An opportunity missed for SA fortifieds

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

One consequence of being grounded in London because of a volcanic ash cloud from Iceland and the United Kingdom’s fixation with health and safety was that I was able to attend the first ever Big Fortified Tasting – or BFT as it’s already being dubbed.

On display to the trade and media at the Glazier’s Hall on London’s South Bank were Portuguese ports, Marsala from Sicily, sherries from Spain, Madeira, fortified wines from the Languedoc – Rivesaltes, Banyuls etc – and then a selection of Australian Muscats and interestingly named Tokay and Tawnies. Didn’t hear any Portuguese or Hungarians complaining about their labels…

But it’s clear that South Africa was missed. The guys from Calitzdorp and Klapmuts would have done well to have their Cape fortifieds on show. And the muscadels from Worcester and Robertson would also have gone down a treat.