The focus of the Minority Report (previously the Alternative Varieties Report) is on wines from varieties whose respective total plantings do not exceed 2 000ha. South Africa’s nine most widely planted varieties (Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Merlot and Ruby Cabernet in that order) all have plantings of over 2 000ha and together makeup 84% of the national vineyard – this is a chance for the more subordinate varieties to shine!
There were 55 wines from niche white varieties entered and 60 from niche red, a total of 55 rating 90-plus on the 100-point quality scale.
The 10 best wines from niche white varieties are:
Arcangeli Vesta Semillon 2017
Bellingham The Bernard Series Whole Bunch Grenache Blanc 2017
Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2018
Bosman Fides Grenache Blanc 2018
Highlands Road Semillon 2018
Old Road Wine Co. Grand-Mére Semillon 2017
Rickety Bridge The Pilgrimage Semillon 2018
Shannon Triangle Block Semillon 2017
Shannon Triangle Block Semillon 2018
Vergelegen Reserve Semillon 2018
The 10 best wines from niche red varieties are:
Beaumont Mourvèdre 2017
De Krans Touriga Nacional 2018
Dornier Tempranillo Reserve 2016
Old Road Wine Co. Pardonnez Moi Cinsault 2019
Piekenierskloof Cinsault 2019
Piekenierskloof Heidedal Old Vine Cinsault 2018
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2018
Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2017
Stellenrust Barrel Selection Cabernet Franc 2017
Welgegund Grenache Noir 2019
“The national vineyard is not as diverse as it could be,” says Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za editor and panel chairman. “On the one hand, it’s unlikely we are going to see big plantings of exotic varieties with limited popular followings given the distressed state of the economy but on the other hand, climate change is a very real challenge and the industry needs to explore new varieties better suited to heat and drought”.
To find out more, go to Winemag.co.za
To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top wines, buyers guide and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered.
Join the conversation on Twitter: @Winemag #MinorityReport
Wines are availabe for online purchase via boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquors