Kleine Zalze Wines of Stellenbosch made an international statement with one of its Grenache wines at this year’s Global Fine Wine Challenge between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA by securing a Double Gold accolade for the Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Grenache 2022. Held annually in Sydney, Australia, the Global Fine Wine Challenge sees 120 wines from each of these participating New World countries being scrutinised by a panel of judges aimed at selecting the best of what this segment of the wine world has to offer.
Kleine Zalze was one of 90 participating wines to win a Fine Wine Challenge Double Gold at this competition aimed at selecting the best wines in the so-called New World.
RJ Botha, Kleine Zalze cellarmaster, says he is both surprised and elated at this competition’s recognition of Kleine Zalze Grenache. “I haven’t had time to look at all the entries, but we all know what Australia’s reputation is for Grenache,” he says. “Australia prides itself on Grenache, having vineyards still producing grapes that were planted in the 19th century. So, I can only assume the Australian Grenache line-up the judges were faced with was awesome. And for Kleine Zalze to come-up with a Double Gold medal in this company attests to the world-class wines Kleine Zalze as well as South Africa is making from this wonderfully perfumed and elegant Grenache variety.”
Grapes for the Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Grenache 2022 were sourced from an old vineyard in Darling in the Swartland area. Grapes were harvested by hand in the coolness of early morning.
“When vinifying Grenache, a light touch is imperative,” says Botha. “The grapes were destemmed, and the whole berries were added on top of a bed of whole bunches. This 20% whole-bunch component contributes to the generous red berry aromas in the wine.”
Fermentation took place over two weeks with only two daily pump-overs to achieve the perfect balance of delicate flavours, perfumed aromatics and a silky tannin structure. Only the free-run wine was transferred to a combination of 3rd fill French oak barrels and terracotta amphorae for 10 months’ maturation on the lees.
“When you get fruit of this quality it deserves a craftmanship approach, which – as the Global Fine Wine Challenge results show – was definitely worth it,” says Botha.