Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2022: A Must-Read for Enthusiasts

Tim Atkin - Essential Reading for Wine Enthusiasts

Tim Atkin's South Africa Report has become essential for fans of South African wine, not least due to its captivating writing style. While it is highly recommended to read the entire report, we wish to share a taste from the 2022 edition. As is often the case, this report shows Atkin's absolute fascination and respect for the South African wine industry, the land, and its people.

After two years of pandemic-related remote tastings via Zoom, the acclaimed Master of Wine and journalist was finally able to visit South Africa again, where he tasted a record 2282 wines from more than 433 wineries for this extensive report.

Even though Tim Atkin did not award any 100-point ratings this year, he reported more 95-point ratings than ever before; 195 wines received such scores, accounting for 8.5% of the total. Despite all difficulties surrounding South Africa, Tim Atkin proudly states that “South Africa is absolutely capable of producing every wine style, and the country's finest wines certainly belong to the world elite.”

South Africans - A Resilient People

In contrast to expectations, Tim Atkin found the wine industry in the Cape quite vibrant after two years of pandemic and alcohol bans, expressing his admiration with the kind sentiment: “South Africans are a resilient bunch.” Although not everyone has weathered the last two difficult years unscathed, numerous new projects, wine lines, and newcomers to winemaking signal a clear resurgence.

Stellenbosch has reaffirmed its position as a leading region of the Cape, accounting for a third of the highest-rated wines, while the picturesque Swartland Region also impressed with exceptional standout wines from various regions of the Cape.

2017: The Best Vintage at the Cape

Tim Atkin characterizes the previous decade's vintages in South Africa as a rollercoaster ride. While mass-produced entry-level wines often show little variation from one year to the next, Atkin sees significant differences in high-end wines, praising the 2017 vintage as the best of all time and giving equal recognition to the 2021 vintage.

He places South African whites among the best in the world, noting that they not only measure up to but often surpass the finest whites from New World countries like Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA. Atkin is pleased to see South African reds gradually moving away from overly opulent styles that obscure terroir complexity.

Innovative winemaking techniques are making excessive oak use and high alcohol content unnecessary. Increasingly, wineries are working with concrete eggs and tanks, clay amphorae, larger barrels, and older wood, resulting in fresher, lighter, and more elegant red wines that faithfully express their terroir. A development that Atkin sums up with a heartfelt “Hallelujah.”

Climate Change Poses Major Challenges for the Wine Industry

As with many in various fields, Atkin's concerns regarding climate change are evident. Following the extreme heat waves of summer 2022, South Africa faces a precarious situation. The report highlights a need for the South African wine industry to find new ways to mitigate the effects of climate change on viticulture. Rosa Kruger, founder of the Old Vine Project, has recently presented a 6-point plan focusing on cultivating heat-resistant varieties, planting on south- and east-facing slopes and developing vineyards in cooler, elevated areas.

Tim Atkin emphasizes that South Africa currently produces the best wines in its history but also faces significant climate challenges that will require difficult decisions. He believes these decisions should be made as soon as possible, as it will benefit the industry in the long run.

On a positive note, Atkin frequently reports on the anticipated progress and change he has longed for in South Africa and especially within the South African wine industry. The newly established Wine Arc Form in Stellenbosch, a stylish tasting room for 13 wine brands owned by black winemakers and entrepreneurs, provides a solid platform for their wines.

Atkin’s visit to the Wine Arc was an unforgettable experience, and the stories, passion, and enthusiasm of its members left him feeling optimistic on a cold winter day.

You can purchase the complete, worthwhile report with ratings here.