I’m not sure if Monday the 4th of Jan was a week too early to start the year, or  Monday the 18th too late, but to me it seemed natural that Monday the 11th was the right day to kick start 2010 - the 1st year of the 2nd decade of the 21st century.  It’s the day most of us headed back to work, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling thankful that 2009 was behind us, and looked forward to embracing 2010 with renewed hope and energy.

As I write this the first grapes of the 2010 harvest are already in the cellar. Although many are predicting that we’re in for a much smaller crop, if the rain stays away and the almost certain February heat wave is not too severe, then thanks to the plentiful sunshine  the southern hemisphere almost guarantees we should all be enjoying South African’s favorite tipple - excellent Sauvignon Blanc, 2010 vintage - come the soccer world cup in June.

It’s hard not to feel the tangible energy and excitement of the world cup steadily building each day as we get closer to the 10th of June kick-off. Some pundits are warning business not to expect miracles, but for the food, beverage and hospitality industries it’s crazy not to ride the expected wave of a mini boom.  For the rest, the most we can wish for is a peaceful and well run tournament showcasing our beautiful country to billions of viewers, enabling SA to reap long term rewards. 

The beginning of a new year brings with it new goals, and some folk brave enough to predict the future. Wine is no different, with most commentators agreeing on the continued interest in and improvement of biodynamic farming practices seen in the organic category.

Rosé will continue its rapid growth curve, more so internationally than at home. Maybe it’s because our sauvignons are just so good and complement our climate which so lends itself to crisp, refreshing and fruity wines. Or possibly the stigma attached to the sickly sweet rosés of the past is still fresh in our memories?

Sauvignon Blanc will continue to grow for the reasons above, even though a well balanced blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon offers so much more complexity.

French Champagne will continue to struggle as consumers fight their way out of the recession. But SA’s own version of Champagne, known as Cap Classique, will grow from strength to strength, driven by a professional and committed association relentlessly striving for better quality.  For the more adventurous, Prosseco, the Italian version of bubbly, will provide a stylish and trendy alternative to both our Cap Classiques and French Champagnes.

South African wines will continue to make impressive strides into key markets in Europe, the USA and the UK. Why?  Because we offer an incredible proposition - a classic conjunct of quality, value at all price points, heritage and passion from many talented and committed individuals.  And the more we work together the sooner we will take our rightful place with the rest and best in the world.

Following on from this, last week Kanonkop raised the bar by releasing a Black Label Pinotage 06. The wine was made in minute quantities from a single vineyard which has been in existence since 1953. The wine sells for R1 000 per bottle, a bold move which not too many SA producers can afford to make.  But judging by the ‘sold out’ signs just three hours after the release there is clearly an appetite for well thought out special releases from SA’s first growths which have the track record to match. But more about the precedent Kanonkop has set and the implications for the pinnacle of the SA fine wine market in later blogs.

I’ll end with some more predictions for 2010.  Firstly, a great world cup. Then a wild one - no rain in Cape Town in June during the great event!  And finally a banker: a growing market for special release wines, and an evolving secondary market for wine investments.