Winemag.co.za reports in an opinion article by Melvyn Minnaar that South African wine lacks a proper, central archive, making its history harder to research and preserve. Minnaar highlights the Platter’s Wine Guide as an accidental record of more than 40 years of South African winemaking, warning that without organised preservation, vital details about producers, vineyards and industry development remain scattered.
South Africa
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Severe Flooding Hits Parts of the Western Cape Wine Region
Harpers reports that severe flooding has hit vineyards along South Africa’s Breede River, with Robertson Wine Valley producers including Springfield Estate, Bonnievale Wines, Bon Courage Estate and Van Loveren Family Vineyards reporting damage. Springfield said 90 of its 220 hectares were submerged by Monday evening, while Van Loveren reported two metres of water through its winery, damage to homes and equipment, and 1.3 million bottles of stock affected. Producers in the area are encouraging people to buy their wines to support rebuilding efforts.
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Graham Beck Launches Its First English Sparkling Wine
Decanter reports that South African Cap Classique producer Graham Beck has released its first traditional-method English sparkling wine, the limited Graham Beck Artisan Collection English Sparkling 2018. The wine is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown in Hampshire and West Sussex, will be released in the UK this summer at £45 RRP, and marks a final collaboration involving former cellar master Pieter Ferreira before his retirement.