AS IT BECOMES increasingly challenging to find good quality, interesting wines at under R100 a bottle, suggestions by the various panels of experts cannot but go down well with wine lovers looking for quaffers, stocking up for parties, hosting a braai, wanting something for anytime enjoyment. For an update of what’s been recommended on this front during the past year, click here.

Given below are the top-scoring wines in the 2019 Ultra Value Challenge run by the folks at buybetterwine.com, which would suggest that great value at under R100pb is confined to the most widely planted varieties. Not true. Particularly when it comes to white grapes, including Bukettraube, Gewürztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Semillon and Verdelho.

ULTRA VALUE CHALLENGE WINNERS

Boland Cellar Five Climates Merlot 2018
R56pb from the cellar, Paarl

Cape West Shiraz Pinotage 2018
R75pb from Namaqua cellar, Vredendal

Darling Cellars Reserve Bush Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2019
R47pb from the cellar, Darling

Darling Cellars Reserve Old Blocks Pinotage 2017
R60pb from the cellar, Darling

Du Toitskloof Pinotage Merlot Ruby Cabernet 2018
R50pb from the cellar, Rawsonville

Five’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
R39pb from Van Loveren cellar, Robertson

Ken Forrester Petit Chardonnay 2019
R60pb from Helderberg cellar, Stellenbosch

Kumala Reserve Pinotage 2018
R60pb from Flagstone cellar, Somerset West

Leopard’s Leap Chardonnay 2019
R55pb from the cellar, Franschhoek

Rooiberg Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018
R51pb from the cellar, Robertson

Secret Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon ‘No 259’ 2015
Own-label of Ultra Liquors retail chain

Secret Cellar Pinotage ‘No 211’ 2016
Own-label of Ultra Liquors retail chain

Stone Road Merlot 2018
R60pb from Louisvale cellar in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

Swartland Winemaker’s Collection Chenin Blanc 2019
R50pb from the cellar, Malmesbury

Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019
R50pb from Stellenbosch Vineyards cellar

Zevenwacht 7even Rood 2017 (Red Blend)
R65pb from the cellar, Kuils River