When innovation beats specialisation

Out of the great revolution in South African wine we’ve seen in the past few decades, something of a contradiction is emerging.

Two tendencies we might expect from a leap forward in growing grapes and making wine are becoming evident, perhaps acting against each other — although we can no doubt expect more from their complex interaction.

First, growers of grapes are learning the potential and strengths of their regions down to specific vineyards with slopes, soils and climates that might favour one grape variety, or a few of them.

This is the tendency towards specialisation that proceeded inexorably in old Europe for hundreds of years and is now solidified into law, as well as custom, to the frustration of some.

 


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