South African wine industry has come a long way and recently some international wine critics were full of praise for the transformation of our wines to quality and premium wines.

The Rainbow nation is no stranger to transformation and similarly, its wine industry is an excellent case study on how to bring about a major change. This according to wine critic, Brian Elliot. He added that making large volumes of poor-quality wine was ditched once international help pointed out that South African winegrowing areas were especially suited to premium, rather than value, wines. This paved the way for more reds and for sophisticated and complex wines of any type – which are less price-sensitive.

This point of view is shared by Chief Wine critic of the New York Times ,Eric Asimov. He notes “The most surprising thing is the consistently good quality. South Africa today is teeming with good Chenin Blanc, wines of freshness and character, at prices that make them exceptional value.”

Brian Elliot also praises South African  wine companies and indicated that “This skilled winemaking is also evident in large-scale operations like the company of wine people^TM. From its Arniston Bay brand, through the Fairtrade Thandi wines to the rich and aromatic Kumkani range, the professionalism shines through. Kumkani’s top-of-the-range Sauvignon Blanc has vibrant flavours of flint and gooseberry reminiscent of Sancerre”.

Source: scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com