The inaugural SA Wine Awards London 2022 results have been announced and confirm that South African winemaking is hitting its stride in achieving world-class results.
Fourteen Double Gold medals were awarded to a range of outstanding wines. Meanwhile, there were 34 Gold medal winners. Over 200 wines were entered, representing a broad range of producers and styles from all regions in South Africa.
Best Red Wine went to Kleine Zalze’s Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, while Best White Wine was awarded to the Old Road Wine Co. Grand Mere Semillon 2020, and Best MCC was won by Journey's End Brut Reserve MCC NV.
The Best Producer Award went to Journey's End Vineyards with an accumulated total of three Double Gold’s and one each for their Gabb Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 and Mount Rozier Reserve Red Snapper Cinsault 2021. They also bagged three single gold medals, bringing their total to an impressive 8 wins.
The wines were judged by a panel of top-flight judges comprised of Greg Sherwood MW, Siobhan Turner MW, Martin Moran MW, Aleesha Hansel, Audrey Annoh-Antwi and Eric Zwiebel MS.
Greg Sherwood MW, commented on the entries:" I was really surprised by the consistency of quality across all reds and whites. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux Blend categories showed some exceptional wines in several of the flights. South Africa’s reds and whites tread a wonderful line between approachability and classicism, age ability and value for money. They don’t overdo the fruit and always focus on minerality and terroir if possible, making them perfect food wines for more sophisticated UK consumers.”
Echoing Greg’s feedback, Siobhan Turner MW added: “I was positively surprised by the Cabernet Sauvignons. There were some absolutely excellent examples in the tasting. I think at the higher end SA is making some of the best wines in the world right now, and this shows."
The SA Wine Awards London were created exclusively for South African wines to be assessed by a UK based panel of top wine professionals. The awards are aimed at identifying the best wines South Africa has to offer the UK market. The results will serve as a guideline to trade and consumers and will help increase trade and consumer awareness about quality South African wines.
For a full list of winners go to sawineawards.co.uk/results-2022.
SA Wine Awards London 2022 results
Double Gold winners
Best in class
Best Red Wine: Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Best White Wine: Old Road Wine Co. Grand Mere Semillon 2020
Best MCC: Journey’s End Brut MCC NV
Best Producer: Journey’s End Vineyards
Contact Eamon McLoughlin on eamon@sawineawards.co.uk, mobile +353 87 393 5951 or Whatsapp +27 72 689 7202 for more information.
Photo caption: SA Wine Awards London judging panel (from left to right): Greg Sherwood MW, Siobhan Turner MW, Aleesha Hansel, Martin Moran MW, Audrey Annoh-Antwi and Eric Zwiebel MS.