A NUMBER of local wineries shone at the 2011 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, alias the Wine World Championship, held in Luxembourg this year.
The Grande Provence 2006, a blended red wine containing mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, received a “Grande” (double) gold medal. This was one of only three South African wines to be awarded double gold status.
The Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, was awarded a gold medal.
Out of approximately 7 000 entries from all over the world, only 30% of these entries received an award. The wines were also judged blind by an international panel of wine expert judges.
Comments Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate’s winemaker, Jaco Marais: “It’s wonderful news for all the team here on the estate and incredible to be recognised consecutively for the past three years.”
) The Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2010 scored a double whammy for the KWV Premium range when it not only scooped a gold award at the recent Decanter Wine Awards but went on to secure its second gold of 2011 at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Says Cathedral Cellar brand director Jeff Gradwell, “This award signifies our commitment to delivering a premium quality brand, as the Cathedral Cellar range typifies our pursuit of excellence and quality, and epitomises the new KWV energy.”
) KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2008 was recently awarded a gold medal as well as the regional trophy within the South African category for a red Bordeaux varietal over ten pounds, at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards. Thereafter, sought-after gold medals were awarded to the KWV The Mentors Chardonnay 2010 and Shiraz 2009, respectively, at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
The KWV The Mentors range honours the diversity of terroir and climate that influences the different styles of wines from South Africa. These wines have been crafted from grapes that have been mentored through specific site selection, treatment in the vineyards and special cellar care, to deliver wines without equal, truly reflecting the best South Africa has to offer.
) Also at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2011, Plaisir de Merle was awarded a gold medal for its Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2009.
Plaisir de Merle has enjoyed international success with its Chardonnays. Previous vintages have been regular top achievers in the International Wine & Spirit Competitions, the Sydney International Wine Competitions and the International Wine Challenges (in London).
The Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2008 won a silver medal at the 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition, received four stars in the 2010 John Platter South African Wine Guide, as well as a silver at the International Wine Challenge in 2010.
Niel Bester, Plaisir de Merle’s winemaker since 1992, is passionate about his calling. He maintains there is one chance in every year to create wines at the whim of the weather and the winemaker – something special, something to be proud of and something that provides enjoyment to others. With his Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2009, he has achieved all three!
) Nederburg has reaffirmed its position as South Africa’s most awarded winery by producing a regional trophy winner, as well as two gold and eight silver medal winners, at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards.
More than 12 200 wines were entered for the competition, making it one of the biggest in the world.
Nederburg’s Winemaster’s Reserve 2010 Noble Late Harvest won the trophy for the competition’s best South African sweet white wine, retailing for above £10.
The same wine also took gold at the 2011 International Wine Challenge (IWC).
Decanter golds were also awarded to Nederburg’s 2009 Winemaster’s Reserve Chenin Blanc, and to the 2007 Private Bin Edelkeur, sold exclusively on the annual Nederburg Auction.
Amongst the silver medallists were the 2009 Ingenuity White (a Platter five-star wine), the limited edition 2010 Manor House Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Winemaster’s Reserve Edelrood (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot) and 2010 Winemaster’s Reserve Special Late Harvest, with the balance coming from the Private Bin range.
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