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Kanonkop marks 50th with salvo of older vintages in London

Published:  11 May, 2023

Kanonkop Wine Estate celebrated its half century yesterday (11 May) with a masterclass looking back at notable older vintages of Estate Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon, stretching back several decades.

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Losh and Goode blend Chenin from SA and Loire

Published:  11 December, 2022

Few would deny that Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s greats when it comes to grape varieties, but most would recognise that it sits far behind the likes of Chardonnay and Sauvignon in terms of recognition. Chenin is, of course, the de facto flagship grape of South Africa, also playing a strong role in the Loire. Here, in appellations such as Vouvray, Saumur, Angou, Savennieres, and others besides, the best – as with their Cape cousins – are world class, capable of developing great complexity while ageing for a very long time.

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Agulhas spreads its wings as hotbed of cool climate possibilities

Published:  14 October, 2022

Cool, windy and remote, the Agulhas Wine Triangle sits at the southerly tip of Africa, providing a home to a growing band of winemakers drawn to the possibilities of making wines on the very edge of this continent. As such, they believe Agulhas offers some of the best and best as-yet-to-be-seen potential for South African winemaking, with the “energy of the place” delivering “inbuilt complexity and balance” from this region where the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet.

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South Africa's high hopes

Published:  01 April, 2021

If Bordeaux declares another 'vintage of the century' in 2021, then eyes will undoubtedly roll.

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Naked’s Covid-19 Support Fund turns focus to SA

Published:  12 August, 2020

Naked Wines is launching an online crowdfunder this week, with a target of raising £225,000 for beleaguered South Africa wine winemakers.

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Restaurant Rescue project launched by Cape winemakers

Published:  17 July, 2020

A new initiative urging wine estates to adopt a restaurant has been launched in Cape Town in response to the blow of the renewed government ban on drinking.

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Generics respond to the pandemic: Wines of South Africa

Published:  23 April, 2020

In the fifth of our series on responses by the generics to the Covid-19 pandemic, Andrew Catchpole talks to Jo Wehring, gin aficionado and UK market manager, WoSA.

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SA export ban raises fears of longer-term damage for industry

Published:  22 April, 2020

South Africa stands alone in the world as a country that has barred exports of wine, leading to grave concerns from both exporters and their importers over significant damage to the future of the industry.

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Cape open for business with wine export go-ahead during SA lockdown

Published:  08 April, 2020

South Africa’s wine industry breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday as permission was granted for wine to be included in allowable fresh produce products for export.

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Journey’s End sets sights on number one premium slot in UK

Published:  16 September, 2019

South African estate Journey’s End has ambitious plans to become the leading premium South African label in the UK and to do so via the traditionally tough to crack on-trade.

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Roundtable: Pinotage catches up

Published:  05 September, 2019

South Africa has undergone Darwinian-levels of evolution over the past decade. Where the country – and its flagship varietal – goes from here formed the crux of Harpers’ recent roundtable in association with Kumala Wines. Jo Gilbert hosted the debate. 

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Bruce Jack UK launch

Published:  22 November, 2018

Prominent South African winemaker Bruce Jack officially launched his new eponymous wine range yesterday at High Timber restaurant in London.

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Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective launch lays down gauntlet to UK and US buyers

Published:  13 September, 2018

Be prepared to pay more or risk losing top Stellenbosch Cabernets to the Asian market was one of the messages to UK and US buyers at the launch of the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective at Cape Wine 2018.

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Tim Atkin MW: Day Zero looms for South Africa

Published:  09 February, 2018

“Day Zero” sounds like the title of a dystopian disaster movie, starring Matt Damon or an ageing Bruce Willis perhaps. But what’s happening in South Africa right now has nothing to do with fantasy or fiction. On the contrary, it’s all too real. If you’ve not been reading the news from Cape Town recently, the city is about to run out of water. On January 18, the city’s mayor, Patricia de Lille, said that the “point of no return” had been reached and that, if things continue as they are with little or no rainfall, by April 12 (Day Zero), the taps will be turned off.

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South Africa chases premium ground

Published:  13 November, 2017

As South Africa strives to push innovation and quality, natural factors may just provide the tipping point for the country. 

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New Cape Origin designation to boost tourism link

Published:  05 June, 2017

South Africa’s Wine and Spirit Board has introduced a new Wine of Origin District for Cape Town, bringing 30 wineries together under the banner to boost international recognition.

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