THE SECOND Top 10 competition organised by South Africa’s Merlot Forum attracted 69 entries from most of the Cape’s wine regions. Notable relative to the inaugural panel tasting was the “dynamic spread” of offerings. “This year’s entries were a tad more exciting,” reflected the convener of the judging panel, Vondeling winemaker Matthew Copeland. “Excellent examples of each style,” he said.
Read moreTHE MICHELANGELO wine tastings at Southern Sun’s Rosebank Hotel (JHB) and Garden Court uMhlanga (DBN) in April/May are appealing. Although the timing is rather unusual… Now into its 27th year since the inaugural Michelangelo Awards in 1997, the judging at the biggest competition of its kind in South Africa tends to take place around July/August, with the results announced in
Read moreTHREE wines of South Africa placed among the Top 10 at Syrah du Monde 2022, held in the Northern Rhône Valley of France. This was on a par with Australia and just one fewer than France, however it was a Cape Shiraz – the 2019 vintage of Glen Carlou Syrah of Paarl – that the judges ranked No. 1. Pity that
Read moreA SOUTH AFRICAN wine producer got in touch to voice his discontent regarding the critics, the show judges, locally and internationally… How is it possible that Merlot makes such a high percentage of the red wine bought in this country yet there are not many brands that qualify for the SA Wine Classification. The producer preferred not to be
Read moreJUST OVER an hour’s drive (around 80km) from Cape Town, the ‘French corner’ of the Cape winelands – east of Stellenbosch and Paarl – is one of the most popular wine routes in South Africa. Numerous guesthouses and Airbnb options, as well as a wine tram connecting one end of the valley to the other. This is gourmet country.
Read moreTHERE WERE 307 wines from 27 countries on the tasting bench at Syrah du Monde 2020, the 14th edition of this international competition held in the Rhône Valley, France. After three days of judging dry and sweet wines, reds, rosés, bubblies and desserts made from Shiraz, 101 medals were awarded – 87 silvers and just 14 golds, of which two
Read moreHAVING RAISED over R17-million from the charitably-minded who attended the 2020 edition of The Cape Wine Auction at Boschendal in Franschhoek, the event increased the total amount raised since the inaugural sale in 2014 at Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch to over R100-million. Sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth, the glamorous celebration of Wine South Africa unites the industry with the philanthropic
Read moreWHAT A GREAT year already for leading Cabernet Franc specialist of South Africa Bruwer Raats. Beginning with 5 Star ratings in Platter’s SA Wine Guide for two wines from the 2016 vintage, the Stellenbosch maverick then came top of the class on Winemag.co.za before placing among the Top 6 gold medallists at the 2019 Cab Franc Challenge. Two of the
Read moreWORTH taking along next time you go wine-tasting or shopping on the Franschhoek wine route, the following are those whites, reds and bubblies with the very best track records from the cellars of the area according to the SA Wine & Cellar Classification. • For the full Franschhoek Wine Classification, click here. • For wine-tasting options, locations and contact info,
Read moreBEYERSKLOOF of Stellenbosch has been awarded the trophy for best Pinotage in the 2018 International Wine & Spirit Competition, with the judges commending the 2014 vintage of Beyerskloof Diesel for its “great concentration of flavours on the palate, silky smooth texture, and long finish with a hint of chocolate”. The Pinotage specialists were also honoured for their Cape Blend, Faith, among
Read moreGold medal at the Global Rosé Masters, Listed in the Sommeliers Selection, double gold medal at Rosé Rocks… No other South African rosé has been as well received in 2018 as the 2017 vintage from Franschhoek winery Holden Manz. The wine is ever-so-slightly wooded, and made in a style that the producers refer to as Provençal – in part, no doubt,
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