From left: Henning Retief (viticulturist), Carla Van Wyk (winemaker), Hanri Ferreira (winemaker), and Christo Pienaar (chairman Of Veritas).
The cellar walked away with two Double Gold and two Gold medals from the Veritas Awards, a performance that confirms Kleine Zalze’s mastery in both Cap Classique and Cabernet Sauvignon, two categories that have long defined its winemaking identity.
Kleine Zalze’s Double Gold medals were awarded to the Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut Cap Classique 2019 and the Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. The winery’s Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2024 each earned Gold medals, further testifying to the cellar’s across-the-board quality.
Winemaker RJ Botha said the recognition was not only a proud moment for the team but also a reflection of Kleine Zalze’s sustained commitment to excellence in every bottle.
“The Veritas Awards have been a benchmark of South African wine quality for over three decades,” said Botha. “To receive two Double Golds this year, for wines that truly represent our core focus, is tremendously rewarding. Both our Cap Classique and Cabernet Sauvignon have become cornerstones of what we do at Kleine Zalze, and these awards confirm that our approach is resonating with both judges and consumers.”
The Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut Cap Classique 2019, which took one of the coveted Double Golds, has become a standout example of the cellar’s commitment to crafting elegant, age-worthy sparkling wines using the traditional Champagne method.
Produced from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in Stellenbosch, the 2019 Vintage Brut spent an extended period on the lees before disgorgement, a key factor behind its refined texture and complex autolytic flavours.
“Cap Classique is a style that truly showcases South African terroir and craftsmanship,” Botha explained. “We’ve invested years of research and patience into perfecting the balance between fruit purity and mature depth. The 2019 shows precision, finesse, and that hallmark Kleine Zalze freshness. It’s gratifying to see this recognised at Veritas, which has always maintained extremely high standards for Cap Classique.”
The award strengthens Kleine Zalze’s standing among South Africa’s leading producers of sparkling wine, an area the winery has been steadily building since launching its first Cap Classique more than a decade ago. With growing local and international acclaim, Kleine Zalze’s Cap Classiques are increasingly viewed as serious contenders on the global stage.
The second Double Gold went to the Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, a wine that embodies Stellenbosch’s celebrated affinity for this noble red variety. The Family Reserve range represents Kleine Zalze’s finest vineyard parcels, vinified with meticulous attention to detail and a clear focus on expressing place.
“The 2020 vintage was one of balance and intensity,” said Botha. “We had moderate temperatures and smaller berry sizes, which translated into beautifully concentrated flavours and refined tannins. Our aim with the Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is always to achieve that intersection of power and elegance, a wine that can age gracefully but also impress in its youth.”
Over the past decade, Kleine Zalze’s Cabernets have garnered international recognition, including high ratings from Decanter, Wine Spectator, and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, where the 2018 vintage won Gold. The Veritas Double Gold now adds another layer of distinction, reaffirming Kleine Zalze’s status among South Africa’s elite Cabernet producers.
Now in its 35th year, the Veritas Awards remain the country’s most authoritative wine competition. With a judging panel comprising leading local and international experts, a Veritas medal is widely regarded as a definitive mark of quality and consistency.
“Veritas offers an invaluable platform for South African wines,” Botha said. “It’s one of the few competitions where results are trusted by both trade professionals and consumers alike. For a winery, these medals validate years of hard work in the vineyards and cellar.”
Kleine Zalze’s latest triumph builds on a long record of achievement. The winery has earned multiple trophies at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards, Decanter World Wine Awards, and International Wine Challenge, accolades that collectively illustrate the estate’s unwavering pursuit of quality.
“Our philosophy is simple,” Botha concluded. “Whether it’s a Cap Classique, a Sauvignon Blanc, or a Cabernet Sauvignon, every wine should reflect the character of Stellenbosch, selected terroirs from other Cape wine regions, and the passion of our team. These Veritas results tell us we’re on the right path.”
As South Africa continues to make its mark on the world wine stage, Kleine Zalze’s Veritas success stands as a powerful reminder of what dedication, terroir, and vision can achieve, in sparkling bubbles, in deep Cabernet tones, and in the heart of Stellenbosch itself.