ROSÉ ROCKS, South Africa’s first dedicated rosé wine competition, has released its 2020 results, in which 29 wines were awarded double gold.
Head of the judging team, wine industry expert Allan Mullins commented: “2020 has been an exceptional year in more ways than one. The quality was really standout, as the wines that were presented reflected the fact that the vines have recovered fully from the stresses of the drought, and have produced high quality grapes.
“Another interesting development is that winemakers are making high quality rosé wine from some of the lesser known varietals such as Mourvédre, Cinsault and Grenache. This is bringing more variety and excitement into the category. The trend in rosé wine continues to be towards the Provençal style, which is dry and fresh, with a light onion skin or pale salmon pink hue.”
Competition convener Eamon McLoughlin said: “It’s been a really challenging year, but we’re delighted with how the producers have continued to support the Rosé Rocks competition. It’s rewarding to promote a wine category that is in growth. Rose wine has an undoubted ability to recruit new wine drinkers into the domestic wine segment in South Africa.
“South African rosé needs to make a stronger showing on restaurant menus across the country. The ‘sweet-n- cheap’ image rosé had in the past is rapidly fading and being replaced by wines which appeal for their quality, versatility and value for money.”
The tasting panel led by wine industry Mullins included Praisy Dlamini, winemaker and GM at Adama Wines; Kelly-Marie Jacobs, winemaker at Distell; and sommelier Shirley Muswema.
The full list of winning wines is here.
