Wine with Leslie: A selection of wines from South Africa’s two best-known grapes
Selections this week are fine examples from South Africa’s two best-known grapes — Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.
Like many Irish people I have always felt a kinship to the people of South Africa, most likely formed by those anti-apartheid marches I went on in the 1980’s and 1990’s. I root for them in rugby and cricket (except when playing Ireland), and I regularly turn to Miriam Makeba for aural therapy as she can soothe any ill with that angelic voice.
My relationship with South African wine has been a little bumpier as much of what arrived here after the lifting of sanctions was patchy and rather rustic. But things have changed immeasurably in the last 15 years and I now look forward to tastings involving their wines.
