Posts Tagged ‘SA wine’

Metals in South African wine “not a health concern”

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

As if there aren’t reasons for us to throw our hands up in despair and cry out that the sky is falling in, what with the global economy, crime and so on, there is now a report doing the rounds saying that wine contains dangerously high levels of metals.

It was first reported on WebMD and started spreading. I am not a scientist of any description so won’t comment on the findings – which you can take a look at here – but I was curious to see there was no mention of South African wine in the 16 countries involved in the study. It would be pretty strange to leave South Africa out, as it’s one of the top 10 wine producing countries in the world. Also, the WebMD article, which quotes the scientists involved, mentions heavy metals; while the report only seems to mention metals.

I put a call into the folk at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij to find out more. This organisation is a research facility for the South African deciduous fruit, grape, wine and brandy industries.

Acting programme manager for post-harvest and wine technology, Ockert Augustyn, assured me that to his knowledge “there is no reason to be afraid of a negative health effect of metals in South African wine.” As far as he is aware, the metal levels in South African wines are within the safe limits.

He said the organisation is preparing for a new study on metals in wine, but to explore how they affect the shelf life of specifically South African white wine. There are some indications that the metals could contribute to instability in the wine that results in early aging, but that they are not a “health hazard”.

Deep sighs of relief all round. Until I hear otherwise, I am going be cracking open a bottle of SA wine in celebration.

Meanwhile questions are being raised about the study so I’ll keep you posted with any developments about what this means for the wines from the countries identified in the report.

SA wines rock at international wine awards

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008

Kanonkop, situated in the Simonsberg region of Stellenbosch, is the first winery in the world to win the prestigious Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London for three times in the history of the IWSC.

The trophy is annually awarded to the Best Blended Red Wine on the show, and this year Kanonkop’s Paul Sauer 2003 was the winner. Kanonkop won the trophy previously in 1994 with the Paul Sauer 1991, and again in 1999 with the Paul Sauer 1995.

“Since our first harvest in 1973, Kanonkop has been committed to producing wines to a classical and elegant style, whilst maintaining the integrity of our unique soils and climatic conditions at the foot of the Simonsberg,” says Kanonkop co-owner Johann Krige.

“Having won this award for the third time is not only a great moment for Kanonkop, but one we would like to share with the whole South African wine industry by vindicating the industry’s belief that South Africa is one of the world’s top wine producers in terms of quality.”

The Paul Sauer is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and is made using traditional techniques – such as open-tank fermenters and manual punch-downs. It is matured for two years in new wood.

In addition South Africa won six other trophies at the IWSC:

  • The IWSC Trophy for Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine went to Bon Courage’s Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve 2004
  • The Mission Hill Family Estate Trophy for Chardonnay was won by Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie 2007
  • The IWSC Trophy for Chenin Blanc was received by Bellingham’s The Maverick Winemaker Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2007
  • The Spier Trophy for Merlot was bagged by Hartenberg Merlot 2005
  • The KWV Trophy for Pinotage went to Tesco Finest Beyers Truter Pinotage 2006
  • And finally the Distell Trophy for Grape Brandy was won by Van Ryn’s 20 YO Collector’s Reserve Brandy, produced by Distell.

These international awards come hot on the heels of South Africa’s sterling performance at the Decanter World Wine Awards in September.

We won 12 regional trophies and an amazing six international trophies. Only 26 international trophies are awarded in total.

  • International Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy Under £10 – Amani Vineyards Amani Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2006
  • International Red Rhone Varietal Trophy Over £10 – Cederberg Shiraz 2006
  • International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy Under £10 – Lomond Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Pincushion 2007
  • International Chardonnay Trophy Under £10 – Paul Cluver Wines Chardonnay 2007
  • International Chardonnay Trophy Over £10 – Rustenberg Wines Five Soldiers 2006
  • International White Blend Trophy Over £10 – Tokara White 2006

Congratulations to all the winners performing so well on the world wine stage. Wine lovers keep an eye out for the awards stickers that will no doubt be adorning these wines soon – and see what you think of them.