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.
Denne historien er fra August 31, 2022-utgaven av Wine Spectator.
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Denne historien er fra August 31, 2022-utgaven av Wine Spectator.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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Before Food Network, Top Chef or Yelp ... before the term “foodie\" ... before tomatoes were heirloom and sushi was fast food... back when fancy restaurants were always French... Michael Batterberry and his wife, Ariane, were working to celebrate and elevate the status of American chefs and international cuisine. Julie Mautner, Food Arts' former executive editor, looks at the life and legacy of her late mentor, affectionately known as The Bat.
