The IWSC recently headed to Stellenbosch for its third Wine Judging in South Africa. After the judging, our international experts sat down to discuss the unique qualities of South African wines and their future on the global stage.
The judges were impressed with the diversity of styles of South African wines, finding that the light and subtle wines were just as well received as the big, bold showstopping expressions.
"The variety on show in South Africa is astounding, and its only going to get better and better. There’s something for everyone!" shared Libby Brodie, IWSC judge and Wine consultant and columnist.
One of the standout styles for the IWSC Judge and Wine Buyer at Waitrose, Xenia Ruscombe-King MW was the Cap Classique. “The overall quality and the producers' desire to focus on time and maturation really came through with plenty of complexity and autolytic character going on. These wines have got a really good future in the international market, not to compete with Champagne but to be a top range alternative,” said Xenia.
John Hoskins MW, the IWSC Wine Judging Committee member who oversaw the judging was pleasantly surprised by the blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. “We had a lot of Sauvignon Blanc ranging from ordinary to excellent, we had some straight Semillons that had the potential to be good, but it was the blends that were really outstanding. There was one flight where everything won at least a silver with several golds also awarded,” shared John Hoskins MW.
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