South Africa’s flagship cultivar, which proudly represents the nation on global export stages, sets a lofty standard for wine enthusiasts when it comes to a glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc. The discerning judging panel of the 2022 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition unequivocally agreed: South African Sauvignon Blanc not only lives up to expectations but surpasses them.
The hallmarks of quality, nuanced texture, the harmonious interplay between fruity essence and acidity, intricate layers of flavor, refined elegance, and a diverse spectrum of styles were among the attributes accentuated by a distinguished panel of eminent wine connoisseurs during the recent Top 10 judging event. This gathering saw the meticulous evaluation of 161 wines from 102 producers, a process that unfolded from Tuesday, August 30th to Thursday, September 1st at the picturesque Uitkyk Estate in Stellenbosch.
The judging assemblage comprised esteemed individuals such as Dr. Winifred Bowman, a Cape Wine Master and panel convener; Fiona McDonald, a wine judge and author; Johann Fourie, the head winemaker of Benguela Cove; Morgan Steyn, a winemaker at De Grendel; Cape Wine Master René Groenewald; and the up-and-coming protégé judge Mahalia Kotjane, the assistant winemaker at Lievland.
Within the substantial category of unwooded Sauvignon Blanc from the 2022 vintage, a total of 88 wines were meticulously scrutinized. This segment revealed a common thread of quality and the absence of faulty wines. Notably, the wooded category demonstrated exemplary wood handling and management.
Dr. Winifred Bowman asserts, “The older vintages exhibited exceptional performance, a testament to the capability of South African winemakers to age our Sauvignon Blanc. Astute wood management impeccably supported the fruit profiles, lending essential texture to the wines.”
Despite the challenges posed by the 2022 vintage, numerous impressive wines of diverse styles caught the discerning palate of journalist and international wine judge Fiona McDonald. “Acid imbalances were notably fewer, and the 2022 wines exude a readiness for the market.”
Johann Fourie of Benguela Cove was particularly struck by the technical finesse of the wines. “This year, we observed fewer reductive wines. The authentic character of Sauvignon Blanc shone through, and even the wines aged on the lees stood out with their captivating textures.”
The culmination of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition, a prestigious event that has graced the scene since 2007, will unveil the Top 20 finalists later this month. The much-anticipated Top 10 winners will be disclosed during an awards ceremony on Thursday, October 13th, 2022. Furthermore, a comprehensive technical seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, held in collaboration with the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University.
This year’s competition is fortified by the backing of its Top 10 title partner, FNB, and its platinum partner, EVER Solutions.
Chairman of Sauvignon Blanc SA, RJ Botha, articulates, “Sauvignon Blanc isn’t solely South Africa’s most beloved white wine; it also commands premium prices. This grape variety is an invaluable asset that contributes to establishing and upholding the country’s strong brand reputation. Our Sauvignon Blanc has never been better poised to conquer global markets. We eagerly anticipate the attention we’ll garner when we host the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in South Africa come March 2023. This is a milestone event, marking the first time in the competition’s fourteen-year history that it will be hosted outside of Europe.”
Sauvignon Blanc SA plays a vital role in championing the quality of South African Sauvignon Blanc both domestically and on the international stage. Membership in Sauvignon Blanc SA is open to all, providing a platform to share expertise and benefits from the collective knowledge.
