5 Inexpensive South African Red Wines to Try

I hardly share this with the world (which I really should change because it’s quite a flex to have) but here is a random fun fact for you about myself…

I hold a certificate in South African Wine Education.

I took the 6 week long course to gain a better understanding of one of the many things that make South Africa beautiful and well known across the world – its wine. It is something I’ve come to love while I stay in Cape Town, and in this blog post, I’m sharing 5 inexpensive South African red wines that you should definitely try. All of them are less than R70 yet deliver such a richness that you’d feel like royalty just drinking them!

Jacques-Steytler 2019 Merlot

A beautifully robust red from the Western Cape, this wine is one that I truly encourage anyone to give a try when you stop by a local Pick n Pay (this wine is produced exclusively for Pick n Pay). At R64.99, I consider this to be an affordable red wine perfectly suited for dinners where red meat is on the menu.

You will get notes of red and black berries in this wine, together with pomegranate and cherry. It’s on the fruitier side and and offers freshness on the palate, so if you are someone who loves something that is medium-bodied on your palate, this is for you.

Stonedale 2019 Shiraz

Produced in the Robertson area in the Western Cape, this Shiraz is a smooth red wine with berry fruit flavours, a bit of spice and a touch of toasted oak. At R49.99 per bottle in most retailers, this is a wine that works well as an inexpensive option to accompany your pizza, pasta and red meat meals.

For those who are interested in keeping this wine for maturation, it’s possible to do so with this Shiraz for better results (although it is best to enjoy it immediately; you’ll want to have a taste of the mocha flavours that emerge).

La Ricmal Supréme 2020 Merlot

Another Western Cape beauty (this time from the La Ricmal wine farm in Stellenbosh) that certainly doesn’t disappoint on the nose or palate, this soft but fruity red wine has flavours of plum and mulberry. With the subtle use of oak, this Merlot is a beautiful balance of fruit and wood, and any red wine lover would enjoy this easy drinking wine.

At R49.99 per bottle, this wine is best accompanied with red meat, poultry, seafood, pastas and salads – making it a perfect all-rounder for any foodie occasion.

Robertson 2020 Chapel Red

This 2021 Double Gold Winner has a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage and is known to be a dry red but with fruity, soft notes of berry and herbaceous brambly flavours and bodes well with anyone looking for an everyday wine to enjoy.

Pair this wine with rich food like steaks, roasted meat and stews, or something simpler like pizza and pasta. At R44.99 per bottle, it certainly won’t disappoint.

Woolworths 2020 Organic Shiraz

This vegan-friendly wine has no added sulphur, making this wine rich in colour with flavours of blackberries and spice emerging. This wine delivers a smooth yet spicy finish so best enjoy it with roasted meat, like duck, or lamb chops from a classic South African braai.

For R62.99 and with every bottle sold, the makers of this wine – Stellar Winery – make a social contribution to the Stellar Empowerment Trust to improve the lives of farm workers and their families.

There you have it! 5 South African red wines to try that taste rich but cost less. Bookmark this post if you ever need to refer to it for a quick reference to the wines that you simply have to try.