South Africa boasts a vibrant and diverse wine culture, rich with distinctive regions, innovative winemakers and world-class wines that continue to surprise and delight international palates. Among these treasures, The Chocolate Block stands out as a true icon — a wine that marries Bordeaux heritage with South African flair and has become a benchmark for quality and style in the New World. If you’ve yet to discover it, prepare to embark on a sensory journey that’s as intriguing as its name.
A Wine with Personality: What Is The Chocolate Block?
At first glance, the name The Chocolate Block might make you pause — is it a dessert wine? A fortified? A wine infused with chocolate? The answer: no. The name is inspired by the wine’s lush, dark fruit character and silky texture that evoke rich, almost chocolaty sensations on the palate.
Produced by Boekenhoutskloof, one of South Africa’s most respected estates located in the Franschhoek Valley, The Chocolate Block is a red blend that has gained a cult following. Rather than adhering to a single varietal, it brings together several grape varieties — a modern approach to winemaking that emphasises balance, complexity and expressive fruit. You can find out more about the winery by going to the website by clicking here
Its typical blend may vary slightly from vintage to vintage, but you’ll often find Syrah as the backbone, supported by Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and sometimes even small amounts of other Rhône or Bordeaux varieties. This multi-varietal composition gives The Chocolate Block both depth and dimension, providing a wine that’s bold yet playful, structured yet approachable.
The Story Behind the Bottle
Understanding The Chocolate Block means knowing a bit about the estate that created it. Boekenhoutskloof — which translates from Afrikaans as “valley of the book-leaf tree” — was established in 1776, but its modern renaissance began in the early 1990s with visionary winemaker Marc Kent. Kent challenged conventions and championed site-specific, fruit-driven wines that reflect South Africa’s terroir and creativity.
The Chocolate Block debuted in the late 1990s and quickly became one of the estate’s most celebrated wines. Its emergence helped shift the perception of South African wine, showing that the country could produce reds with finesse, not just bold, rustic styles.
Over the years, The Chocolate Block has received international acclaim, earning high scores from critics and praise from wine lovers for its expressive style and consistency. It represents both innovation and identity, encapsulating the spirit of a region that embraces both tradition and experimentation.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect in Your Glass
So what does this famous wine actually taste like? The Chocolate Block is best described as bold, fruit-forward and sensual, with layers of flavour that unfold with each sip. Here’s a breakdown of the key tasting characteristics:
⭐ Appearance:
A deep, intense ruby-purple that hints at the concentration within.
⭐ Nose:
A vivid aromatic profile with notes of ripe blackberries, cherries, plums and violets, intertwined with peppery spice, subtle smoky nuances and hints of mocha or cacao — the elements that inspire its name.
⭐ Palate:
Rich berry fruit dominates the palate, especially blackcurrant and dark cherry, balanced by juicy acidity. Silky tannins provide structure without heaviness, while spice, sweet tobacco and floral undertones add complexity. The finish is long, warm and inviting.
It’s a wine that’s both expressive and refined — full-bodied enough to please seasoned wine drinkers, yet smooth and approachable for those new to South African wines.
Food Pairing: The Perfect Match
The Chocolate Block’s bold fruit and graceful tannins make it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with:
🍷 Red Meats
Grilled lamb chops, beef brisket, venison or a juicy steak bring out the wine’s peppery and dark fruit notes.
🍷 Rich Stews & BBQ
Smoky, savoury dishes from slow-cooked oxtail to spicy barbecue ribs resonate with the wine’s spice and depth.
🍷 Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Cuisine
Tagines, lamb koftas, grilled vegetables with harissa or za’atar showcase the wine’s fruitiness and complexity.
🍷 Hard Cheeses
A selection of mature cheeses like aged Gouda, Manchego or a sharp cheddar can stand up to its powerful flavours.
Word to the wise: despite its name, this isn’t a wine you’d typically serve with chocolate desserts — its intensity and dryness make it better suited to savoury dishes or strong cheeses.
Serving Tips and Cellaring Potential
To enjoy The Chocolate Block at its best:
Serve slightly below room temperature — around 16–18°C (60–65°F) helps integrate the fruit and spice.
Decanting for 30–45 minutes can enhance complexity, especially with younger vintages.
Glassware matters — a large red wine glass will allow the aromas to open fully.
While many enjoy The Chocolate Block upon release, it also shows impressive ageing potential thanks to its balanced structure. Depending on the vintage, cellaring for 5–10 years (or more) can develop savoury tertiary notes and soften tannins further.
A Wine That Speaks to South Africa’s Unique Terroir
One of the greatest pleasures of The Chocolate Block is how well it expresses its origin. The Franschhoek Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm days, cool breezes and diverse soil types — conditions that favour the cultivation of multiple grape varieties. South Africa’s long sunshine hours build rich, concentrated flavours, while the cooling influences preserve acidity and finesse.
This wine is more than a blend; it’s a reflection of place — a testament to how diverse varietals, when carefully selected and harmonised, can create something distinctive and captivating.
Why It’s a Must-Try for Wine Lovers in the UK
The UK wine community has embraced South African wines with growing enthusiasm, and The Chocolate Block is a brilliant ambassador for what the country can achieve. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or exploring new world wines for the first time, this bottle offers:
✔ A unique blend that defies simple categorisation
✔ Rich, expressive flavours with balance and elegance
✔ Great value for a high-quality, acclaimed wine
✔ A conversation starter with any dinner party crowd
At wine tastings, dinner tables and oenophile forums across the UK, The Chocolate Block often sparks curiosity and praise — and it’s easy to see why.
The Chocolate Block Wine is not available everywhere. The main stockists are Independent Wine Shops or Online Wine Retailers such as ourselves. At www.southafricanwines.co.uk you can purchase Chocolate Block in bottles, Magnums and half bottles. We deliver direct to your doorstep across the UK, and try to always have this iconic wine in stock. You can visit the web page to buy this wine by clicking here.
Final Sip: What Makes The Chocolate Block Special
In a world of classic appellations and historic wine names, The Chocolate Block stands out — not because it’s gimmicky, but because it delivers on flavour, personality and quality. It challenges expectations, invites exploration and showcases the ingenuity of South African winemaking.
Whether you’re sipping it alongside slow-roasted lamb, enjoying it with friends by the fire, or recommending it to curious wine lovers at your local tasting event, The Chocolate Block is a wine that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
If you haven’t yet uncorked this South African gem, consider this your invitation — because some wines are worth the journey.
