South African sipping: Majestic releases new South African Autumn Cases, through subscription service ‘Wine Club’

From rugged mountains and dramatic scenery to picture-perfect ocean surf, South Africa’s landscape offers the ideal environment for an eclectic wine scene.

This Autumn, Majestic is celebrating this diversity of wonderful wines with three unique cases of 12 new and exclusive bottles, to transport wine lovers to Africa’s southernmost point - handpicked by its award-winning Buying Team and Master of Wine Elizabeth Kelly.

While often regarded as a new winemaking region, the history of South Africa’s viniculture is extensive - with the first wine produced in Cape Town in 1659 and millions of vines planted by the early 1900s. Climate and topography allow for great variety, with zingy Sauvignon Blanc able to grow alongside inky Shiraz, and in recent decades South African bottles have rightfully moved into the spotlight.

These new South Africa Autumn Cases are available as part of Majestic’s ‘Wine Club’: the quarterly concept from the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer. Designed to transport aspiring wine connoisseurs, each case reflects a new region or element of winemaking, with new cases released seasonally.

Members of ‘Wine Club’ can pick from three tiers of Autumn Cases with exclusive, expertly-chosen bottles from South Africa: the Discovery Case (£99); The Tour Case (£149); and The Grand Tour Case (£199). Each case is complete with recipe ideas from renowned South African cook and food writer Georgia East, to bring South African cuisine and perfect pairings straight to customers’ homes. Whether braai-style grills or warming stews, Georgia’s delectable dishes elevate the drinking experience and will transport tastebuds to the African peninsula.

In this season’s Discovery Case, ‘Wine Club’ subscribers will indulge in the decadent flavours of dark fruit, mocha and graphite in Vinologist Merlot, hailing from the mountainous Franschhoek region. Long-running winery De Wetsof played a pioneering role in introducing Chardonnay to the nation, and its ‘Danie De Wet’ Chardonnay boasts plenty of minerality and flavours of citrus.

The Tour Case includes highlights like Ghost In The Machine Skin Contact Chenin Blanc: a game-changing Chenin Blanc from one of the biggest names in South African wine, with heady aromas of cardamom, bay leaf and nuts. And no South African case would be complete without a Pinotage, but Cathedral Cellar’s bottle is refreshingly elegant and modern, with an abundance of blackcurrant, cherry and plum aromas, plus hints of marzipan and fruitcake.

Featuring two of each superb bottle, The Grand Tour Case brings wine lovers on a true journey on the best of South African winemaking. Grown in Stellenbosch, Stellenrust’s Series Rare ‘The Apprentice’ White Cinsault might be an unusual choice for a South African case, but the new-wave Series Rare label gives the 50-year-old vineyard block that produces this bottling a new lease of life. Cool-climate wines also feature, with Thelema Mountain Vineyards Sutherland Pinot Noir’s clean and linear flavour profile originating from the mountains of Elgin.

In celebration of the new ‘Wine Club’ case, Majestic is hosting a virtual tasting in partnership with UK and South Africa Rotary clubs, to raise funds for vulnerable children’s basic school stationery in South African townships. For every new membership or case purchased, Majestic will make a donation of £10 towards the Pencil Case Wine Project and 100% of the tasting proceeds will also go towards the charity. ‘Wine Club’ members can sign up for the event here.

Elizabeth Kelly, Master of Wine and Wine Buyer at Majestic, said: “The South African Case is the perfect Autumnal edition of Majestic’s ‘Wine Club,’ with a range of eclectic bottles to suit this transitional period. We hope that this outstanding collection broadens wine lovers’ perception of South African winemaking, from beyond just the signature Pinotage or Chenin Blanc, to discover something new. The region’s reputation in the wine world is rightfully growing year on year, thanks to innovative producers like those showcased in this season’s ‘Wine Club.’”

Each Autumn Case features recipe pairing suggestions, educational materials, expert advice and video tastings for a full immersive wine experience. Majestic’s no-quibble guarantee also ensures that any wine can be replaced that is not to the customer's taste with another bottle or a full refund.

Orders can be placed at majestic.co.uk/wineclub.