South African wines set to get World Cup boost
The World Cup could help South African wine become one of the most up and coming wine producing countries for the on-trade this year, according to WaverleyTBS wine maker, Lucy Clements.
Clements made her comments at the launch of the company's new wine portfolio at the National Opera House in Covent Garden.
She works with winemakers worldwide to discover and blend wines for the UK market.
South Africa currently has a 5.2 per cent share of the on-trade market - half that of Chile and less than half of Australia.
But the off-trade is expecting up to a 20 per cent increase in South African wine sales and Clements said on-trade operators will benefit from this growth in interest too.
She said: "It's not all about Pinotage and Chenin Blanc either - Sauvingnon Blanc, Shiraz and even Chardonnay will be varietals to watch.
"Initial benchmark tastings of 2010 samples suggest 2010 is going to be one of the best vintages so far."
She added: "South African wines truly offer the best of both worlds: They have the sunshine and vibrancy of the New World combined with the elegance and length of the Old World.
South African wine has evolved with a bunch of young, talented wine makers who are creating wines with an intensity of fruit that shows through at every price level.
"Their wines are respectfully made and are true to Old World methods but they are not afraid to use New World technology."
Meanwhile, competition is on the horizon from Australian brand Jacob's Creek, which predicts that 2010 will be an "outstanding" vintage for it.
Jacob's Creek chief winemaker Bernard Hickin, said the quality of Chardonnay was up this year and that the quality of Riesling was also improved.
He added: "Riesling was the first variety planted by our company founder, Johann Gramp, back in 1847 on the banks of Jacob's Creek, and we continue the tradition of making distinctive wines from this classic variety today."
Jacob's Creek said that quality across premium vintage and red varietals was also good.
