South African wines

South Africa has some of the most dramatically beautiful wine growing landscapes in the world.  Many of its vineyards are situated in an almost perfect Mediterranean climate, surprisingly cooler than the latitude would suggest, thanks mainly to the cold sea currents that flow up from Antarctica and soothes the Western Coast from the effects of the glorious sunshine.  Over the last 20 years the country and with it wine making has changed remarkably from what it was under the control of the massive co-operative KWV.   The introduction of new varieties to the country - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot, and the emergence of new areas have accelerated the quality along with winemakers eager to catch up with the rest of the world.   Pinotage should get a special mention, it is South Africa's own grape variety, once spurned it is now recognised as a local treasure.  A cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir it can be both a light, fresh red and with some oak ageing something of a mouthful.  South Africa a country bursting with potential.