Local wineries shine with trophies
2005-06-15
SEVEN local wineries shone with trophies awarded at the prestigious Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show, which is judged by world renowned wine authorities.
Among them were three from Wellington and four from Paarl.
Diemersfontein, which has twice won the Trophy for the Cape’s best Pinotage, secured the Fairbairn Capital Trophy for the best producer on the prestigious wine show.
It obtained the requisite points by winning the American Express Trophy for the Best Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as two silvers and three bronzes.
Not to be outdone, Napier won the Fairbairn Capital Trophy for “Discovery of the Show” with their Bordeaux-style Red Medallion 2001.
Judges described the wine as a “very showy, statuesque statement that will mature”.
Leon Bester’s philosophy has always been to make a wine for the long term so the various components (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot) have been vinified separately and conservatively with slow fermentation, pumpovers, minimal filtration and light fining.
The Trophy for Best Semillon went to Hildenbrand Semillon 2004, which was described by the judges as standing out for
its “extraordinary” flavours and it” really validated the concept of terroir”.
According to Reni Hildenbrand, Semillon used to represent 93% of all grape vines in the early 19th century, but now accounts for less than 1%.
This almost lost heritage encouraged her to focus on realising the potential of “Groendruif” to make spicy and full-bodied wines with a dry finish.
Paarl
The Paarlites did nog lag behind though, with four trophies and a gold medal (only 17 gold medals were awarded).
The Trophy for Best Pinotage was awarded to Seidelberg Roland’s Reserve Pinotage 2003, which was described as “a festival of flavours”.
Winemaker Cerina de Jongh makes the wine according to traditional methods combined with modern technology.
The Trophy for Best Merlot went to Culraithin Merlot 2003 (Coleraine), produced by Clive Kerr in Paarl South.
The Trophy for Best Chenin Blanc went to Anura Chenin Blanc 2004, made by winemaker Carla van der Mescht.
The Trophy for Best Dessert Wine – Unfortified went to Nederburg Noble Late Harvest 2004.
It is made from a blend of individually vinified botrytis cinerea-infected Chenin Blanc, Weisser Riesling, Muscadel and Semillon.
The Glen Carlou Grand Classique was awarded a gold medal.
Gesie Lategan, proud chairperson of Paarl Vintners, said these results showed that there was talent, dedication and quality in Paarl.
There were 995 entries from 245 producers at this year’s competition – an increase on the 951 in 2004 and the 916 in 2003.
More
News
|
