Tapas is the term for a wide variety of appetisers, both hot and cold, traditionally served with drinks in Spanish cuisine. This relaxed style of eating is the perfect way to explore the flavours of the Cape.

South Africa’s first rosé was the brainchild of Bernard Podlashuk, owner of Bellingham farm in Franschhoek. Inspired by a visit to France, he introduced Bellingham dry rosé in 1949. Nearly 50 years later, rosés have come full circle with a drier style again proving popular.

Renewed local interest was prompted by greater interest in rosé worldwide. Under South African regulations, rosé may be made from red varieties alone, either as a varietal wine or as a blend, or be a blend of red and white wine. Blanc de noir is also a type of rosé but local regulations mean it has to be made from one or more red varieties only.

Colours range from a tint of pink through to almost light red, much depending on the variety used; pinot noir, for instance, produces a much paler hue than cabernet sauvignon. How long the skins of the red grapes, from where the colour is extracted, are left in contact with the juice will also influence the depth of colour but a rosé should always be bright, clear and in no way confused with even a light red wine.

Shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir, sometimes solo, sometimes blended, are often used to make rosés in South Africa. Our own unique pinotage is a long-time favourite variety. As a rosé, pinotage provides good colour and plenty of fruit; its other benefits are that as it ripens early in the season it can be harvested at lower sugar levels, producing lower alcohols, and also be among the earliest wines of the vintage on the market.

Generally, South African rosés are made in a fresh, fruity style, and range from dry, through off-dry to gently sweet. These should be enjoyed in the freshness of youth either as an aperitif or with light, summer dishes. The luscious fruit in our rosés is well suited to the aromatic and spicy dishes of Cape fusion cuisine. The enjoyment is all the greater when you know that South Africa is leading the world in producing eco-friendly wines and in conserving huge areas of natural vegetation within our winelands.