South African winemakers urgently need your support | Alistair Gibson

I don’t think it’s being dramatic to say it is heading for disaster. A few weeks ago the country’s president imposed a second ban on alcohol sales.

The first time it was estimated the impact on the wine industry would include the loss of 18,000 jobs and potentially 80 wine estates would close.

The second ban has brought the industry to its knees.

I lived in South Africa for a few years and I am lucky enough to count many Cape winemakers as my friends.

The best way to support this beleaguered wine industry is to show your support by buying their wines as they have no domestic sales at all.

Waitrose has shown support by offering a 25 per cent discount off a specially selected case of South African wine (available online from waitorsewinecellar.co.uk – six bottle case £59, 12 bottle case £118).

The case includes some wonderful wines from some of the Cape’s leading estates – Springfield Sauvignon Blanc, Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc, Rustenberg Chardonnay, Ghost Corner Pinot Noir, Waitrose No1 Cederberg Syrah and Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cabernet Sauvingnon.

Space does not allow a review of each but, suffice to say, these have been chosen with great care by Victoria Mason, the South African wine buyer at Waitrose and I would happily serve any of them at my dinner table.

Darling Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Darling (Hermitage Cellars £7.95 introductory offer £7.25) is from the Cape’s relatively cool climate west coast.

This is very fresh with notes of asparagus and tropical fruit including pineapple on the nose, followed by more tropical fruit on the palate with some zesty, citrus acidity leading to a vibrant finish.

This is really great value for money and would work well with some fresh seafood or a tomato based salad.

Rustenberg ‘John X Merriman’ 2017, Stellenbosch (Waitrose £15.99, Ocado £15.99, Majestic £17.99 or £15.99 as part of a mix six) is a Bordeaux blend from one of the Cape’s best ever vintages and really over-delivers at this price.

The bouquet offers cassis, cedar, coffee grounds and a touch of earthiness, followed by a medium bodied palate and a long, complex finish.

Match this with a Sunday roast beef or lamb and raise a glass to the South African wine industry.