Swartland, located 40 miles north of Cape Town in South Africa, is one of the country’s finest wine regions. This is a hot dry climate, and many plantings are alberello, or bush vine, to protect against the extreme sun. Soils are a mix of shale and granite.

Leading varieties here include Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz for reds, with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc being the top white varieties. The Cabernet Sauvignons, more in the style of a New World Red, are rich, ripe, forward wines with plush fruit and sleek tannins. These are some of the country’s finest wines. The Syrahs show similar richness and ripeness; pair these wines with roasts meats and game. The Sauvignon Blancs offer excellent varietal grassy notes as well as ripe pear and melon fruit; these are ideal with shellfish.

While there are a few values among the wines of Swartland, the best reds are priced at $40 and up. While these offerings are well structured for a decade or more of cellaring, it remains to be seen if these wines will be a success in America and other export markets. (Wine/Appellations)