Sa Brandy
Wine in Stellenbosch

South African brandy is enjoyed by many, but fully understood by few. Take a few moments and discover the wonderfully complex spirit that is South African brandy. Comprehensive legislation and a proud tradition ensure that our brandy is of the highest quality. The title of Worldwide Best Brandy at the International Wine & Spirits competition has been awarded to a South African brandy for six consecutive years. Brandy production is a delicate and complicated process. South African law demands that brandy be made from the highest quality wine, which is then distilled twice in copper potstills and aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years. The wine that is used to make brandy is called base wine. Grapes for base wine primarily come from warmer wine-growing regions. The base wine must be of the highest quality and there are important differences between base wine and table wine. Base wine is distilled in copper potstills, and is transformed into what is called low wine. The low wine is then distilled a second time, concentrating it even further. In the second distillation, the first vapours that emerge from the potstill are known as the heads. This portion is discarded because it contains highly volatile compounds that impart undesirable aromas. This is the soul of brandy and is what will eventually be bottled and enjoyed. It is during maturation that the heart, a clear liquid, obtains its distinctive amber colour. During the maturation process there is a complex interaction between the heart and the wood. What emerges after this magical process is known as potstill brandy. The master distiller will now combine talent, experience and years of practise to blend the potstill brandies from various casks into the master blend. This may be bottled as is and sold as potstill brandy, or be used as a component in blended and vintage brandies. South African legislation allows for three classes of brandy. Always taste brandy from a clean brandy snifter or an ISO wine tasting glass. It is perfectly acceptable to add a dash of still water when tasting brandy. The intensity of the alcohol will diminish after a few seconds and the rich, complex flavours will come to the fore. It’s always fun to have the brandy aroma wheel on hand to help you identify the flavours you experience. Blended brandies can be enjoyed with a favourite mixer such as ginger ale, fruit juice or cola. The best way to discover South African brandy is to explore Brandy Country by visiting a Brandy Home. Our potstill brandies double distilled in copper potstills and matured in oak for at least three years. Distillation is a process that is used to separate liquids based on differences in boiling point. When wine is heated, the vapour containing alcohol and flavour compounds is released first. Each time a distillation is repeated, it further concentrates the percentage of alcohol and flavour compounds. Copper is used as it is a good conductor of heat and reacts with sulphur compounds to form stable, non-odorous salts. French oak is used as it imparts desirable flavours and rounds and softens the brandy. Oak is porous and alcohol evaporates through the wood. It is a clear, tasteless liquid and is a component of Blended and Vintage brandies. We hate spam as much as you do and will never share your details.