South African wine aficionados have been urged to reconsider their perceptions of Sauvignon Blanc, as the winners of the 2023 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 were unveiled at a glittering ceremony held at Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch on Wednesday, 25 October.
The event showcased not only the diversity of this beloved grape but also highlighted the exceptional aging potential of Sauvignon Blanc from older vintages and wooded styles.
Sauvignon Blanc SA, the organisers of the prestigious competition, revealed that seven of the top 10 winners hailed from the 2022 vintage, underscoring the remarkable aging abilities of South African Sauvignon Blanc. The awards were presented in a unique and interactive manner, challenging guests to unravel the mystery of Sauvignon Blanc through their senses, from taste and touch to smell and sight.
The esteemed panel of judges, led by Cape Wine Master Dr Winifred Bowman, included renowned figures from the wine industry, such as international wine judge and writer Fiona McDonald and head winemaker Johann Fourie of Benguela Cove. The panel selected the top wines from a pool of 169 entries submitted by 106 producers, showcasing the high calibre of South African Sauvignon Blanc on the global stage.
The top 10 Sauvignon Blancs of 2023, listed in alphabetical order, are:
- De Grendel Koetshuis 2022 (wooded)
- Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023 (unwooded)
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (wooded)
- Le Grand Domaine Our Origin The Pledge Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (unwooded)
- Nitida Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (unwooded)
- Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (unwooded)
- Stark-Condé Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (wooded)
- Steenberg The Black Swan 2022 (unwooded)
- Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (wooded)
- Zorgvliet Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (unwooded)
RJ Botha, chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA, emphasised the versatility in styles and origins among the top 10 winners. Notably, four of the winning wines were wooded, a trend that enthusiasts are encouraged to explore due to the complexity and depth oak aging imparts to these wines. Botha commended the exceptional development of the 2022 vintage, aligning with the panel’s recommendation from the previous year to allow these wines to mature longer.
The FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition, the only one dedicated entirely to Sauvignon Blanc, was made possible by the support of title partner FNB and platinum partner EVER Solutions.
Stephan Claassen, provincial head for FNB in the Western and Eastern Cape, stressed the importance of the agricultural sector, including the wine industry, as a stabilising force during uncertain times.
Wine enthusiasts interested in exploring the top 10 Sauvignon Blancs of 2023 can download a complimentary booklet containing tasting notes from this link. The collection is also available for purchase online through Wine of the Month and at Wine Stellenbosch TOPS.
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