Each year Vinimark, the largest independent wine distribution company in South Africa, embark on a national roadshow, presenting the wines under its portfolio to trade and media. This year, our team cracked an invite to the Cape Town edition and decided to taste the most expensive wines on offer.
Some might say that in order for South Africa to be taken seriously in the international wine world, producers must up their prices. Most wine consumers would disagree, as none of us wants to pay more for something, right?
There is however a place under the African sun for wines that comes with a hefty price tag and if you are in a position to drop some hard cash on a bottle of chardonnay, then here are some wines to serve at your next Glitterati Party.
Keep in mind that the prices listed are for trade only, so expect to pay more when you purchase any of these from your local wine merchant or restaurant. For your convenience, I’ve added estimate retail prices from various online stores.
Champagne
Armand de Brignac Brut Gold NV
Identifiable by its distinctive gold bottle with pewter labels, the Champagne is one of five made by the Cattier house in New York for rapper Jay Z’s Armand de Brignac Empire brand with the “Ace of Spades” logo.
Trade price per bottle: R4190.00
Get it online at from Bottleshop: R5369.00
White Wine
Fryer’s Cove Bamboes Bay Hollebaksstrandfontein 2017
Fryer’s Cove, located on the west coast of South Africa, has emerged as one of the country’s top premium Sauvignon Blanc producers, producing small-yield wines of staggering quality. This oak and clay pot fermented Sauvignon Blanc was aged for 18 months. Only 2,034 bottles were produced and are individually numbered. If you’re looking for a Christmas present you will have to keep searching, as very limited quantities are available of this fine white.
Trade price per bottle: R296.81
Get it from Fryers Cove: R350.00 (currently sold out on their website)
Red Wine
Dalla Cia Pinot Noir 2015
Dalla Cia stands for age-old Italian tradition and passion for innovation. Established in 2001 by winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, the brand is synonymous with exceptional quality.
Trade price per bottle: R521.83
Get it at Port2Port: R731
Dalla Cia Teano 2017
A classic Bordeaux blend and the elegant Tuscan Sangiovese grape. A ripe succulent mouthful of dark berries and smokey spice with melting-velvet tannins and a complex finish.
Trade price per bottle: R743.76
Get it at WadeBales: R890
Vilafonte Series M 2016
Vilafonté has been creating vinous luxury since 1996. This red blend saw 22 months in 21% new French oak barrique with the balance aged in older French oak. Distinctive quality is evident in this wine.
Trade price per bottle: R564.62
Get it at Cybercellar: R745
Vilafonte Series C 2017
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc define the style of this wine – firm, powerful and concentrated; rich in fruit at release and blended for longevity.
Trade price per bottle: R1092.36
Get it at Bottleshop: R1399.00
Sweet Wines
Groot Constantia Grand Constance 2016 (375ml)
The 2013 Groot Constantia Grand Constance vintage made history when it received the highest possible accolade at the recent Decanter Asia Wine Awards. Surpassing Gold, Grand Constance received Platinum for being the Best South African Sweet Wine – achieving a rare 98 points out of a possible 100, and being classed as “exceptional”.
Trade price per bottle: R620.72
Get it from Makro: R775
