Raise Your Glass - Wine Flight #004 - South Africa

Iwayini, which means 'wine' in Zulu, is no stranger to South Africa, and makes an excellent choice for our next wine flight. Passport check! Now boarding flight #004 to South Africa. Please recline your seat in the most comfortable position, extend your feet and enjoy the flight. In the event of an emergency during this flight, keep calm and drink wine.

When we think of South Africa, we typically tend to think of Mandela and his struggle for freedom. That should never be forgotten, but South Africa is also wine country. Home to 20 varietals of white wines and 21 red wine varieties, it is the seventh-largest wine producer in the world, making its mark in the global arena as a true wine producer. With more than 100,000 hectares spanning more than 800 kilometres, they are, indeed, very dedicated to the task. Chenin Blancs, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage are some of the more dominant varietals which are in keeping with the growing international trend.

Although not widely popular in Jamaica like Californian or Chilean wines, there is a growing presence of South African wines on the supermarket shelves. Most may have seen and possibly had at some point Two Oceans, which is quite popular in some restaurants, which I could sum up as an every-day drinking wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot which, from the name suggests, is a blend of two varietals, is one such wine from Two Oceans. Its colour is heavenly, bright ruby red and boast berry fruit-like flavours which the winemaker describes, and I must agree. It makes for easy drinking with Sunday dinner.

Baaaaaaa is the sound the goats make, and one can't ignore the Goats do Roam, which have three blends - a white, red, and rose, which always have unique complexity. The white blend is a beautiful balance of that acidity and freshness, which makes it absolutely refreshing and delightful with creamy-based dishes, particularly seafood. I personally add a little to my white sauce when I'm cooking to give some added flavour to my meal.

For those of us who might be a bit more mindful of the environment, a winemaker was listening to your very thoughts when they launched Obikw, producing less waste and CO2 emissions by using biodegradable packaging. The brand produces some great sweet options, which I know the new wine drinker will appreciate. Their Moscato is sweet and refreshing, with a very fruity kind of taste. Talk about easy drinking, it is definitely something to take to the beach or just lounge on the sofa watching your favourite show.

Have fun with it, and I look forward to our next stop.

I am not an expert, merely a wine enthusiast sharing my thoughts and experiences. Feel free to share your own experiences at wineenthusiastja@gmail.com.