Team South Africa 2023 Announced!
Team South Africa 2023 Announces Stellar Lineup for World Championship of Blind Wine Tasting in Provence, France
Team South Africa is thrilled to introduce the outstanding members who will represent the nation at the highly anticipated World Championship of Blind Wine Tasting, scheduled to take place in the picturesque region of Provence, France, on October 14th, 2023. These exceptional individuals were carefully selected from among South African passport holders who achieved top rankings in the prestigious South African Wine Tasting Championship (SAWTC).
In a true celebration of the art of wine tasting, contestants at the SAWTC were challenged to identify not only the grape variety, but also the country, appellation, producer, and vintage of a diverse selection of wines. The rigorous competition showcased their remarkable talents, and the top performers have earned their place on Team South Africa 2023.
The wines chosen for the selection process represent a global journey of flavors and complexities, and the team is prepared to face this thrilling challenge. The selected wine were selected from Radford Dale Imports:
Albariño – Spain – Rias Baixas – 2020 – Terras Gauda
Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – Marlborough – 2021 – Greywacke
Viognier – France – Condrieu – 2018 – Cuilleron
Chenin – South Africa – Stellenbosch – 2022 – Ken Forrester
Chardonnay – USA – Napa Valley – 2018 – Arnot Roberts
Blaufränkisch – Austria – Leithaberg DAC – 2018 – Heinrich
Grenache Noir – South Africa – Piekenierskloof – 2018 – Sadie Family
Malbec – France – Cahors – 2016 – Chateau de Chambert
Cabernet Franc – France – Saumur Champigny – 2020 – Domaine des Roches Neuves
Shiraz – Australia – Barossa – 2021 – Yalumba
Team South Africa 2023 will be led by the experienced Chris Groenewald, a respected wine producer and importer who previously led Team SA in 2021. Joining him is Sharrol Mukendi Klass, a sommelier at Culture Wine Bar in Cape Town, and the recipient of the ASI – Gerard Basset Foundation scholarship for African sommeliers. Heidi Kritzinger, hailing from Kanonkop Wine Estate and a seasoned competitor, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Gareth Robertson, representing Rupert Wines, is the newest addition to Team SA 2023.
The World Championship of Blind Wine Tasting, organized by the esteemed French wine magazine La Revue du Vin de France since 2013, promises a thrilling competition among wine aficionados from around the globe.
While Team SA 2023 has received support from industry members such as Amorim Corks SA and Advini, additional funding is sought to ensure optimal training and travel conditions for the team. South Africa’s rugby team will also be competing for a world title at the same time, making the wine tasting Team SA’s quest even more significant so at least one of the two teams brings a cup home.
About Team South Africa:
Team South Africa 2023 is a group of passionate and accomplished wine enthusiasts who have earned the honor of representing their nation on the global stage. Selected from the top performers in the South African Wine Tasting Championship (SAWTC), they are dedicated to showcasing their exceptional wine-tasting talents and making South Africa proud.