About The Chocolate Block
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Viognier
- Price Range
- $25-35
- 750ml, varies by vintage and market
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
The Chocolate Block is Boekenhoutskloof's flagship red blend and one of South Africa's most celebrated wines, built around Syrah (roughly 70-75%) co-fermented with small portions of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and a whisper of Viognier, sourced largely from the estate's own Swartland vineyards. Aged mainly in neutral French oak (with a touch of new oak reserved for the Cabernet Sauvignon component), it delivers a smoky, richly fruited style with notes of dark cherry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and warm spice, wrapped in soft, generous tannins. Nicknamed 'The Wine With Secrets to Keep' by owner-winemaker Marc Kent, it has become a cult favorite in restaurants and wine shops worldwide.
The Chocolate Block proves that a blend can be both a cult icon and an everyday pleasure — no other South African red punches above its price point quite like it.
New to wine?
An approachable, fruit-forward introduction to South African reds — rich and chocolatey without heavy tannins.
Food Pairings
A versatile match for grilled or braised red meats, lamb chops with rosemary, herb-stuffed sausages, and BBQ; its chocolate and spice notes also work well with rich vegetarian dishes like smoky eggplant or mushroom preparations.
When to drink it
Weeknight dinners with grilled meats, casual gatherings, and everyday indulgence.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are largely farmed by Boekenhoutskloof's own team in Swartland; the blend is co-fermented and matured mostly in neutral French oak barrels, with only the Cabernet Sauvignon component seeing a portion of new oak, preserving fruit purity over overt oak influence.
About the producer
BoekenhoutskloofA benchmark of South African excellence, blending tradition with modern innovation.Visit the producer page →More wines from Boekenhoutskloof
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does The Chocolate Block taste like?
- Despite the name, it is a dry red wine — not sweet. Expect dark cherry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, mocha, and warm baking spice, with soft, generous tannins and a smoky finish.
- What grapes are in The Chocolate Block?
- It is a Syrah-dominant blend, typically around 70-75% Syrah, co-fermented with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and a small amount of Viognier.
- What food pairs well with The Chocolate Block?
- Grilled and braised red meats, lamb, herb-spiced sausages, and BBQ are classic pairings; its rich, spicy profile also complements smoky vegetarian dishes.
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