The pursuit to find the best young wines of the 2022 vintage is in full swing this week (25 to 29 July) as more than 1 200 entries compete for trophies and gold, silver and bronze medals at the SA Young Wine Show judging at the Johann Graue hall at Nederburg.

The SA Young Wine Show is one of the oldest wine competitions in the world, dating back to 1833 and is now in its 190th year.

The Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society – which in 1996 established the marketing name Agri-Expo – has been actively involved with the Young Wine Show since its inception as owner of this remarkable Show and has continued its commitment also as custodian to this day.

In the process, Agri-Expo has entrusted the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) as organiser with the most impressive array of gold and silver trophies, which are awarded each year to the winning winemakers.

IMG 20220727 132244 jpg JWS ANCHOR

“As patron of the SA Young Wine Show, we are proud to continue to be part of this exceptional show in its 190th year. We look forward to giving recognition to wines of outstanding quality together with our partners in the industry,” says Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo.

The wines will compete for 17 prestigious trophies in the various classes, with only one of the entries to be crowned as the overall champion young wine of the year and presented with the coveted General Smuts Trophy that has been awarded since 1952. At the same time, The Pietman Hugo Trophy will be awarded to the cellar with the highest total points for entries in five categories. Altogether 14 panels with more than 50 judges will be looking for the best young wines of 2022.

The classes that attracted the most entries this year were Other Red Cultivars, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Red Blends, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 17 competing classes for SA Champion glory are, among white wines, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Other White Cultivars, Dry White Blends, Off-dry White Wines and Noble Late Harvest.

SA Young Wine 54 jpg Agri Expo

In the classes for red wines, trophies are awarded for the finest Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red Cultivars and Dry Red Blends. The fortified wine class trophies comprise outstanding Cape Port Style, Dessert Wine and Muscadel.

This mammoth judging is accompanied by good news for wine lovers, namely that South Africa’s 2022 wine grape crop will bring exceptional wines to consumers once they are bottled. Winemakers agree that wines of exemplary quality have been made this year, which yielded white and red wines with wonderful flavours despite the climatic conditions which varied considerably during both the growth and harvesting periods.

IMG 20220727 124901 jpg JWS COLIN FRITH 40 Years of tasting
Colin Frith reached a milestone when he completed 40 years non-stop of judging at the SA Young Wine Show since 1983. Colin is also an Honorary Cape Wine Master. Pictured with him is Christo Pienaar chairman of the Show, left and Bennie Howard Vice Chairman, on his right

“We are impressed with the quality of wines that have been made this year and this positive feeling in the industry is also reflected in the increase in the number of wines that have been entered from all the regions” said the organisation’s chairperson, Christo Pienaar.

The awards and trophy presentation will be hosted by Agri-Expo on Friday 26 August preceded by a tasting of all the gold and trophy winners at Nederburg.

SA Young Wine 16 1 jpg Laffort
SA Young Wine 9 jpg Enartis