Cool-Climate Champion: Benguela Cove's Vinography Malbec 2023 Strikes Gold!

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has just made a bold statement on the global wine stage! Their Vinography Malbec 2023 has secured a prestigious Gold Medal at the Jarnac Cooperage Malbec Challenge 2025. This isn't just a win; it’s confirmation that this Walker Bay estate is a serious producer of exceptional, cool-climate Malbec. 

A Golden Score for a Premium Pour 

The competition, sponsored by renowned French cooperage Tonnellerie de Mercurey, is tough. It uses blind tasting with the international 100-point system, reserving Gold medals for wines that score a stunning 90–100 points. 

"This Gold Medal validates our belief that Walker Bay's unique maritime terroir can produce world-class Malbec with distinctive character," says Johann Fourie, Head Winemaker at Benguela Cove. 

The award is a huge boost for the estate's premium Vinography range, highlighting their knack for growing fine Bordeaux red varietals on their sun-kissed northern slopes. 

The Essence of the Oceanside Vineyard 

What makes this Malbec a winner? The 2023 vintage truly captures Benguela Cove’s signature style: 

This elegant expression proves that South African Malbec can stand toe-to-toe with the world's best. 

The Vinography Story: Nature Meets Winemaker 

The Vinography Collection is Benguela Cove's premium tier, embodying a minimal intervention philosophy. Every bottle is 100% estate-grown, produced, and bottled, serving as a 'journal' of its specific year. 

"The Vinography Malbec demonstrates how our unique position—just 2.7 metres above sea level with 18 kilometres of coastline—creates conditions for producing Malbec with both power and elegance," Fourie explains. 

The secret? The constant cooling influence of the Antarctic Benguela Current combined with diverse soils like chalk, sandstone, and Bokkeveld shale. The 2023 vintage had optimal growing conditions, achieving full ripeness while maintaining the fresh acidity that defines the Benguela Cove house style. 

South Africa's Malbec Moment 

This Gold Medal carries weight as South Africa increasingly focuses on its cooler-climate Malbec, differentiating it from the dominant, fruit-forward Argentine style. With approximately 790 hectares under cultivation nationally, South African Malbec is a strategic opportunity to showcase terroir-driven wines with structure and longevity. 

The award from The South African Malbec Challenge not only celebrates Benguela Cove's achievement but also strengthens the country's position as a quality producer of this exciting varietal on the global map. It's a significant moment for the future of cool-climate South African Malbec.