Ah, Iberia—the land of tapas, flamenco, lazy siestas, and wines that practically hum with sunshine and swagger. But here’s the twist: you don’t need to hop on a plane to sip the soul of Spain and Portugal. Nope, South Africa’s winemakers have sneakily adopted these Iberian beauties and raised them in the Cape’s wild, windswept vineyards, giving us something both familiar and gloriously new.

Introducing Iberian Varietals Selection #1—a sun-kissed trio of reds that have done the Camino to your glass with a little South African mischief and a whole lot of flavour. These are not shy, wallflower wines. These are wines that dance onto your palate with castanets in hand.

1. Baleia Vinho Rochas 2022

Varietals

52% Syrah/Shiraz, 48% Tempranillo

Tasting Note

A seaside serenade straight from the limestone hills of the Cape. On the nose, you’ll find violets, black cherries, and a teasing puff of crushed seashells (yes, really). The palate? Juicy, medium-bodied, with layers of dark fruit, savoury spice, and a briny, mineral edge that whispers sweet nothings of the ocean breeze.

Ageing Potential

4–6 years, but it’s already purring like a satisfied cat.

Food Pairing

Salt-crusted roast lamb, charred octopus, or a generous bowl of paella that refuses to be shared.

2. City on The Hill Tinta Barocca 2021

Varietals

100% Tinta Barocca

Tasting Note

Tinta Barocca—Portugal’s dark horse—here showing off like it’s just stepped off a catwalk in Porto. Expect a nose of wild strawberries, earthy spice, and a whisper of dusty roads after summer rain. The palate is vibrant and plush, balancing ripe red fruit with savoury leather and a fine-grained tannic grip that’s as reassuring as a bear hug from your Portuguese grandma.

Ageing Potential

6–8 years, but it’s more than ready to charm you now.

Food Pairing

Slow-cooked pork belly, tapas with chorizo, or a hunk of Manchego cheese on a lazy Sunday.

3. Black Water Daniel Grenache 2018

Varietals

100% Grenache

Tasting Note

Daniel Grenache is the poetic free spirit of this trio—a little brooding, a little wild, and totally irresistible. On the nose, expect raspberries, dried herbs, and that alluring scent of sun-warmed stones (if you know, you know). The palate is silky and elegant with just the right amount of wildness—red cherry, earthy spice, and a long, savoury finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Ageing Potential

8–10 years, but let’s be honest—you won’t wait that long.

Food Pairing

Grilled lamb chops, roasted Mediterranean veg, or a crusty baguette and nothing else (minimalism can be delicious).

Why This Selection? Why Now? Why Forever?

This is your backstage pass to the Iberian revival happening in the Cape—wines that take the best of Portuguese and Spanish grapes and give them a sun-drenched, sea-breeze-soaked South African twist. It’s a trio made for adventurous palates, al fresco feasts, and long lunches that turn into even longer dinners.

Drink them now, collect them later, or just pour another glass and join the fiesta. Olé!