Wine from South Africa has come a long way in the past 30 years. Quality wine production from the Cape became more widespread only in the 1990s, but by 1995 top historic estates were already earning outstanding scores from Wine Spectator-some even showing up on its annual Top 100 list.
The market for South African wine in the United States grew slowly from 270,000 cases in 2000 to 1.1 million cases in 2019, according to Impact Databank. Yet during the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers have skyrocketed, with imports to the U.S. tripling between 2019 and 2021 and finishing out last year with an impressive 3.2 million cases.
What should you be drinking from South Africa? The answer is almost anything from a winery with a track record for quality. Since my previous report ("Charting Their Own Course," July 31, 2021), I have reviewed nearly 175 wines in blind tastings, including bottlings from more than 60 different producers. The country's offerings are expansive, including fresh sparklers, whites and rosés, reds both lively and rich, and luscious dessert wines. There's truly something to appeal to nearly every palate.
At the entry-level, a number of affordable bottlings provide good examples of the primary grape varieties grown in South Africa, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah among the reds and Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc among the whites. Several versions available for $20 or less are perfect for stocking up on for casual, everyday enjoyment.
Value prevails even among the best wines from South Africa. In this year's report, the median price point of wines rated 90 points or higher is $40 per bottle, and only seven of the wines under review carry price tags surpassing $100. Unsurprisingly, pricing tops out among the three most highly rated wines.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 31, 2022 من Wine Spectator.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 31, 2022 من Wine Spectator.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
New Zealand's Success Story - From small beginnings, the country's wines have ascended to global prominence
Since then, New Zealand has become one of the world’s most successful wine nations. Currently there are 102,000 acres planted, and 40 million cases were sold in 2023, according to the New Zealand Winegrowers. The tiny country produces less than 2% of the global wine supply, but it’s the world’s sixth-largest exporter of wine by value. Another thing that’s evolved? The image of corks no longer applies, as most vintners there eschew cork (only about 15% of the wines we review still use the closure).
Wine Is Healthiest Choice for Drinkers - Decades of research has linked light to moderate drinking, especially of wine, to a range of health benefits.
There’s also strong evidence that alcohol consumption raises the risk of certain cancers and that heavy drinking carries serious health risks. But the reasons why moderate drinking seems to be neutral or beneficial for some people and harmful for others remains a mystery.A new study sought to solve that puzzle. Looking at health and lifestyle information for a large population, the researchers found that while any alcohol posed risks for adults with existing health problems from poorer areas, healthy adults from wealthier areas suffered no additional risks from moderate drinking, and those who drink wine with food even enjoyed better health.
In Pursuit of the Perfect Crust
“Dough is always the hardest challenge for any home chef,” explains chef and restaurateur Tony Gemignani. “But it’s the foundation of any great pizza.”
SEAVEY VINEYARD
In Napa’s Conn Valley, a family-run winery marches to its own drum
CALIFORNIA RHONES Show Their Range
RECENT VINTAGES DELIVER EXCELLENT REDS AND WHITES IN AN ARRAY OF STYLES
Tuscany Comes of Age
Anchored by the 2021 vintage, Tuscan reds set a new standard of quality
The Absolute Best Places to Eat and Drink in America
PROFILES OF THE 63 WINE SPECTATOR GRAND AWARD WINNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TODAY, AS THE PROGRAM MARKS ITS 44TH YEAR
Events- A Grand Tour for Wine Spectator- a perfect day with an evening of outstanding wines.
A young couple in shorts and festival shirts sped into the ballroom of the New Orleans Marriott on a mission.
Big Wine Players Target Pinot Noir - Plenty of small winery owners are cashing out, either because they're looking to retire or they see selling as the best way to keep their label growing
Plenty of small winery owners are cashing out, either because they’re looking to retire or they see selling as the best way to keep their label growing
Restaurant Awards- Lazy Bear- Lazy Bear bills itself as a modern American dinner party. But it's so much more.
Lazy Bear bills itself as a modern American dinner party. But it’s so much more. This Mission District restaurant effortlessly strips away the formality of a multicourse dinner and replaces it with conviviality, nostalgia and curiosity. With reverence for time and place, Lazy Bear is an ode to California where guests dine in concert with the season and can explore diverse wines, including an impressive collection of older California vintages.
