Cape Crusaders: The 5 South African Wines We're Drinking for the World Cup

Now that the USA team is out and the French made a less-than-graceful exit from the FIFA World Cup, we're turning our attention away from Napa and Bordeaux and instead focusing on South African wines for the final days of the championship. If you haven't tasted South African wine before, prepare yourself for complex, ripe flavors that rival even the finest producers in the world (not to mention at a fraction of the price). Here are our top picks for South African wines not to miss.

1. Yammé 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
South Africa is one of the fastest up-and-coming producers of Sauvignon Blanc in the world, and this wine illustrates exactly why. Bursting with fresh, clean flavors of tropical fruit, lime zest and a hint freshly cut grass, this is an ideal summer sipping wine that would compliment salads, raw shellfish and soft cheeses.

2. Botanica 2009 Chenin Blanc
Although this grape is native to the French Loire Valley, the climate of South Africa has proved to be an equally hospitable terrain for this delicate varietal. With a pale yellow hue and hints of pears and light stone fruits (think apricots and peaches), this wine has a subtle sweetness that is hard to pass up.

3. Backsberg Cellars 2007 Sparkling Brut
That's right, sparkling wine from South Africa. Made using traditional Champagne methods, this off-dry sparkling wine has a smooth mousse and tight beads that never seem to go flat. On the palate it has fresh flavors of crisp green apples and a delicate minerality on the finish. Serve this wine on its own as an aperitif or post-game victory toast, but we like to pair it with lightly cooked fish or sushi.

4. Diemersdal Estate 2005 Pinotage
A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (also known as Hermitage, hence the name), this wine has smoky, earthy flavors with hints of molasses that is balanced out by hints of black cherries and even bananas (as odd as that may sound, it's true). We're crazy about this wine with braised meats and any kind of barbecue.

5. Darling Cellars 2007 Onyx Shiraz
Known in other parts of the world as Syrah, this wine has juicy flavors of ripe red berries balanced out by a hint of spicy black pepper. This inky wine goes well with seared steak, grilled vegetables or bold cheeses, and at $15 a pop, it's one of the best values on the market.

— Written by Lisa Curry

Photo credit: www.lcc.cc

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