 2019. 400 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Reyneke is an estate in Stellenbosch owned by Johan Reyneke, who uses biodynamic and organic methods of farming and winemaking, which he believes helps strengthen vines and make better wines. This Sauvignon Blanc is a good introduction to the winery and is a great value. Also try Reyneke's Reserve White, its higher-end Sauvignon Blanc.
RUST EN VREDE Merlot Stellenbosch 2016
WS Review: Features a pretty sage and menthol edge amidst the core of gently mulled red and black currant fruit flavors. Lingering tobacco and cedar hints show on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 650 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Rust en Vrede provides another red from Stellenbosch in today's selection, this one from Merlot, portraying the ripe fruit flavors that are common for the warm region. The estate has been around for over 300 years, but was bought by the father of the current owner, Jean Engelbrecht, in the 1970s. In 1993, former president Nelson Mandela chose Rust en Vrede's wines to be served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner.
KEN FORRESTER Pinotage Western Cape Petit 2017
WS Review: This is all fruit, with soft and easy-textured plum, cherry and blueberry notes gliding through. Drink now. 2,200 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Ken Forrester started his namesake winery in 1994, and is now one of the best-known producers in South Africa. He makes renowned Chenin Blancs, but the winery makes great-quality wines across the board. This fruity red is a good introduction to South Africa's signature variety, Pinotage, and is a steal at $12.
MAN VINTNERS Shiraz Coastal Region Skaapveld 2016
WS Review: Cherry and red currant fruit flavors are lined with a light anise hint in this red. A dash of briar shows on the finish for spine. Drink now. 6,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: This value Man Vintners red hails from bush-vine and trellised vineyards in the vast Coastal Region. This wine is 85 percent Shiraz, but also incorporates small quantities of Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache and, for the first time this vintage, a little Touriga Nacional. The term "Skaapveld" means "sheep field," which there are plenty of around the vineyards.
RIEBEEK CELLARS Chenin Blanc Swartland 2018
WS Review: A fresh, crisp style, with a fleck of herb detail amid the green plum, lime zest and kiwi flavors. Shows nice zip through the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Riebeek Cellars is a small estate in the scenic Riebeek Valley of Swartland. The valley was named for the Dutch commander and colonial administrator Jan van Riebeeck, who is believed to be the first person to make wine in Cape Town, in the 17th century. This Riebeek Cellars white is made from South Africa's most planted grape, Chenin Blanc, and provides a crisp, refreshing profile for only $10.