Dry wine is one of the most loved styles among wine drinkers, appreciated for its balanced complexity, nuanced flavours, and food-friendly nature. Whether you enjoy a bold red or a crisp white, dry wines offer a sophisticated experience that pairs well with a variety of palates. In this blog, we’ll unpack what dry wine really is, explore the different types of dry red and white wines, highlight the health benefits of dry red wine, and shine a spotlight on the exceptional range from HER Wine Collection—a proudly South African brand founded by black women.
What Is Dry Wine?
When wine lovers refer to a “dry wine”, they’re talking about a wine that has little to no residual sugar. During the fermentation process, natural sugars from the grapes are converted into alcohol. In dry wines, this process continues until most or all of the sugar is consumed by yeast, resulting in a wine that isn’t sweet.
It’s a common misconception that “dry” refers to the texture of the wine. Instead, it’s all about sugar content. Dry wine’s can still be smooth or full-bodied—it just won’t have that sugary taste that comes with sweeter wines. This dryness contributes to the crispness of white wines and the bold, structured profiles of red wines. HER Wine Collection’s range showcases this beautifully, offering a selection of dry wine wine options that include both whites and reds.
What Are the Different Dry Wine Types?
When exploring dry wine types, it’s helpful to understand the two main categories: red and white. Each category includes several grape varietals that are typically vinified in a dry style:
Examples of Dry Red Wines:
- Pinotage: A uniquely South African red varietal developed from Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. It is typically vinified dry and offers bold flavours of dark berries, earthy notes, and smoky undertones. Its full-bodied character and complexity make it a favourite among those who enjoy intense, robust reds.
- Shiraz: Known for its rich, dark fruit flavours, black pepper spice, and firm tannins, Shiraz is a classic dry red wine that delivers depth and power. Often aged in oak, it can also display vanilla, tobacco, and savoury notes, making it ideal for hearty dishes and red meat pairings.
Examples of Dry White Wines:
- Sauvignon Blanc: This dry white is celebrated for its high acidity and vibrant flavour profile, often featuring citrus, green apple, gooseberry, and grassy notes. It is refreshing and crisp, making it perfect for warm weather and a variety of light dishes such as salads and seafood.
- Chenin Blanc: A versatile white grape that can range from sweet to bone-dry. In its dry form, Chenin Blanc is lively and aromatic, with flavours that include quince, pear, apple, and subtle hints of tropical fruit. Its balanced acidity makes it a great partner for poultry, creamy dishes, and cheeses.
The dry wine types red tend to be more robust with tannins, offering deep flavours of berries, spice, and sometimes smokiness. White wine options are lighter and more acidic, often pairing well with seafood, salads, and lighter fare.
The Benefits of Dry Red Wine
There’s more to a good glass of dry red wine than just its taste. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of red wine, particularly dry reds, can offer some health benefits.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Dry red wines like Shiraz and Pinotage are high in polyphenols, such as resveratrol, which may help protect the heart and blood vessels.
- Improved Heart Health: Moderate consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
- Supports Longevity: Some researchers believe the antioxidants in red wine can contribute to overall wellness and a longer life.
It’s important to note that moderation is key. A single glass with dinner, a few nights a week, is enough to enjoy the potential health perks while still savouring the complex character of dry red wine.
HER Wines: Dry Wine Types You Need to Know
HER Wine Collection proudly offers four distinct wines that fall into the dry category—each with its own unique story and flavour profile. Whether you’re looking for a bold dry red or a crisp dry white, there’s something here to suit every occasion.
1. Pinotage
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature varietal, and HER 2023 Wine Collection has crafted one that is both bold and elegant. With flavours of dark red berries and subtle spicy undertones, this wine is ideal for those seeking a true dry wine red experience. It pairs beautifully with meat platters, grilled vegetables, and even spicy dishes.
2. Shiraz
This full-bodied wine boasts rich aromas of dark fruit, spice and vanilla. A classic dry wine types red option, HER’s 2023 Shiraz is bold yet balanced, making it perfect for a cosy evening or a dinner party with friends. Pair it with steak or a hearty stew.
3. Sauvignon Blanc
One of the most popular dry wine white varietals, HER’s 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, zesty, and wonderfully refreshing. With hints of lime, pineapple and passion fruit, it’s the perfect partner for seafood, goat cheese, or a summer picnic it is one of the best dry white wine in South Africa.
4. Chenin Blanc
HER’s 2024 Chenin Blanc is an iconic South African white wine that’s made in a dry style, offering fresh acidity and green melon, yellow apple and white pear notes. This versatile dry wine white is great with creamy pasta dishes, or grilled chicken.
Dry Wine Brands in South Africa: Why Choose HER Wines
In a market filled with numerous dry wine brands, HER Wine Collection stands out. Not just for their high-quality wines, but for their powerful story.
HER is more than just a wine label. It’s a movement driven by a purpose to uplift, empower, and represent black women in the wine industry. From vine to bottle, HER Wines are made with care, expertise, and a deep sense of pride.
Our commitment to community, and authenticity sets us apart from traditional wine producers. When you support HER Wines, you’re not just buying a bottle; you’re backing a brand that believes in social upliftment, female empowerment, and celebrating South African excellence.
Who Is HER Wine Collection?
HER Wine Collection is a black female-owned wine brand that celebrates the bold, dynamic, and diverse women of South Africa. Founded by a group of visionary black women, the brand aims to break barriers and rewrite the narrative within the South African wine industry. Our wines are not only expertly crafted but also a tribute to the strength and grace of women everywhere. As a proudly local brand, HER Wines brings visibility and representation to an industry that has historically lacked diversity.
By choosing HER Wine Collection, consumers are supporting a business that places people, purpose, and passion above all else.
Empowering Women Through the HER Wine Bursary
One of the exceptional initiatives from HER Wine Collection is the HER Wine Bursary, a programme designed to uplift the next generation of women leaders. Through this bursary, HER Wines offers financial assistance to young women pursuing tertiary education in South Africa.
The bursary is about creating lasting change. It aims to close the opportunity gap and empower young women to thrive in industries of their choice—whether that be winemaking, science, business, or the arts. By supporting HER Wines, customers directly contribute to this important mission. Every bottle sold helps fund bursaries and mentorship opportunities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment across communities.
Raise a Glass to HER Wines and South African Dry Wines
From bold reds to crisp whites, HER Wine Collection offers something for every dry wine lover. Our dry wine range is as diverse as the women behind it. Crafted with excellence, driven by purpose, and rooted in South African pride. Whether you’re sipping Pinotage by the fire, enjoying Chenin Blanc on a sunny afternoon, or sharing a bottle of Shiraz with friends over dinner, you’ll be tasting more than just wine—you’ll be supporting a brand that stands for something bigger.
You can find HER Wines at Woolworths, Takealot, the HER Wines online store, and select retailers nationwide. Choose HER Wines not just for our delicious dry wine flavour, but for our heart, and our mission.