Top Wine SA

THE TOP sparklers from South Africa are applauded around the world, not just locally. Some of them are now commanding prices in line with Champagne, although most still present better value for money. These are the country’s bottle-fermented bubblies most highly rated by the top panels internationally in 2023 to date, and highlighted in red are those included in the SA Wine Classification showcasing good track records over the past 10 years.

Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Brut 2019
Trophy at Veritas Awards (SA)
R280pb ex-cellar, Bot River / Hermanus

Canto Brut 2020
97 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R250pb ex-cellar, Durbanville

Cederberg Brut Blanc de Blancs 2019
Gold medal at Sparkling Wine World Championships (UK)
R340pb ex-cellar, Cederberg

Darling Cellars Nectar 2020
Best in Class at Cap Classique Challenge (SA)
R150pb ex-cellar, Darling

Des Dieux Claudia Brut 2017
Best in Class at Cap Classique Challenge (SA)
R272pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2017
A Wine of the Year at National Wine Challenge (SA)
R970pb ex-cellar, Robertson

Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
Best in Class at National Wine Challenge (SA)
R357pb ex-cellar, Robertson

Ken Forrester Sparklehorse Chenin Blanc Brut 2020
Gold medal at Global Masters (UK)
R225pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Krone Borealis Brut 2021
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R195pb ex-cellar, Tulbagh

Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2017
Best in Class – 97 points – at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
Winner of Cap Classique Challenge (SA)
Double Gold medal at Veritas Awards (SA)
R169pb from KWV cellar, Paarl

Louisvale Chardonnay Pinot Noir Rosé Brut NV
Best in Class at Cap Classique Challenge (SA)
R165pb ex-cellar in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

Lourensford Cuvée 124 Brut Zero 2011
Double Gold medal at Cap Classique Challenge (SA)
National Winner at SA Terroir Awards
R550pb ex-cellar, Somerset West

Newstead Brut Blanc de Blanc 2016
Best in Class at Cap Classique Challenge (SA)
R450pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay

Pongrácz Brut NV
Grand Gold medal at Concours Mondial (BE)
R190pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

Quoin Rock Black Series 2015, 2017
2015 scored 96 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
2017 scored 95 points at Decanter Awards (UK) and awarded gold medal at Concours Mondial (BE)
R1200pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Also most highly rated in 2023:

• Top Cabernet Sauvignon SA
• Top Chardonnay SA
• Top Chenin Blanc SA
• Top Pinotage
• Top Sauvignon Blanc SA
• Top Shiraz/Syrah SA

• Top Red Blends SA
• Top White Blends SA