IS IT JUST a figment of the imagination or does that bottle of Stellenbosch 1679 stand out front and foremost among the 2021 Absa Top 10? Picture (above) courtesy of the Pinotage Association, convener of the competition… Certainly the maiden vintage of the Pinotage flagship from Koelenhof Winery has attracted quite a bit of attention during the year, having also earned
Read moreTHERE WERE 83 entries received from 43 producers for Winemag’s 2021 Prescient Cap Classique Report. Seven of the Top 10 were 100% Chardonnay, including the most highly rated duo in the line-up from Môreson of Franschhoek (Miss Molly) and Newstead of Plettenberg Bay, both vintage 2015. In fact only one of the standouts was made using grapes other than 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 moreTHE 2017 ABSA Top 10 Pinotage competition culminated with the presentation of trophies to winning wine producers at Cavalli estate outside Somerset West. The event commemorated 21 years of the Pinotage Association’s competition that contributes to setting benchmarks as regards South Africa’s most successful ‘indigenous’ variety. There were 147 entries and the laureates were applauded as fine ambassadors of Wine
Read moreMANY IN FRANSCHHOEK pride themselves on the town’s reputation as a leading sparkling wine producer and the annual Cap Classique & Champagne festival is a marvellous affair. One out of every three cellars in the district produces bubbly, the vignerons promote their Cap Classique route and some of the wineries are specialists who make little or nothing else. And yet…
Read moreNOTABLE ABSENTEES among the laureates in the latest shoot-out organised by South Africa’s Pinotage Association include Beyerskloof, DeWaal, Spier and Stellenzicht… Familiar faces at the podium this year included Anura, Fairview, Kanonkop, KWV, L’Avenir, Lyngrove, Môreson, Rijk’s, Simonsig and Windmeul… And the surprise newcomer among the Top 10 was Black Elephant Vintners, a Franschhoek producer making its debut with a wine called
Read moreTHE GOLD MEDAL that Robertson’s Rietvallei Wine Estate has won with a 2012 at this year’s Chardonnay du Monde in Burgundy, France, follows the gold medal they won with a 2011 at the same competition last year. Prior to last year Rietvallei Chardonnay wasn’t on many radar screens, but having been selected among a Top 10 at a reputable tasting
Read moreCAP CLASSIQUE sparkling wines highly recommended this year by one or more of the expert tasting panels around the world AND which cost less than R100 a bottle – with prices given ex-cellar, or approximate retail if the cellar is closed to the public. Fantastic for those festive season parties. BOSCHENDAL Le Grand Pavillon Brut Rosé NV – R99 DARLING CELLARS Blanc de
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