Ward
The Central Orange River appellation lies in South Africa's Northern Cape province, at the northernmost edge of the country's wine-growing areas, on the fringe of the Kalahari Desert. This district of South Africa's Wine of Origin system comprises five wards planted along the Orange River: Groblershoop, Grootdrink, Kakamas, Keimoes and Upington, the region's main town. The climate is hot and dry, with intensely sunny days and cool nights; the vines depend entirely on irrigation drawn from the river, unlike the dry-farmed vineyards of the Western Cape. Soils vary with distance from the river: fertile alluvium and well-drained sand and loam along the banks, giving way to chalkier soils with lime and quartzite deposits further inland. White varieties grown here include chenin blanc, colombard, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, while cabernet sauvignon, pinotage and shiraz account for the reds, alongside muscat of alexandria and muscadel. Central Orange River stands apart for its geographic isolation and its complete reliance on irrigation, the only South African wine region set within a desert.
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Central Orange River produces a wide range of wines, historically dominated by sweet fortified wines made from muscat of alexandria (hanepoot) and muscadel: rich and aromatic, with notes of fresh grape, orange blossom, honey and dried fig, and good aging potential. Dry whites from chenin blanc, colombard, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are fresh and fruity, marked by green apple, citrus and white flower aromas, carried by bright acidity from the cool nights; they are best enjoyed young. Reds made from cabernet sauvignon, pinotage and shiraz show a deep colour, black fruit aromas such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, and soft tannins, generally suited to drinking in their early years. The whites pair well with seafood, fish and light dishes, the reds with grilled and red meats, while the sweet fortified wines suit the end of a meal, with blue cheese, dried fruit or simply on their own as a digestif.
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