Delheim, renowned for its winemaking prowess, solidified its position as a premier producer of rosé wines in South Africa by clinching a coveted Top 10 spot in the inaugural Prescient Rosé Report, curated by winemag.co.za. The spotlight fell on Delheim’s Pinotage Rosé 2023, lauded with an impressive 92-point score, securing the second-highest ranking among a distinguished lineup of over 100 Cape rosés.
This achievement arrives on the heels of the same wine clinching the prestigious Double Gold at the Rosé Rocks Competition earlier this year. For Nongcebo Langa, Delheim’s winemaker, this recognition is doubly significant. It not only acknowledges the winery’s mastery in a wine category often associated with casual drinking but also underscores Delheim’s pioneering role in South African rosé production, tracing back to crafting the country’s inaugural Pinotage rosé in 1976.
Langa expressed delight in witnessing the enduring appeal of Delheim’s Pinotage rosé, a beloved choice known for its inviting salmon-pink hue. She remarked, “The affirmation of our wine’s quality reaffirms Delheim’s dedication to rosé, a commitment that predates its current widespread popularity and fashionability.”
The global surge in rosé’s popularity aligns with consumers’ growing preference for lighter, fresher wine styles—a niche where well-crafted dry rosé wines excel. Langa emphasized, “Rosé’s allure hinges on freshness and color. With Pinotage, South Africa possesses an ideal grape variety that effortlessly embodies the qualities sought after by consumers—vibrant acidity for zest, balanced fruitiness for depth, and grape skins yielding the captivating salmon pink hue, the hallmark of rosé.”
Delheim sources grapes from select Cape vineyards for its rosé, employing a meticulous process where the juice is delicately extracted from the skins, allowing for the desired color intensity. Fermentation and extended lees contact in stainless steel, under controlled temperatures, nurture the wine’s diverse fruit flavors while preserving its vibrant color profile.
Langa expressed Delheim’s satisfaction with rosé gaining critical acclaim, particularly through platforms like the Prescient Report. “Producing quality rosé demands exceptional grapes and exacting craftsmanship in the cellar. As rosé continues to claim its place among South Africa’s premium wine offerings, the inaugural Prescient Report stands as a testament to the deserving recognition of all rosé producers,” she concluded.
