Dabble in niche wine territory by tasting off the beaten track

Put that tried-and-trusted Cabernet or Chenin Blanc back on the wine rack, and try one of the Cape’s more unusual varietals instead, writes Richard Holmes

Tired of the same-old Shiraz and so-so Sauvignon Blanc? Stop in at a decent wine merchant – Wine Concepts in Newlands is my favourite – and you’ll discover the adventurous spirit in local cellars as winemakers dabble in a raft of new varietals you’ve likely never heard of. Fancy a glass of Grüner Veltliner? How about some Albariño or Assyrtiko?

The last, a Greek cultivar from the island of Santorini, is well suited to hot, dry and windy conditions and is being planted on the high slopes of Jordan Wine Estate. It’s yet to make it into a bottle, but you can already try Diemersdal’s Grüner Veltliner. Austria’s signature grape results in a medium-bodied white wine that is aromatic and elegant; an excellent wine to pair with food.

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This is also true for Roussanne, a cultivar hailing from the Rhône Valley in France. Ken Forrester may be most famous for his Chenin Blanc, but he has long had a love affair with Roussanne and offers a rare single-varietal bottling of this fragrant full-bodied white wine. If you fancy a sip you’ll have to visit his charming winery in Stellenbosch, though, as this “cellar exclusive” is only available from the tasting room.

As owners of one of the leading vine nurseries in the country, it’s no surprise that Bosman Family Vineyards is known to produce an unusual gem or two. Last year it released South Africa’s first certified Nero d’Avola, a grape long associated with the island of Sicily. From Wellington vineyards the 2014 vintage is a wonderful balance of spiciness and red fruit, a wine with firm tannins that’ll stand up nicely to red meat and pasta dishes.

Carignan is another grape rarely seen in local cellars, but the Fairview “Peg Leg” Carignan is certainly a beauty. Made from the oldest Carignan vineyard in the country, planted in the Swartland in 1972, it’s an elegant wine ideal for game meats.

The Steenberg Nebbiolo, however, I’d enjoy all on its own. With its bright cherry fruit on the palate and lovely balance of tannins and acidity, this Italian variety from Piedmont will tempt lovers of Pinot Noir.

This article was originally published in one of the Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property and Lifestyle guides. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.