The vino files: your 2024 forecast
Crisp and light or woody with a hint of umami? We asked the experts for their predicitions and must-visit wine bars in Cape Town and Jozi
1 DISCOVER AROMATIC WINES
“Varietals such as Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Palomino and Semillon are growing in popularity,” says Wikus Human, head sommelier at Marble Restaurant (@marble_jhb) in Johannesburg. “We’ll also see more wine lovers drinking white blends containing these varietals, with Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc as the dominant grapes.”
2 EXPLORE UNUSUAL CULTIVARS
Moses Magwaza, sommelier at Pretoria’s Prosopa Restaurant (@prosoparestaurant), says we can thank local winemakers for experimenting with varietals that South Africans aren’t familiar with. “For example, Jordan has released a 100% Assyrtiko – a grape originally from Greece. But my goto this summer is Verdelho, a Portuguese white grape that also grows well in
Stellenbosch. It produces fresh, zesty wines with stone fruit aromas and floral, nutty nuances.” Co-owner and sommelier at Acid Wine Bar in Joburg (@acid_thebar), Jemma Styer, also recommends trying something different. Never heard of the Portuguese varietal Fernão Pires, also known as Maria Gomes? You’ll find it on her wine list. “The Processus Maria Gomes is my current fave. It’s easy-drinking with a beautiful ripe fruit character, but at the same time it also has an umami undertone and elegant complexity.”
3 DRINK AGED WHITES
“I’m excited that more people are realising that white wines are good for storing,” says wine educator Tuanni Price, founder of Zuri Wine Tasting. “I am always amazed at the consistent acidity and freshness that these wines maintain while developing tertiary flavours such as nuttiness and earthiness. My favourite region and grape varietal to save for later is Franschhoek Semillon.”
4 STOCK UP ON CANS AND DINKY BOTTLES
Cans of hard seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails and wines will be even bigger in 2024, according to independent sommelier Joseph Dhafana. “They’re good for when everyone wants to drink something different – perfect for a drinks party at home, or to pack into a cooler when you’re heading outdoors.” Add 350 ml bottles of sparkling wine to the mix and you have plenty of options.
5 BECOME A PÉT-NAT FAN
Pétillant-Naturel sparkling wines are still on the rise. Lighter in style than Cap Classique and Champagne, they’re great fun to drink. “I’ve noticed a remarkable increase in both consumers’ and winemakers’ willingness to explore new styles lately,” says Jemma. “As a result, we’ve seen an increase in the production of high-quality natural and experimental wines. The Lelie van Saron Jade Pét-Nat by Natasha Williams is my poolside favourite.”