Global consumers set new focus for winemaker

Ray Smuts
DISTELL'S newly-appointed group winemaker Linley Schultz has taken on an important mission - spearheading a drive to build a portfolio of company brands targeted at key international markets.
A priority for Schultz, who oversees Distell's 25 winemakers, is to address the varietal mix of the company's vineyards and those of supplier winegrowers to cater to international consumer preferences where demand for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet-based blends, as well as Chardonnay, continues unabated.
"Shiraz has growing international support and many of the Cape interpretations are well liked in foreign markets. With fine shirazes coming mainly from the Rhone and Australia there is very definitely a potential here that we can exploit.
"We shall also be focusing on Cabernets and Cabernet-based blends as Cabernet remains the second most popular varietal on international charts. It is fortunate that there are parts of the Cape where conditions are well suited to producing quality Cabernet grapes."
Despite international leaning to quality reds, Schultz says the most popular of all varieties around the world remains Chardonnay "and we need more of it."
In addition to changing the way it acquires grapes - buying varieties by region and then apportioning to each winery by wine style - Distell is introducing new measures to chill grapes to better retain fruit flavours.
Distell will concentrate on the premium sectors where wines are priced between £3 and £5 and in the super premium sector prices range of £5 to £7 - areas where research and international trends have pointed to the best growth potential.
l Linley Schultz, formerly with Australian group BRL Hardy, has had extensive experience in international markets and developing global brands.