News

In short

• Pinotage is South Africa’s own red grape (1925, Perold: Pinot Noir × Cinsault). Nowhere else offers this depth of styles.
• Styles: everyday fruit · coffee (Coffee Pinotage) · fuller reserve.
• Taste: cherry, plum, blackberry; mocha and dark chocolate on coffee styles; spice and cedar on reserve bottles.
• At the table: braai, steak, lamb, game, barbecue.
• Start at ZEBRA WINES: Juno €9.82 · Barista €9.82 · Barista Black €14.34 · ZEBRA €16.40 · Seaward €16.40 · Ayama €16.40 · 21 Gables €36.94.

If you try only one red wine from South Africa, make it Pinotage. It was born at the Cape and still defines the country’s red story: from an easy glass by the grill to a serious bottle with roast meat.

Modern Pinotage can be fruity, coffee-styled or properly oak-aged. Below are three styles and concrete bottles from the ZEBRA WINES range.

Pinotage’s story in South Africa

In 1925 at Stellenbosch University, Professor Abraham Izak Perold crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then called Hermitage at the Cape). He wanted Burgundy’s elegance with Cinsault’s hardiness and yield.

The result is a dark, characterful wine of its own. Today you find it from everyday Coastal Region bottles to top Stellenbosch ranges. In the Czech Republic we import it direct from growers we know in person.

Three styles you will find with us

In the Western Cape, Pinotage is made mainly in three ways. Each style below has a bottle from our list.

Everyday fruit style. Red and black fruit, softer tannins, easy drinking. Start: Juno Pinotage (€9.82) – plum, cherry, cedar, clove. Mid tier: Spier Seaward Pinotage (€16.40) – raspberry, blackberry, vanilla. From Paardeberg: Ayama Pinotage (€16.40) – sour cherry, plum, pepper, elegant tannins.

Coffee style (Coffee Pinotage). Carefully toasted barrels give roasted coffee, mocha and dark chocolate beside dark fruit. Easy entry: Barista Pinotage (€9.82). Fuller take: Barista Black (€14.34). Our own label in the same profile: ZEBRA WINES Pinotage (€16.40) – coffee, cherry, plum, smoky oak.

Reserve and top range. Longer oak, firmer structure, ageing potential. Our peak: Spier 21 Gables Pinotage (€36.94) – caramelised black cherry, dark spice, bitter chocolate, silky tannins (18 months in oak).

What to drink Pinotage with

Fuller body and ripe fruit make Pinotage a natural partner for roast and grilled meat. At the Cape that means braai (charcoal grill).

• Beef and grill – steak, burgers, pork belly, barbecue sauce
• Lamb and game – roast lamb, slow-cooked game, kebabs
• Spiced cooking – Cape Malay curry, hot sauces (fruit balances heat)
• Cheese and dessert – mature hard cheeses; coffee styles also with dark chocolate

Serving temperature: fruit and coffee styles 16-18 °C; fuller reserve 17-19 °C (too cold locks away fruit and oak).

Ageing: everyday fruit and coffee bottles within 3-5 years of harvest. 21 Gables and similar reserves 8-12 years, slowly picking up tobacco, cedar and dried fruit.

Where to buy Pinotage in the Czech Republic

At ZEBRA WINES we choose wines directly with the growers. Start with Juno or Barista. Coffee profile one step up: ZEBRA Pinotage or Barista Black. Compare coastal vs top range: Seaward next to 21 Gables. Paardeberg: Ayama Pinotage.

More Cape reds: Red wines. Sets: Tasting sets.

South Africa’s signature white: Chenin Blanc guide.

Czech version: Pinotage průvodce (CZ).

TLDR

• Chenin Blanc (historically called Steen at the Cape) is South Africa’s main white grape – more than half the world’s plantings grow here.
• Styles: fresh stainless steel · coastal with oak · old vines (Old Vine).
• Taste: apple, lime, peach; honey, melon and brioche on oaked and Old Vine bottles.
• At the table: seafood, poultry, Asian food, goat cheese.
• Start at ZEBRA WINES: Juno €9.85 · Ayama €13.93 · ZEBRA €16.45 · Seaward €15.21 · 21 Gables €26.75.

If you try only one white wine from South Africa, make it Chenin Blanc. At the Cape it was long called Steen, and it still anchors white winemaking there. More than 50 % of the world’s Chenin vineyards sit in South Africa.

From a light glass on the terrace to a fuller old-vine bottle: Chenin Blanc does both.

Chenin Blanc’s story in South Africa

The first vines arrived with Jan van Riebeeck in 1655. For centuries it was a workhorse grape for table wine and brandy. The revival came in the last thirty years: growers took old bush vines seriously and Chenin moved into premium white territory. Sommeliers now rank it among the most interesting New World whites.

Three styles you will find with us

In the Western Cape, Chenin is made mainly in three ways. Below each style is a bottle from the ZEBRA WINES range.

Fresh stainless steel. Fermented in steel, no oak. Citrus, green apple, guava, passion fruit. Everyday start: Juno Chenin Blanc (€9.85). One step up with a touch of wood: ZEBRA WINES Chenin Blanc (€16.45).

Coastal style with oak. Fruit from ocean-cooled sites (Swartland, Stellenbosch), aged on the lees (sur lie) in oak. White peach, citrus peel, light vanilla, creamy texture. Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc (€15.21). Top of the range: Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc (€26.75).

Old vines and terroir. Bush vines without trellis, deep roots in granite. At AYAMA on Paardeberg: Ayama Chenin Blanc (€13.93) and Ayama Chenin Blanc Old Vine from a 1986 block (€16.45).

What to drink Chenin Blanc with

Acidity plus fuller body makes Chenin an easy partner at the table.

• Seafood and fish – prawns, butter-poached pike-perch, trout, oysters
• White meat – roast chicken with herb butter, turkey, veal
• Asian cooking – Thai curry, spring rolls, sushi (fruit balances chilli and ginger)
• Cheese – goat, Camembert, Brie, Gouda

Serving temperature: fresh stainless 8-10 °C; fuller oak and Old Vine 10-12 °C (too cold locks away wood and brioche notes).

Ageing: basic stainless is best within 2-3 years of harvest. Higher-acid Old Vine bottles can age 5-10 years and slowly pick up honey and nut.

Where to buy Chenin Blanc in the Czech Republic

At ZEBRA WINES we choose wines directly with the growers. Start with Juno, Ayama or ZEBRA Chenin. Compare steel vs oak: Seaward next to 21 Gables. Old vines: Ayama Old Vine.

More Cape whites: White wines. Sets: Tasting sets.

Czech version: Chenin Blanc průvodce (CZ).

English version: Chenin Blanc guide (EN).

South Africa’s signature red: Pinotage guide.

Sweet wine (or semi-sweet, semi-dry) has a reputation for being beginner-friendly. Dry wine is often described as being “for connoisseurs.” Both of these are oversimplifications. The real difference is simple, and once you understand it, you’ll find it easier to choose a bottle that suits your meal, mood, and occasion.

 What does “dry wine” actually mean?

During fermentation, yeast converts the sugar in the grapes into alcohol. If fermentation is allowed to run its full course, almost all of the sugar is consumed, resulting in a dry wine. The residual sugar in dry wine is typically less than 4 g/l—practically nothing that you would perceive as sweetness on your tongue.

Sweet wine, on the other hand, is produced when fermentation is intentionally stopped early, or when concentrated grape must is added to the wine. The residual sugar can then reach tens to hundreds of grams per liter.

Why dry wine?

1. It pairs more easily with food

Dry wine lets the food shine. Grilled meat, pasta, fish, vegetables, cheese—with most dishes, dry wine works better than sweet wine because it doesn’t overpower the flavors on the plate. Sweet wine, on the other hand, competes with salty and umami flavors and can turn a meal into a sensory chaos.

2. Less sugar

Lower residual sugar content is a fact, not a marketing ploy. For those watching their sugar intake, dry wine is the more logical choice. Semi-dry and sweet varieties contain significantly more residual sugar.

3. Greater Complexity in the Glass

Dry wine must stand on its own. Without sweetness to mask imperfections, the winemaker must work with the varietal character, terroir, and winemaking techniques. The result is wines with greater depth, length, and complexity on the palate.

4. The Natural Flavor of the Grape Variety

In inexpensive wines, sweetness often serves to mask mediocre raw materials. A dry wine either delivers the quality of the grape variety or nothing at all. That is why the most interesting wines are more prominently represented among dry wines.

Dry red wines from Zebra Wines

South African red wines are naturally dry and, thanks to the sunny climate of the Cape Winelands, rich in fruit, with well-integrated tannins.

Spier Seaward Pinotage – Pinotage is South Africa’s national grape variety; Spier’s Seaward version offers aromas of dark fruit, a subtle smokiness, and a smooth finish. A classic example of what a dry Pinotage can offer.

Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon – Meerlust is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in South Africa, in operation since 1693. Their Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of cassis, cedar, and soft tannins—classic, dry, and elegant.

Juno Merlot – More approachable and rounded than Cabernet, with aromas of red and dark fruit. Ideal for those who are just discovering dry red wine and are looking for a less tannic entry point.

Dry white wines from Zebra Wines

White dry wines from South Africa benefit from their proximity to the ocean. The Atlantic and Indian Oceans cool the vineyards, preserving acidity and freshness—exactly what a dry white wine needs.

Spier Seaward Chardonnay – A Chardonnay from the Stellenbosch region with notes of peach, citrus, and subtle vanilla. Fermentation in stainless steel preserves its freshness without an excess of buttery flavors. Dry, clean, and very versatile with food.

Juno Chenin Blanc – Chenin Blanc is the king of white grape varieties in South Africa. The Juno version offers aromas of green apple, pear, and a hint of herbs. Dry, with lively acidity, it’s excellent as an aperitif and with seafood.

Juno Sauvignon Blanc – Green herbs, citrus, peach. For many people, Sauvignon Blanc is the first dry white wine they fall in love with—and for good reason.

When Should You Give a Sweeter Option a Try?

A sweeter wine isn’t bad. It has its place with desserts, strong cheeses, or as a Moscato d’Asti-style aperitif. The problem arises when a sweeter wine replaces a dry one simply because it’s more pleasant on the first sip. Dry wine takes some getting used to, but it’s worth it.

If you’re used to off-dry or sweet wines and want to switch to dry ones, start with whites—they’re more approachable than reds. Juno Chenin Blanc or Spier Seaward Chardonnay are great first steps.

Summary

Dry wine pairs better with food, contains less sugar, offers greater complexity, and provides a truer expression of the grape variety. Sweet wine has its time and place, but for everyday drinking and at the dinner table, dry wine almost always wins out.

South African dry wines from Zebra Wines are a great place to start—whether you’re looking for a full-bodied, fruity red or a crisp white with lively acidity. Check out the full selection at www.zebrawines.cz.  

I’m sure you’ve found yourself standing in front of the wine rack, wondering for ages what to open. White or red, Sauvignon or Chardonnay, a single-varietal or a blend… Do you choose a wine based on your current mood and taste, or do you rotate through different varieties on a strict schedule—like, “I had Shiraz yesterday, so today I have to have Cabernet”?

Wine has become an indispensable part of human culture and history. Each wine variety offers unique characteristics and flavor nuances that enrich the dining experience. One option is to rotate wines regularly so you don’t get “tired” of a single variety. More advanced wine enthusiasts then pair wines with specific dishes. A third option is to draw inspiration from international days dedicated to individual grape varieties.

International grape variety days are an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate their uniqueness. The spring and summer months are devoted mainly to white wines, while late summer and fall favor red, more mature varieties. Let’s take a look at the significant days for some of the most renowned varieties and what foods pair well with them.

Sauvignon Blanc: May 1

International Sauvignon Blanc Day is celebrated on May 1 and is dedicated to this distinctive and aromatic variety. The date reflects its popularity in the spring, when the fresh taste and aroma of Sauvignon Blanc provide a refreshing experience. Food pairing: Thanks to its freshness, Sauvignon Blanc is ideal with light salads, goat cheese, and vegetable- or fish-based dishes.

Chardonnay: May 21

Chardonnay is one of the most widely grown white grape varieties in the world. International Chardonnay Day is celebrated on May 21, when winemakers and wine lovers pay tribute to this versatile variety. The date was chosen to coincide with the post-harvest period in the Southern Hemisphere and the start of the growing season in the Northern Hemisphere. Food Pairings: Chardonnay is a great companion for creamy pasta, grilled chicken, and seafood such as oysters or lobster.

Chenin Blanc: June 20

Chenin Blanc is celebrated on June 20 and is known for its diverse styles and regions of origin—from France to South Africa. This day is an opportunity to appreciate its versatility and ability to adapt to various climatic conditions. Food Pairings: Chenin Blanc pairs wonderfully with Asian cuisine, particularly dishes with subtle curry flavors or those featuring fish and chicken.

Shiraz: July 23

The Shiraz variety, celebrated on July 23, highlights this full-bodied and spicy wine. The date evokes summer, when Shiraz offers the perfect accompaniment to BBQs and grilling. Food pairing: Shiraz pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, spicy dishes such as Mexican or Indian specialties, and blue-veined cheeses.

Pinot Noir: August 18

Pinot Noir is celebrated on August 18 and is prized for its elegance and complexity. This date was chosen to coincide with the time when the grapes of this variety begin to ripen in many wine regions. Food pairing: Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with roast duck, mushroom dishes, and light pasta.

Cabernet Sauvignon: August 30

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red varieties, and its day is celebrated on August 30. This date was chosen at the end of summer, which is traditionally when this variety ripens in many wine-growing regions. Food Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect with red meats, such as steaks or lamb chops, and pairs well with hard cheeses.

Cap Classique Day: September 1

The day celebrating South African sparkling wines made using the Cap Classique method is celebrated on September 1. Sparkling wines in these latitudes symbolize the return of spring, blooming proteas, and new energy. Food Pairing: Sparkling wines are great with light appetizers such as caviar, shrimp cocktails, or cheese platters.

Pinotage: October 11

Pinotage is a distinctive South African variety celebrated on October 11. This day commemorates the wine’s maturation in cellars following the spring harvest in the Southern Hemisphere and pays tribute to this unique variety, a symbol of South African winemaking. Food Pairings: Pinotage is excellent with game, pork, and hearty vegetable dishes.

Merlot: November 7

Merlot is celebrated on November 7 and is known for its smoothness and fruity profile. Fall is the ideal time to enjoy this wine, which brings warmth and comfort. Food Pairing: Merlot is excellent with pasta in tomato sauce, grilled mushrooms, and mild cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.

International Wine Variety Days provide a wonderful opportunity for winemakers, sommeliers, and wine lovers around the world to celebrate the richness and diversity of wines. Each variety has its own charm that pairs perfectly with different dishes, offering a path to discovering new taste experiences. Whether you’re a lover of red, white, or sparkling wine, every day is an opportunity to explore and appreciate the world of wine.

The end of the year is fast approaching, and you are surely already making gastronomic plans for the holidays. Fried carp or schnitzel with potato salad is a Czech tradition, but many of you are surely thinking about pairings other than just Pilsner Urquell. Not to mention that the choice of dishes for various occasions is very wide today, and it would be a shame not to pair them with fine wines of corresponding quality.

Christmas Eve (December 24)

On Christmas Eve, families gather around a lavishly set table, making it the perfect time to enjoy white wine. We recommend Juno Chenin Blanc, which is very popular in South Africa. This wine has a wide range of flavors, from fresh citrus and apples to honey tones. It is great with fish dishes, turkey, or even traditional Christmas salads.

Another great tip is Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc – with its typical taste of green figs, blackberry leaves, and ripe tropical fruit, it goes well with light appetizers and salads and is a pleasant companion for a festive evening.

Christmas Day (December 25)

On Christmas Day, richer dishes are often served, which allows for the selection of red wine. We recommend Pinotage, a characteristic South African variety. For example, the mysterious Barista Black represents a distinctive and elegant version of this South African icon – 100% Pinotage from the Western Cape region. This wine combines the richness of a traditional variety with a modern style: a dark ruby color, aromas of black fruit, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and subtle oak, making it an ideal accompaniment to roasted red meat or duck.

In addition, Shiraz is also suitable for this day, offering strong spicy tones and dark fruit, which go well with dishes such as roast beef or game. This is especially true of The Chocolate Block, a distinctive South African red cuvée from Swartland, composed mainly of Shiraz complemented by Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Viognier.

New Year's Eve (December 31)

Nothing sparkling should be missing on New Year's Eve! Methode Cap Classique (MCC) is a South African alternative to French champagne. These wines have a rich flavor, fine bubbles, and balanced acidity. Ideal for toasting the start of the new year. MCC pairs well with appetizers such as platters of smoked fish or cheese, and simply creates a celebration that everyone will enjoy.

And why not make New Year's Eve a little rosier! Spier Cap Classique Brut Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir. The wine is full of finesse and energy, with a lively aroma of ripe strawberries, cranberries, and notes of honey apples on the palate, with a balanced flavor and lingering acidity and minerality.

New Year's Day (January 1)

To ensure that luck does not fly away on New Year's Day, red meat dishes are usually served. Merlot is an excellent choice to pair with these dishes. It is smooth and fruity, and perfectly complements New Year's dishes. For example, La Bri Merlot is an elegant red wine from Franschhoek Valley in South Africa, made from grapes grown in clay vineyards. Its aroma features notes of smoked bacon, violets, and mulberries, while its taste offers juicy dark fruit, delicate chocolate, smooth tannins, and balanced acidity.

We must not forget to mention the royal variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. And since it's New Year's Eve, why not try the best South Africa has to offer? Meerlust Rubicon is an iconic red cuvée from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. The wine has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of violets, black plums, blackberries, cedar wood, and delicate spices.

If you want to try something new this Christmas, wines from South Africa are definitely a great choice. Thanks to the stable and sunny climate, they are concentrated, full-bodied, and consistent in quality across vintages. You definitely won't go wrong.

We wish you happy holidays and a great start to the New Year!

A friend of mine calls to say he's flying to South Africa, where he's going to go wine tasting. We get many questions like this throughout the year, so we thought it would be useful to write up a few recommendations of this type in our newsletter. So close your eyes and imagine that you have just landed at Cape Town Airport and have an irresistible craving for delicious wine. Where will your first steps take you?

The scale of the wine industry in South Africa is staggering – Platters wine guide dedicated to South Africa contains 700 densely described pages. So the intention to take a chance and visit one of them may seem like shooting in the dark. Fortunately, the first wine region – and the most famous one – is only 50 km from Cape Town Airport and can be reached in just under an hour. You don't have to worry about accommodation – some wine farms offer accommodation on their premises, or you can find plenty of options in the surrounding area.

Stellenbosch: a historical gem with great potential

Stellenbosch is probably the most famous wine region in South Africa, often referred to as the country's wine mecca. Located east of Cape Town, it is renowned for its historic center with colonial architecture and vineyards stretching across the slopes of the southern foothills of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. This area is considered the heart of South African wine and produces a wide range of varieties, with an emphasis on quality and tradition.

Stellenbosch is also home to several leading wine institutes, such as Stellenbosch University, where the famous Pinotage variety was created. If you ask the locals which two wineries to visit (you won't be able to manage more than that in one day), they will usually refer you to Spier Wine Farm and Meerlust Wine Estate with its iconic Rubicon.

Franschhoek: a culinary and wine gem

This area is a little further away, located about 75 km from Cape Town, and is synonymous with luxury wineries, galleries, and traditional French architecture. Franschhoek (Czech for "French Corner"), often referred to as "Little France," is a picturesque area surrounded by mountains, known not only for its excellent wines but also for its culinary specialties and rich European history.

Varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Merlot predominate in the Franschhoek area. Above all, there is a strong emphasis on varieties that correspond well with the local climatic conditions and terroir, which produces wines with an elegant profile and rich aromatics. A distinctive feature of the local wines is the emphasis on quality and uniqueness, often with an emphasis on minimal intervention in production. That is why you can taste such different wines here as those from La Bri, Lynx Wine Estate, or Boekenhoutskloof Winery Pty Ltd, which is known for producing the famous wine The Chocolate Block.

.

Paarl: a traditional and diverse region

Paarl, the third largest wine region in the Cape Town area, located 60 km northeast, completes the golden triangle of Western Cape winemaking. This region is known not only for its rich vineyards, but also for its historical monuments and rock formations, such as Du Toitskloof.

The dominant varieties in Paarl, as in other regions, are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot, but the area is particularly renowned for producing dry and intense wines. White varieties such as Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc are also widely grown. Thanks to its diverse soils and microclimate, Paarl offers unique opportunities for producing varietal wines with deep structure and distinctive aromatics. Definitely worth a visit is Fairview Farm, which produces cheese and wine that we import under the Cape Wine Company brand, or the South African winery with Italian cellar masters, Ayama Wines.

Robertson: a region with a specific microclimate

The Robertson region lies about 120 km northeast of Cape Town and is best known for its specific microclimate and favorable terroir, which supports the growth of varieties suitable for both young, fresh wines and mature, full-bodied drinks. This region is often referred to as a "paradise for rosé wines" due to the wide range of varieties grown here.

The main wine varieties in Robertson are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, which often win awards at domestic and international competitions. White varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are also widespread, with producers here emphasizing fresh, mineral wines with delicate aromas. Probably the best known is the family-owned Springfield Estate, with its beautiful, mineral wines grown on stony soils and produced using traditional methods.

2028: From the airport to the cellar even faster!

And finally, some great news: Cape Winelands Airport will open in 2028, further shortening the distance to the main wine regions. Cape Winelands Airport, which is being built northeast of Cape Town, caters to the growing number of foreign and domestic tourists traveling to see the beauty of the city and its surroundings and, of course, for great wine experiences!

The area around Cape Town is one of the most important and most recognized wine regions in the world. This area is renowned not only for its unique terroirs and diverse varieties, but also for its rich history and traditional approach to winemaking. Each of the main wine regions has its own specific characteristics, varieties, and traditions, which contribute to the rich mosaic of South African winemaking.