“WARM RED flavours, cloves and blackcurrant. A delicate palate with juicy tannins. Pairs well with Italian dishes, especially tomato-based ones, grilled chicken and Charcuterie, e.g. pâtés, terrines and salamis.” That’s how the Du Toit family describe their 2021 Kloovenburg Merlot, the highest scoring wine in the SA Merlot industry association’s 2024 Taransaud Top 10 competition. Single vineyard (22-year-old vines), WO
Read moreTHE SECOND Top 10 competition organised by South Africa’s Merlot Forum attracted 69 entries from most of the Cape’s wine regions. Notable relative to the inaugural panel tasting was the “dynamic spread” of offerings. “This year’s entries were a tad more exciting,” reflected the convener of the judging panel, Vondeling winemaker Matthew Copeland. “Excellent examples of each style,” he said.
Read moreWHAT TO MAKE of the inaugural Top 10 Merlot Competition organised by the South African Merlot Forum, an industry association whose members include over 40 wine farms. 71 entries from the various districts around the Cape winelands. Not bad, considering it’s the first edition of this challenge, but a way to go given that there are in excess of
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