Time for SA Pinot Noir to Get Recognition it Deserves

Speaking on CapeTalk radio recently, one of the foreign judges flown out for the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show said the quality of the Pinot Noir category surprised her. Especially as the Wine Show’s South African judges were, prior to the tasting, “almost apologetic” about the quality of local Pinot Noir.

This view is reflected on the competition and wine guide circuit where local wine critics and judges show a collective apprehension in recognising local Pinot Noir quality. Where you can shake a bush-vine and a host of Trophies, Double Golds and Five Star accolades for Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Shiraz will knock you senseless, Pinot Noir is sucking the hind mammary gland as far as critical acclaim goes.

This year’s Platter Wine Guide could only scratch out two 5 Star Pinot Noir Producers. And in the 2016 Veritas Wine Awards, South Africa’s largest and most comprehensive wine show, not a single Double Gold went Pinot Noir’s way, the bling being reserved for three lowly golds.


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