We might still be banned from buying wine, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan ahead and order online. The 9th annual Shiraz SA Challenge took place on 8 July and the top twelve Shiraz wines have been chosen. If you’re a Shiraz drinker, these are the wines you should add to your collection.

Presented by Marciel Hopkins, this year’s Shiraz SA Challenge was hosted virtually for a second year, with Afrikaans singer, Karen Zoid announcing the winners.

Deciding on the top Shiraz wines for this year, was a tough one. Said to be a little more fruity than previous years, the top wines might be ideal for earlier drinking wines, or it could be because the wine makers used whole bunches when making the wines, taking away some of the spiciness that Shiraz is usually known for.

READ: How to help the wine industry during lockdown and the alcohol ban

National Shiraz Day proclaimed

Edmund Terreblanche, Chairman of Shiraz SA is very positive about Shiraz and building the South African Shiraz brand. He even confirmed that 21 August will be known as our National Shiraz Day hence forward and that Covid-19 cannot put a stop to the passion they have for the industry.

The Top 12 Shiraz SA wines for 2021

• Cederberg Shiraz 2018
• Driehoek Syrah 2019
• Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2017
• Glen Carlou Syrah 2019
• Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Shiraz 2017
• Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2018
• Koelfontein Shiraz 2019
• Landskroon Paul de Villiers Shiraz 2019
• Neil Ellis Groenekloof Syrah 2019
• Rooiberg Winery Shiraz Reserve 2019
• Saronsberg Shiraz 2019
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz 2018

Shiraz blends have been included in the competition since 2014 and the winning Shiraz blends for 2021 include:

• Anura SMG Reserve 2018
• KWV Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus 2018
• Stellenzicht Acheulean Red 2018

Villion Family Wines Rosa Rabbedoe Rosé 2021 won the Shiraz Rosé category, with Lyngrove Collection Shiraz Rosé and Saronsberg Shiraz Rosé being the runners-up.