South African Tasting - SS 25'
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South African Wine Tasting
First Tasting of SS 25′
On the evening of May 22nd, our student wine club gathered for a tasting that became a journey through winemaking history, geography, and philosophy.
The evening was divided in two parts. First, through the academy, we explored the contrast between Old World and New World wine traditions. Then we turned our attention to a full tasting dedicated to South Africa, one of the most fascinating and evolving wine regions in the world. It was more than just wine tasting. It was a global journey, right from our glasses.
Academy Session: Old vs. New World
The Old World versus New World discussion began not with competition but with context. These terms refer less to geography and more to differing approaches to wine. Old World wines, primarily from countries like France and Italy, are grounded in centuries of tradition. The focus is often on terroir, the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape that defines a wine’s character. Regional identity is the main point, and wine labels typically highlight where the wine comes from rather than the grape variety.
In contrast, the New World refers to regions such as California and Australia. Here, winemaking is shaped by science, innovation, and accessibility. Labels tend to prioritise grape variety to make it easier for consumers to understand what they are drinking. The style is often more expressive, fruit-driven, and bold.
One historical moment we learned about was the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Californian wines outperformed prestigious French bottles in a blind tasting. This event shifted perceptions and proved that high-quality wine was not exclusive to Europe.
To bring the theory to life, we tasted two wines made from the same grape but grown and produced on opposite sides of the world. The first was a Syrah from Cortona DOC in Tuscany. This wine had earthy undertones typical of Old World Syrah. The second was a Shiraz from McLaren Vale in Australia. It had the same amount of alcohol as the Syrah but slightly less sugar and higher acidity. This wine was more fruity and rich, a signature of New World Shiraz. Tasting them side by side really made us think about just how much place, technique, and tradition can influence the same grape.
South African Tasting
With palates fully engaged, we moved into the second part of the evening, hosted by Tobias Kotzian. The exploration of South African wines. This tasting introduced us to a country with a winemaking history dating back to the 1650s, when Jan van Riebeeck planted the first vines near Cape Town. The arrival of French Huguenots in the 1680s brought vital expertise, and by the 18th century, the country was producing Vin de Constance, a sweet wine prized in European courts.
Despite a strong start, South African wine experienced major challenges, including the phylloxera epidemic, low-quality overproduction in the early 20th century, and international isolation during apartheid. After 1994, with the end of apartheid, the industry was reborn. In recent decades, South African winemakers have embraced sustainability, minimal intervention, and regional expression. Today, South Africa ranks as the sixth-largest wine producer in the world.
We began the tasting with Graham Beck’s Méthode Cap Classique Brut, a sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method from vineyards in Robertson and Franschhoek. It is a wine of celebration and refinement, famously served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and Barack Obama’s victory event.
Next, we tasted Springfield Estate’s “Life from Stone” Sauvignon Blanc from Robertson. The 2023 vintage is 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard is known for its extremely rocky soils, which stress the vines and enhance the wine’s intense minerality and crispness.
Our next wine came from Elgin, the highest-altitude wine region in South Africa. Paul Clüver Family Estate’s 2021 Chardonnay is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes. Paul Clüver was the first winery in the region and helped define Elgin’s cool-climate character.
We then moved to Stellenbosch for Stellenrust’s “Secrets & Lies,” a Chenin Blanc also known locally as Steen. This wine was memorable not just for its ripe, expressive character, but also for the fact that it came with a story, quite literally. Each bottle is named after a short story written by the winemaker. It adds a personal, creative touch to what’s in the glass.
From the same region, we tasted Kanonkop Estate’s Pinotage, a 2021 vintage made from South Africa’s unique cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Kanonkop is a historic estate located on a hill where a cannon once signaled the arrival of ships in Cape Town.
We then turned to Creation Estate’s Syrah Grenache blend from Hemel-en-Aarde in Walker Bay. It is grown in vineyards just a few kilometers from the ocean. The wine benefits from cool maritime influences that add finesse and freshness to its Rhône-style profile.
The evening concluded with Allesverloren’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Swartland. The estate’s name, meaning “All is Lost,” comes from a dramatic moment in history when the original settlers returned from church to find their farm destroyed. Today, it is one of the most established wineries in the region, producing wines that reflect resilience.
This tasting was a journey through tradition, innovation, and national identity, all through wine. It gave us a tangible sense of how culture, history, and geography shape what ends up in the glass. From the elegance of Tuscany to the intensity of Swartland, we experienced a world of wine without leaving the room. And perhaps more importantly, we left with a deeper appreciation for the stories that each bottle carries.
