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birthplace of this country’s Cabernet Sauvignon — replacement of oak barrels. Wine connoisseurs
the most abundantly planted grape varietal in this turned their noses up at this break in practice and
wine region. cultivation. The South African wine regions also
almost met their demise with the grapevine disease
When Simon van der Stel, namesake of Phylloxera.
Stellenbosch, established Cape Town’s oldest wine
estate, Constantia, it laid the bedrock of winemak- Earlier shortcomings in the 18th century did not
ing. Political turmoil and unrest have rocked this demotivate winemakers to forage on. Constantia,
soulfully rhythmic nation, but preserving the land a region considered the mother of South African
and all that grows from its soil continues to live wines, is the home to the dessert wine made from
and not be forgotten. Establishing this settlement Muscat Blanc, Vin de Constance. It provided a gate-
opened doors for robust wine cultivation by the way into the exclusive European wine market. One
French Huguenots to dig roots into the Cape’s wine could say that without it, the industry as we know
industry in the 1690s. Their arrival in the 17th cen- it today would not hold center stage. This country’s
tury in the Franschhoek Valley began winemaking acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc grapes, flourishing and
as a formidable industry in South Africa. gently ripening with the refreshing cool breeze as it
brushes across the vineyards of the Constantiaberg
Endurance of the African Vine Mountain, may not have been birthed had it not
been for the perseverance of winemakers who saw
Although suitable microclimates and the terrain sweeter horizons in the future.
permit a diverse repertoire of wines and the high
clay content along with water retention aids with South African wines are more than just a pal-
steady irrigation, South African winemakers have ate-pleasing libation. They hold conflict and tri-
faced many roadblocks on their way to becoming umph, a journey that continues to reveal itself with
part of the par excellence standard. Insufficient presentday winemakers who value tradition paired
storage for the aging of wines required the uncon- with modern innovation and sustainability.
ventional use of containers used to brine meat in
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