A Grenache in the irreverant Project Z range from Stellenbosch winery Kleine Zalze has been named Grenache Noir of the Year in the Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide 2024, the leading and most comprehensive guide to South African wines.
Kleine Zalze Project Z Grenache 2022 was one of the 226 wines assigned a top five star rating out of the over 8 000 wines and wine-related spirits judged for this year’s Guide. Five stars are awarded to wines scoring 95pts and above, undergoing two stages of judging before receiving the final stamp of excellence.
Some 900 Cape producers entered wines for the 2024 Platter’s Guide which is now in its 44th publication year and still commands recognition as the leading voice on South African wine. Project Z Grenache 2022 is made from grapes originating from the cool Darling region and true to the inspirational ethos of Project Z a portion of the fruit was whole-bunch fermented in stainless steel, after which it was aged for nine months in clay amphorae – one of the hallmarks of the Project Z range.
RJ Botha, Kleine Zalze cellarmaster, says the five star-rating, as well as the title of Best Grenache Noir in Platter’s underscores the Project Z approach of striving for excellence through terroir-driven fruit and creative practices in the cellar.
“As a variety Grenache lends itself to aging in clay amphorae as the variety’s charm lies in the bright expression of red and dark fruit with energetic acidity and freshness, enhanced by a whisper of spice and a pastoral earthy touch,” says Botha. “But the quality of the grapes lies at the heart of all this. As a cool climate region where the grapes ripen slowly to phenolic perfection, Darling provides extraordinary Grenache. The warmer areas of Spain and France might be better known for this variety, but the cool maritime conditions of Darling on the Cape West Coast of South Africa allows us to make something truly exceptional.
“The recognition from Platter’s is especially rewarding seeing that Grenache is deemed one of the most exciting varieties in the modern Cape wine industry, with a number of terrific wines made from it being being currently available. To be named Best Grenache in this stellar company truly speaks for the exceptional quality of the wine.”
Other Platter’s ratings for Kleine Zalze
94 Points
- Family Reserve Shiraz 2020
- Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022
- Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022
- Vineyard Selection Syrah 2021
- Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2022
- Project Z Alvarinho 2022
- Project Z Chenin Blanc 2022
93 Points
- Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
- Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2022
- Project Z Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
91 Points
- Project Z Chenin Blanc Skin Contact 2022
90 Points
- Vineyard Selection Grenache 2022
- Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2023