eco friendly drinking

If you're looking for alcohol with real credentials but don't want to sacrifice taste, South African rosé could be the answer. Rosé is back in fashion, and the pink drink is enjoying a revival.

South Africa is pioneering the idea of eco-friendly wines through a partnership between the conservation sector and the wineries. This initiative helps to maintain the natural eco-systems of the land without destroying its beautiful diversity. Their goals are to minimise the further loss of natural habitat and to contribute to sustainable wine production.

South Africa’s diverse range of rosé is made from shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir and pinotage, sometimes solo, sometimes blended.  Colours range from a tint of pink through to almost light red, much depending on the variety used and how long the skin remains on the grape.

Made in a fresh, fruity style, and ranging from dry to gently sweet, South African rosés are the perfect accompaniment to light, summer dishes, including barbeque and picnic food. The luscious fruit in these South African rosé wines is also well suited to more aromatic and spicy dishes. For a refreshing alternative, why not try adding a little ice to your glass.

WOSA

One organisation paving the way in ethical thinking is Wines of South Africa (WOSA), a not profit body which represents all exporters and producers of South African wines supporting a pioneering concept in winemaking. 

WOSA has teamed up with the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector. They want to minimise the loss of threatened natural habitat, and to contribute to sustainable wine production, through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines by the South African wine industry. In just two years, more than 70 of the Western Cape's wine producers have joined the Initiative. These producers have set aside over 40 000 hectares - 45 per cent of the province's winemaking land for conservation - helping to protect South Africa’s biodiversity.

Jo Mason, UK market manager for WOSA said:

“Consumers are increasingly making their everyday purchases based not just on quality, but on the ethical and environmental standards affecting the production of those products. A recent report unearthed that over £29.3bn is being spent on ethical consumerism each year, and it is clear that people are choosing products influenced by their conscience.”

Whatever your palate, South African rosé has something for everyone. And it tastes delicious, too!