Wines of South Africa

	Pour Without Prejudice: South Africa Early September this year, Neal Martin wrote a lengthy article in the Wine Advocate about his impressions of South Africa and its wines. He states that he hopes "to convince both the uninitiated and the sceptics of the heights that their greatest wines are achieving and the potential for the future. Perhaps most importantly in these straightened times, [he hopes readers] will be convinced that a vast number of South African wines offer exceptional quality for the price." In his ratings, an impressive 39.2% of the wines he tasted received a 90 or above! For the full article please click on the headline above

	The 2011 Vintage: Down South James Molesworth reports on the 2011 South African vintage. While this year's grapes ars still on the vine in the United States and Europe, there's juice fermenting in the tanks of Southern Hemisphere wineries. Here's a first peek at quality down south: SOUTH AFRICA South African vintners overall are happy with potential quality following the recent 2011 harvest. But grape quality and yields varied tremendously from area to area. The one consistent factor in 2011 was the timing of the season, which ran several weeks early. Following a warmer-than-usual winter, vines developed buds early. Windy conditions during flowering produced an irregular crop set. Steady rain fell through the early part of the season, but by mid-January the weather turned warm and dry. The dry weather reduced yields even more. While Bordeaux varieties struggled, other grapes, including Syrah and Chenin Blanc, seemed to relish the growing conditions. And while the inland areas dealt with the difficulties of the hot and dry season, the cooler coastal areas naturally offset those conditions, and whites from those areas performed well.

	Uncorked: Experimentation at its Finest Bill St. John of the Chicago Tribune states that South Africa exploits topography and lack of rules, adding that "In some ways, South Africa's best wines today are examples of either one grape variety done into wine extraordinarily well, or blends of five or six grapes into one wine that shines." Download the complete article by clicking on the headline above.

	Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth: A Sit-Down with South Africa's Kevin Grant The winemaker's Ataraxia label makes its return the the U.S. market James Molesworth caught up with Kevin Grant, winemaker and owner of South Africa's Ataraxia winery, which is now back in the U.S. market after a short hiatus. Ataraxia is one of the small, top-quality producers that's been head-scratchingly absent from the U.S. market. For the full article, click headline above

	South Africa's Klein Constantia Sold Investment bankers buy historic Cape peninsula property. By James Molesworth (pictured at left) Klein Constantia, one of South Africa&rsquos most historic estates, has been sold. Owner Lowell Jooste has entered into an agreement to sell the estate to Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman, a pair of investment bankers affiliated with the Dutch-based BXR Group. The purchase price was not disclosed. Located in the cool Constantia ward on the Cape peninsula, Klein Constantia is best known for its consistently outstanding dessert wine, Vin de Constance. The winery owns 200 acres of vines and produces 30,000 cases annually of Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, along with small amounts of a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cabernet-based blend. For the full article, visit http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/45109

	International Wine Cellar Stephen Tanzer's comprehensive review of South African wines is just published in his March/April 2011 issue. We are including the introduction with permission on our website (click the link to download), and a listing of the wines reviewed. To see the full report, you must have a subscription (http://www.wineaccess.com/expert/tanzer/subscribe.html), which can be obtained for as little as $19.95 for a two-month subscription.

	A Sit-Down with South Africa's Adi Badenhorst James Molesworth talks with Adi Badenhorst

	South Africa Gains Notoriety with Wines The authors wonder how South Africa can produce such fine wines and sell them at such low prices!

	A Taste of South Africa Monica Williams takes a culinary trip to South Africa via Braai restaurant in New York City

	Wine, Water and Walking in Montagu Gautam Naik recommends what to do (drink plenty of delicious wine, for starters), where to eat and where to stay in this charming, historic hamlet, a two-hour drive from Cape Town.

	This Will Pair Nicely with your Vuvuzela The best South African wines to drink while watching the World Cup final. by Mike Steinberger, Slate Magazine

	Alder Yarrow South African Gems Seminar at Aspen Food & Wine Classic View Alder Yarrow's South African wine seminar from the Food & Wine Classic at Aspen this year. Alder Yarrow, renowned blogger at Vinography.com, showcased some of his favorite South African wines for a crowd of about 160 people at the Food & Wine Magazine Classic in Aspen in June. A video of the seminar can be found at his site: http://www.vinography.com/archives/2010/06/south_african_gems_my_aspen_fo.html

	South Africa Beyond the Stadium Noah Rosenberg reports by video from South Africa: From safaris, to paragliding, to wine country, World Cup tourists are indulging in far more than just soccer http://online.wsj.com/video/south-africa-beyond-the-stadium/7F0CE492-FE0B-4084-BA80-A4CF775447AD.html

	Soccer Site Known for Wines, Too While only soccer is on the mind of many when they think of South Africa, this writer also thinks of the outstanding wines it produces.

	Braai Recipe: Bobotie-Spiced Ostrich Fan Fillet Check out this delicious recipe using unique South African spices!

	South African Wines - Wine of the Week Although South Africa is all anyone's talking about right now because of its role as host to the FIFA World Cup matches, it's also an up-and-coming wine region.

	A World Cup Wine Tasting Challenge Will Lyons spices things up for the World Cup, noting the vibrancy surrounding South Africa's wines. The premise is simple: to drink a wine from the region where the football match is being played.

	Fill your Cup with South African Wine Author Alpana Singh writes that, despite its New World classification, South Africa's wines often straddle a style between the New World and the Old World. The whites are fruity and lively while maintaining fresh acidity. Red wines often feature bright fruit components combined with an elegant, earthy edge.

	South African wine's past is illustrious as World Cup Vic Poulos writes about the renewed focus on South African wines brought about as the world watches the World Cup.

	World Cup Entertaining: The Backyard Braai Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen show us how to celebrate soccer and South Africa's centuries-old grilling tradition, in your own backyard

	ABCs of South Africa James Molesworth tells us about the country's key winegrowing regions, signature varieties, and the rules governing what appears on wine labels

	SOUTHERN EXPOSURE: South African Wines Share the Spotlight with the World Cup, by Jim Clarke Coming off the 350-year anniversary of its first wine vintage, and in the midst of publicity surrounding the imminent World Cup, South Africa’s wine industry has been front and center. As of 2007, the world’s ninth largest wine exporter sends almost 11 million liters to the U.S. each year. These wines are far more diverse than the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc that appeared on store shelves back in the mid-90s after apartheid fell and the U.S. lifted trade sanctions. South Africa now exports an attractive selection of wines at all price points. A favorable exchange rate has kept the country’s wines well-priced in the American market, despite worldwide economic problems. “We have seen strong growth in the last six months in the U.S. and importantly, new inquiries from importers looking for the first time to include South African properties in their portfolios,” says Su Birch, CEO of Wines of South Africa. “I think importers are recognizing that South African wines are great values. However, South Africa is not by-and-large a low-cost producer; we are very competitive at the premium end where wines are handcrafted. Retailers need to conduct some comparative tastings so that their customers can discover our great quality in wines retailing below $20.” For the full article, click here: https://www.bevnetwork.com/monthly_issue_article.asp?ID=398

	South Africa's Perfect Blends, by Susan Kostrzewa The juxtaposition of New and Old Worlds is echoed in the wines made in Stellenbosch and the wine regions beyond. Elegant but daring, balanced but bold, their unique, expressive, terroir-driven character poises them for significant success on the global stage. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the Cape Blends of South Africa -- collectible wines that are, at their best, among the top reds in the world.

	The Rise Resumes: After a Brief Pause Last Year, South African Wines are Back in Growth Mode After a brief pause last year, South African wines are back in growth mode, with consumer interest building steadily, reports Kevin Barry in the October 2009 issue of Market Watch.

	Stephen Tanzer Rates the 2009 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Wines Stephen Tanzer reviews some wines that were offered at the 2009 Cape Winemakers Guild auction in October in Stellenbosch, South Africa.The limited lots of wine that were sold at the CWG auction theoretically represent the crème de la crème of South African winemaking. They are unique wines that are different from those offered under the standard labels of the wineries. Tanzer includes tasting notes on most of the wines offered this year.

	Previewing the Wines of the 2009 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction James Molesworth reports that this year's selection of wines at South Africa's annual Cape Winemakers Guild auction is the best set of wines in the three years since he began reviewing these non-commercial releases. Of the 31 wines listed in his article, 25 earned outstanding marks (90 points or better on Wine Spectator's 100-point scale), a significant step up from 2008's showing.

	Diversity and Value: South Africa delivers a wide range of wines at attractive prices, by James Molesworth From structured Cabernets and vivid Syrahs to enticing Chenin Blancs and crackling Sauvignon Blancs, the best South African wines give familiar grapes unique flavor profiles drawn from the country's various terroirs. And they do it at reasonable prices. It's a recipe that is finding success amid the current economic turmoil of the U.S. marketplace. Since his last report on South Africa ("A Pair of Aces," April 30, 2008), James Molesworth has reviewed nearly 440 wines in blind tastings in his New York office, the most ever from the Cape's still-growing wine industry. He finds that the best are fresh, juicy wines that combine vivid New World-style fruit with racy, integrated Old World-style structure and minerality. Download the rest of the article by clicking on headline.

	Endangered Species James Molesworth writes about South African Chenin Blanc, noting that it's "old-vine Chenin plantings are arguably the country's greatest vinous treasure," which are in danger of disappearing as some growers are uprooting them in favor of other varieties. Find out more...

	International Wine Cellar Stephen Tanzer rates South African wines in his March-April 2009 issue of the International Wine Cellar.

	Top 10 Wines Under $10 South African wines dominated Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 10 Wines Under $10” taking 5 of the 10 selections with the Winery of Good Hope’s Chenin Blanc taking the number 1 spot. (The Wine Enthusiast, March 2009).

	Tasting Highlights of South Africa Part II Wine Spectator On-line Tasting Highlights (Part II): South Africa. 11 new wines from South Africa that demonstrate the country’s steadily improving quality. (James Molesworth, 9 February 2009).

	Value Wines of South Africa Part I Wine Spectator On-line Tasting Highlights (Part I): Value Wines of South Africa” discovers a diverse selection of 15 exciting new wines, each priced less than $20. (James Molesworth, 6 February, 2009)

	Bellingham a Top Pick Bellingham was one of 5 wines picked for under 10 dollars on Epicurious.com in February.

	South African Wines Step Onto the Stage The New York Times wine critic finds South Africa to be one of the greatest sources of moderately priced Cabernet Sauvignon in the world today. “Wines of the Times: SA wines Step Onto the Stage” NY Times 21 January 2009.)

	Easy on the Wallet; Lovely on the Palate Wall St. Journal on SA wine (Pt. II) : Easy on the Wallet; Lovely on the Palate” “The South African aisle of your wine store is a good source for well-made wines at bargain prices. In tastings of South African Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, we found them consistently well-made and pleasing. ( 27 December 2008).

	2008's Most Thrilling Wall St. Journal on SA wine (Pt. 1): 2008’s Most Thrilling. This year’s “Delicious” rated wines are an antidote to cynicism. Of all the wines the WSJ critics tasted in 2008, only 8 were selected and the Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2008 was one of this very special group. (20 December 2008).

	Giving the Wonderful World of Wine Wall St. Journal: Giving the Wonderful World of Wine. A sampler case of 12 wines from across the globe makes a palate-pleasing gift included a South African Chenin Blanc (6 December 2008).

	Out of South Africa White wines from an overlooked country offer focus, weight and value. By Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher

	Capetown Capers Mort Hochstein visits Capetown and reports on this beautiful city of busines, leisure, and some really great restaurants. paste this link into your browser to access the article. http://www.johnmariani.com/archive/2008/080323/index.html

	Smoking Hot: South African Shiraz is Poised to be the Next Big Red to Hit Global Tables Versatile, approachable and capable of myriad styles, Shiraz is a variety that seems, suddenly, everywhere: on every restaurant list, and taking up more shelf space in wine shops, it is the red wine on the lips of aspiring wine devotees looking for an accessible as well as affordable sip.

	Have Goats Will Roam: Charles Back is the force behind South Africa's most intriguing wines, by James Molesworth

	A South African Secret: An annual auction contains some of the Cape's best wines, by James Molesworth