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As with meat, dairy and vegetables, so the organic movement is sweeping through the South African wine industry. Organic farming prohibits the use of any synthetic sprays, pesticides or fertilizers, as well as placing a strong emphasis on maintaining the vitality and richness of the soil. The long term outlook of organic farming ties in nicely with the winemakers mindset, where a great wine can take 5, 10 or even 12 years to produce.
Here are some of our favourites:
Laibach
The Ladybird Red wine is a familiar site in supermarkets, but few shoppers realise that the lady bird represents the harmony of the Laibach organic vineyards. A classic bordeaux, it is a quality red wine and the older vintages are particularly luscious.
Reyneke
Unmistakably, the leader of SA’s organic wine movement, Reyneke produces a great selection of quality wines. The Biodynamic Chenin Blanc 2015 is from old vine Chenin plantings, showing ripe citrus fruit characteristics with hints of honey.
Waterkloof
With a strong focus on minimal intervention in the wine making, Waterkloof continues to produce excellent wines from the base of Sir Lowry’s Pass. The farm continues to make improvements, such as swapping out tractors for only horse powered harvesting and ploughing.
The Circumstance Cape Coral Mourvedre is a delicious dry rose in the Provencal style.
Org de Rac
From the heart of the Swartland comes the Ord de Rac Organic wines. The selection is mostly made up of easy drink white wines, with a few more serious red wines to round out the list.
Avondale
The farm at Avondale is home to a number of creatures – a beef herd, chickens, ducks, bees and even a few people! The wines each demonstrate a unique identity, with the Avondale MCC sparkling above the rest.
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