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
New Zealand's Success Story
From small beginnings, the country’s wines have ascended to global prominence
Wine Is Healthiest Choice for Drinkers
Decades of research has linked light to moderate drinking, especially of wine, to a range of health benefits.
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
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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.
