Shiraz

This variety from the warmer Rhone Valley in France works well in South Africa’s similar Mediterranean climate. Shiraz is also known as Syrah and, although often it’s just down to a marketing decision which name is used, there can also be stylistic differences. Syrah is a more Old World-style wine that is elegant and leaner, while Shiraz is associated with bold, fruit forward New World characteristics. In South Africa, Shiraz tends to have flavours of black cherries and plums, spice and pepper, as well as smoked meats.