And to think that I used to shy away from pink – unless it was sparkling

THERE WERE 161 entries in the 2017 edition of Rosé Rocks – 128 still and 33 sparkling Cap Classique. According to the competition chairman, Cape Wine Master Allan Mullins: “The quality of rosé wine being produced in South Africa is on par with the best that Spain and France produce!” And we’ve seen some consistency from top producers of the drier styles – notably Allée Bleue, Babylonstoren, La Couronne and Vondeling in terms of still wines, Bon Courage and Graham Beck as well as JC Le Roux when it comes to bubbly Rosé.

Besides industry veteran Allan Mullins, other judges on the panel were wine writers Marthelize Tredoux and Malu Lambert, sommeliers Tatiana Marcetteau and Joseph Dhafana, plus winemaker Praisy Dlamini. Their favourites (below) included wines from all over the Cape – one of which was made by former Steenberg cellarmaster John Loubser, whose Silverthorn sparklers (WO Robertson) have grown in status to challenge Cap Classique champions Desiderius, Graham Beck, Jacques Bruére, Laborie, Scintilla, Simonsig and Villiera.

DOUBLE GOLD ROSÉ – STILL WINES

Backsberg Pinotage Rosé 2017
R55 pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Paarl
La Couronne Merlot Rosé 2017
R60 pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Lace by Almenkerk Dry Rosé 2017
R90 pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Le Pommier Rosé 2017
R75 pb ex-cellar in Banghoek, Stellenbosch
Lutzville Shiraz Rosé 2017
R40 pb ex-cellar, Lutzville
Quando Mourvèdre Rosé 2017
R60 pb ex-cellar, Bonnievale
Steenberg Ruby Rosé 2017
R86 pb ex-cellar in Tokai, Constantia Wine Route
Villa Esposto Rosé 2016 (Klawer)
R65 pb ex-cellar, Klawer
Zevenwacht 7even Rosé 2017
R52pb ex-cellar, Kuils River

DOUBLE GOLD ROSÉ – MCC SPARKLING

Aetheria Rosé NV  (African Pride)
R180 pb (approx retail), Stellenbosch producer
Graham Beck Brut Rosé 2012
R240 pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Le Lude Rosé NV
R240 pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Lord’s Brut Rosé NV
R150 pb ex-cellar, McGregor
Silverthorn The Genie Rosé Brut NV
R232 pb, Robertson producer
Villiera Tradition Brut Rosé NV
R108 pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

GOLD ROSÉ – STILL WINES

Allesverloren Tinta Rosé 2017
R54 pb ex-cellar, Riebeek West
Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé 2017
R97 pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Paarl
Bellingham Strawberry Rosé 2017 (Woolworths)
Own label, Franschhoek producer
Croydon Title Deed Rosé 2017
Own label, Somerset West Producer
De Krans Pinotage Rosé 2017
R49 pb ex-cellar, Calitzdorp
Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rosé 2016
R110 pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
Diemersfontein Rosé 2016
R65 pb ex-cellar, Wellington
Foothills Dry Rosé 2016
R81 pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
Goats do Roam Rosé 2017 (Fairview)
R52 pb ex-cellar, Paarl
KC Cabernet Franc Rosé 2016 (Klein Constantia)
R70 pb ex-cellar, Constantia
Ken Forrester Petit Rosé 2017
R68 pb ex-cellar, Somerset West
Laibach The Ladybird Organic Rosé 2017
R60 pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2017
R70 pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
Piekenierskloof Grenache Rosé 2016
R70 pb ex-cellar, Citrusdal Valley
Topiary Rosé 2016
R69 pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Vrede en Lust Jess Dry Rosé 2017
R69 pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Paarl

GOLD ROSÉ – MCC SPARKLING

Allée Bleue Brut Rosé 2014
R130 pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Domaine des Dieux Rose of Sharon Brut Rosé 2010
R180 pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde
Kleine Zalze Brut Rosé NV
R110 pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
Wildekrans Brut Rosé 2013
R148 pb ex-cellar, Bot River

 

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