The Celebration of Chardonnay began 14 years ago as a modest ode to what Danie de Wet from De Wetshof has been doing so very well and what has consumed him for the better part of his life: the Chardonnay grape; the wines it makes; the people who make it; and the legacy it has left. And, too, the bridges of greatness it shall still cross.
Winemag.co.za is pleased to release the sixth annual Sauv-Sem Blend/Wooded Sauvignon Blanc Report now sponsored by precision agriculture service provider Aerobotics. There were 41 blends entered from 37 producers while for the second time, Wooded Sauvignon Blanc was included, and here we had 19 examples from 16 producers.
Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape gets its name from the French word sauvage (“wild”) and blanc (“white”) due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France.
Throughout history the delicate bubbles of sparkling wine inspired humans to greatness. Though the French first created it in the eponymous region of Champagne, most wine producing countries have managed to create equality in bubbles: Prosecco, Cava, Sekt, simply sparkling wine or as it is locally known, Méthode Cap Classique.
De Grendel has proudly won at the most influential wine and spirits awards in the world – CWSA – China Wine and Spirits Awards. Winning a Gold and Double Gold CWSA medal is the ultimate seal of approval in China – soon to be largest wine and spirits market in the world.
A site-specific wooded Chardonnay from De Wetshof Wine Estate in Robertson won this year’s Johann Graue Trophy for the National Champion Chardonnay at the South African National Young Wine Show. This year’s competition attracted 1 680 entries from wineries throughout South Africa and is seen as the country’s pre-eminent indication of the quality of wines to be expected from this year’s vintage.
During the winter months, before the new growth starts, one of the most laborious and important activities in the vineyard is winter pruning. Mature vines left unpruned can become a tangled mass of growth, with grapes vying for sunlight and space, with no berries giving their best. Here in the southern hemisphere, pruning takes place during the months of June to September. Correct pruning methods ensure a robust vineyard, with optimum growth, healthy berries - and the bottom line, which is a great wine in the glass.
| The results of the Sommelier Selection 2018 competition were announced on the 26th July 2018. This wine competition is unique being the only one in South Africa that is judged by a panel of top local sommeliers. |
The judging is complete, preparations for the awards function at Cavalli Estate in Somerset West on 15 August are in full swing and wine lovers are looking forward to seeing which of their favourites among the Top 20 finalists are considered by the panel of experts to be the best of the best in the 2018 Absa Top 10.