A Toast to South Africa

Three Tesco wines from South Africa

South Africa has the planet's oldest soils and a wine-making history that goes back to the 1650s.

The country has no problem with ripeness; the challenge is more about maintaining acidity.

These three Tesco finest* wines from South Africa are all expressive, warm-climate easy-drinkers with plenty of fruit ripeness; screw-capped, they are suitable for picnics and barbecues. That said, they improve with a little aeration.

With a ban on alcohol sales in South Africa now lifted, we can drink a toast to South Africa, safe in the knowledge there will be Saffer wines to enjoy next year and beyond.

Tesco finest* Chenin Blanc, W.O. Breede River Valley, South Africa (£7.50) zippy, sherbetty lemon-lime citrus, florality and fresh herby dill and cress with white stone fruit; focused saline minerality.

Thoroughly pleasant.

Tesco Finest Shiraz, W.O. Breede River Valley, South Africa (£7.50) expressive and lifted with dark fruits and burnt rubber; concentrated, jammy fruit, spice, some savouriness and just enough acidity to keep it in check.

Thoroughly pleasant.

Tesco finest* Malbec, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa (£7.50) slightly jammy plum and blackberry fruit with spice, dark chocolate and cherries; supple with inky pencil shavings.

Thoroughly pleasant.

Here is Fiona Beckett's take on Tesco's finest* range.