“Wine economics” is a broad, but catchy phrase that was popularised by economics professor and author Mike Veseth – the keynote speaker at this year’s Nederburg auction – with his writing about the global shifts and trends of the wine world. One component of this bigger economic picture has fascinated me over the years and has recently often come up in conversations during my winelands dwellings: that all important supply and demand equation, which also determines price.

Producing a small batch of super wine is a worthy achievement, but putting forth a stunner at impressive five digit volume figures (supply in economic terms) is what separates the men from the boys. Let’s be honest – five barrels of Chenin Blanc is not going to rock the global wine world, no matter how amazing the wine is. What South Africa needs is an icon that is produced in high enough quantities, to be shared across the globe.

International iconic wine brands like Penfolds Grange (Australia), Chateau Margaux (France) and Opus One (California) are made in impressive volumes and, depending on the vintage, often exceed 12 000 cases of 12 bottles.