The focus of the Minority Report is on wines from varieties whose respective total plantings do not exceed 5 000ha. South Africa’s eight most widely planted varieties (Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chardonnay, and Merlot in that order) all have plantings of over 5 000ha and together makeup 82% of the national vineyard – this is a chance for the more subordinate varieties to shine!

This year’s Merlot Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 55 entries received from 45 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

This year’s Pinotage Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 58 entries received from 46 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale. The report revealed some real gems under the Pinotage grape category, confirming the fact that proudly South African wine variety can certainly compete with the best on a global scale.

This year’s Cabernet Sauvignon Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 86 entries received from 71 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most widely planted variety, making up 17 148ha or 18.6% of the total 92 005ha currently under vine. Not surprisingly, it’s a category offering tremendous depth of quality.

Entries for the Pinotage Report 2021 sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient are now open.

Cape White Blends make for an important, if niche, category. No official definition exists but our proposal is that such wines can be made from any combination of varieties as long as they include a significant Chenin Blanc component, specifically more than 15% and less than 85% – Chenin is our most planted variety by far (17 148ha in the ground at the end of 2020, this making up 18.6% of the national vineyard) and we should find ways to celebrate it.

This year’s Sweet Wine & Fortifieds Report convened by Winemag.co.za and sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. Entries were as follows: 1) Natural Sweet – two; 2) Noble Late Harvest – 15; 3) Straw – seven; 4) Hanepoot – four; 5) Muscadel – six; and 6) Port-style – nine.

Entries for the Chenin Blanc & Cape White Blends Report 2021 sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient close on 7 April. Don’t miss your chance to enter!

The second annual Cap Classique Report convened by Winemag.co.za and sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 83 entries received from 43 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.