Syrah and Cinsault:
Two wildly different varieties but ones that are increasingly making standout wines in the Cape. With its Mediterranean climate, South Africa is perhaps home to some of the most Rhône-esque Syrah in the world (and Rhône red blends for that matter). Less full-on than some Aussie Shiraz, these display the floral, peppery and savoury character that makes Cornas or Hermitage so appealing.
As for Cinsault, once South Africa’s workhorse grape, it is increasingly being worked into characterful and terroir-marked wines. Light, fresh and pretty, occasionally a little muscular, it makes for wines that have that ‘smashable’ appeal. It might be billed as ‘poor man’s Pinot’, but it would be wrong to overlook it, especially from Darling where it can have superb aromatics.
