WeeklySA_AdminEXPRESSIONS: Diversity of selected vintages proudly represent the rich heritage of South Africa’s signature grape…
By Len Maseko
South Africa’s 10 best 2024 Pinotage wines have been announced, heralding the continuation of the quest among the most passionate winemakers of the varietal to create the most refined and defining example.
Driving this eager pursuit for the grape’s finest showcase are the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards, which have been spearheading this drive to celebrate the finest expressions of the uniquely South African Pinotage varietal. With decades-long tradition of excellence, these awards honour the dedication and innovation of winemakers who craft wines that captivate palates and showcase the diverse terroirs of South Africa.
Again, the judging panel of the awards was impressed with the quality of the Pinotage wines – a total of 112 entries from 65 established brands – submitted by winemakers for their beady-eyed assessment. The panel comprised Samarie Smith, 2024 Absa Top 10 convener; Neil Ellis; Karin Visser; Dr. Erna Blancquaert; and Etienne Louw.
The organisers say the entries spanned 29 unique “Wine of Origin” areas, reflecting the authentic essence of variety that South Africa’s wine regions. Leading the entries was the Stellenbosch region, contributing 57 wines, followed by Paarl with 21 wines.
Beyers Truter, chairman of the Pinotage Association, expressed his pride in this year’s competition, stating: “Although we see the 2023/24 production of not only Pinotage down, the quality of the wines presented this year is a testament to the resilience and skill of our winemakers.
“It’s something truly great to celebrate, and it reinforces the strength of South African Pinotage as a proudly local cultivar. We must continuously strive to market Pinotage with dedication. We achieved great successes with Pinotage thus far but now is the time for all to do introspection. Challenging times gives us a reason to open our eyes to the great potential ahead for the next 100 years,” said Truter.
Speaking on behalf of sponsors, Sanah Gumede, managing executive for strategy and customer value management for Absa Relationship Banking, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional talent demonstrated by the 2024 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards winners. As the largest financier of agriculture in South Africa, we strive to be the primary partner for our clients and support them in their journey towards excellence. We remain inspired by the passion, innovation and dedication of our local winemakers who continue to set new standards in the industry”.
Despite the challenges faced by the industry, wine competitions still see a remarkable number of entries, showcasing the depth and richness of the South African viticultural heritage.
The diversity of vintages entered into the competition added a layer of intrigue, with wines ranging from youthful one-year-olds to a venerable 12-year-old entry. The array of seven one-year-old wines, 49 two-year-old wines, and 37 three-year-old wines, among others, provided a fascinating tasting journey that highlights the unique characteristics and stories behind each bottle.
Herewith are the 2024 Absa Top 10 Pinotage winners:
· Beeslaar Wines – Beeslaar Pinotage 2022 (WO: Stellenbosch)
· Beyerskloof Wines – Beyerskloof Winemakers Reserve Pinotage 2022 (WO: Stellenbosch)
· Diemersdal Wine Estate – Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2022 (WO: Durbanville)
· Flagstone Winery – Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021 (WO: Swartland), Gerhard Swart
· Francois van Niekerk Wines – Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2022 (WO: Coastal)
· Kanonkop Wine Estate – Kanonkop Pinotage 2018 (WO: Simonsberg – Stellenbosch)
· Koelenhof Cellar – Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage 2022 (WO: Stellenbosch)
· Rijk’s Cellar – Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2020 (WO: Tulbagh)
· Wellington Wines – La Cave Pinotage 2022 (WO: Wellington)
· Windmeul Cellar – Windmeul The Legend Collection Pinotage 2022 (WO: Paarl)
EVENTS
UNWIND IN MBOMBELA
pThe annual Unwined Food and Wine Show, taking place on September 7 in Mbombela in Mpumalanga, will showcase the best of South African wine.
The event, which will be held at the Mbombela Golf Club, is more than a showcase of wines, with the organisers committed to bringing together top winemakers, estates, and industry experts to elevate your wine experience. Explore an array of exquisite wines from our carefully curated selection of wine estates. Plus, visitors to the show have the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive show discounts to purchase your preferred bottles directly from the wine estate.
In addition to our carefully curated selection of wine estates, we handpick a diverse range of food vendors and restaurants to showcase their cuisines for the day. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure as you explore a myriad of flavours, from gourmet bites to artisanal specialties.
HIGH SPIRITS IN DURBS
Durban is hosting the International Spirits & Wine Festival over two days next Friday and Saturday.
The show will be held at Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment, from 3pm, with tickets costing R220 a person. The International Spirits and Wine Festival is on a three-city tour across Joburg, Durban, and Cape Town as it showcases the finest spirits and wines from around the globe.
Step into a world of elegance and excitement at the International Spirits and Wine Festival, where every corner holds a new adventure for both enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. From captivating tastings guided by experts to exclusive seminars that unlock the secrets of your favorite libations, there’s something for everyone. Mingle with top industry professionals while discovering hidden gems among the booths, where you can purchase your newfound favorites to savor at home.
Visitors will wander through the vibrant setting, immerse yourself in the luxury of top brands, elevating your experience to new heights.
CAROLINE’S WINE REVIEW
Caroline’s White Wine & Cap Classique Review 2024, one of the most coveted tasting events on the South African wine calendar, takes place at the Members’ Lounge at the DHL Stadium, alongside Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point, Cape Town, on September 12.
Presented by Cape Town’s legendary Caroline Rillema, this world-class annual showcase gives wine enthusiasts the rare opportunity to discover and savour the Cape’s very best flagship white wines and Cap Classiques all under one roof. Only 80 accolade-achieving winemakers, the crème de la crème of South African wine producers, are invited exclusively to present just one wine – their best of the best – that evening.
Organisers promise an unmissable evening of walk-around wine tasting with the Cape’s leading winemakers while mingling with fellow wine lovers, collectors and sommeliers.
Join Caroline and her team at The DHL Stadium from 17h00 to 21h00. Tickets at R495 per person – and secure, undercover parking at R60 per car – are both available via Quicket.
100Wines at Woodlands
Wine enthusiasts, foodies, and rugby fans, get ready to indulge in a weekend of pure delight at the much-anticipated Woodlands 100Wines tasting event taking place over two days at Woodlands Shopping Centre on today and tomorrow.
With exquisite wines from some of South Africa’s best vineyards such as Spier Wine Farm, Yolland Brand, Strandveld Vineyards, Opstal, Balance, Boschkloof, Waterford, Major Vines, Watsonia Wines and more, there’s something for every wine lover to discover.
A variety of gourmet food trucks will be on-site, offering mouth-watering options to perfectly complement your wine tastings with something for every palate.
As you sip and savour, enjoy live music that will set the perfect backdrop to your weekend of relaxation and fun. On Saturday, don’t miss the SA vs. NZ rugby match, streamed live on the big screen! Show times are today: from 4pm to 8pm; tomorrow from 2pm to 8pm. Parking area is outside Entrance 4 (opposite Heat Grill Room), accessible from Woodlake Drive.
Tickets: R180 via Webtickets or R200 at the door – includes 15 tasting tokens, a wine glass to take home. Additional tasting tokens available for R150.
Mullineux Food & Wine
Renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts and acclaimed winemakers Chris and Andrea Mullineux the pioneering duo behind the Mullineux winery for an evening celebrating their illustrious careers and the inspirations behind them. This rare culinary and vinous experience will take place at SALON, the latest addition to Dale Roberts’ collection of culinary destinations.
Chris and Andrea will pair some extremely rare wines, including two first-release cuvées from their home vineyard Roundstone— never before tasted by the public—with the adventurous fine cuisine of Chef Luke Dale Roberts.
This exclusive dining experience will be held on September 20 and 21, and is priced at R2 850 per person, with limited seating available. Reservations are essential and can be made via www.salonct.co.za or by calling 087 093 5890 during business hours.
SALON is open exclusively for dinner from Tuesdays through Saturdays and for lunch from Thursdays through Saturdays (winter schedule). It is located on the 1st floor of Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa. – Compiled by Len Maseko
