Jamie Goode on the South African fine wine dimension

November 10, 2009

I am biased towards South African wine - that’s what this blog is about. I also don’t possess the international ‘experience’ from which to bench mark South African wine against.

But I’m getting there - slowly but surely - bottle by bottle.

For that reason it’s always nice to read someone elses view on the South African wine and where it’s heading. Especially if that person happens to be from outside of South Africa and who has tasted a plethora of wines from all over the world - that his viewpoint is very well respected makes it even better.

So after a whirlwind tour of the our winelands, here is Jamie Goode’s take on South African wine:

South Africa’s Fine Wine Dimension

An extract from the post:

10. I think the fine wine dimension of South Africa will be driven by great wines, with an authentic story to them. I think the ‘icon’ wines - reeking of ego and pretense, in unfeasibly heavy bottles - are a cul de sac.

I think this last point he makes is so true of South Africa in general - we aren’t a bunch of posers. We are a nation of real and dynamic people, people with real problems, real struggles, real luxury in surroundings and a real blend of fascinating cultures. Pretending to be anything but real wouldn’t be South African.

If our wine can reflect these real nuances and characteristics rather than try to emulate snobbery perhaps like Jamie suggests - we will be on to a winning formula.

Posted in SA Wine Industry