Gold 2012
2012 IWSC WINNERS Published by: TWS Media CC 102 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch. 7600, Republic of South Africa Tel: +27 21 888 8800 Fax: +27 21 888 8818 wine-extra.co.za wineshow.co.za Editor: Maryna Strachan maryna@wine-extra.co.za Graphic Design Mark Freeborough info@markfreebs.com Web Services Tracey Van Niekerk tracey@mutsami.co.za Advertising Sales Vanessa Adendorff vanessa@wineshow.co.za Publishing Director John Woodward jw@pullthecork.co.za
Subscribe online at: www.wine-extra.co.za Official S.A. Media Partner:
The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of all trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts not exceeding 100 words in total from any one issue to be used for the purpose of fair review.
Editor’s letter Maryna Strachan
maryna@wine-extra.co.za Follow us @WineExtra
I
t’s amazing to think that a year has passed since we published our last IWSC supplement. As part of our Media Partnership with the International Wine and Spirit Competition, this supplement serves to highlight the wines and spirits that took top honours in the 2012 competition. To be affiliated with the top wine and spirits competition in the world is a huge feather in our cap and one we’re very proud of. Our relationship has grown and strengthened over the past year and we’re exploring a few other options to highlight this fantastic competition to Wine Extra’s readers and the South African wine trade. Once again, producers from our sunny shores fared exceptionally well at the competition, taking home no less than six product trophies and a plethora of medals. Within the supplement we showcase the trophy winners along with the Gold Outstanding and Gold winners, highlighting once again why South African wine and spirits are of world-class quality - something that we can all be very proud of. I was fortunate enough to attend the glitzy annual Gala function at the London Guild Hall in November last year as Wine Extra is the sponsor of the trophy for Chenin Blanc. What better reward than to have it won by a local producer, Stellenrust?! Yet another proud moment for the Wine Extra team. Cheers to South African wine and spirits!
www.wineshow.co.za
Contents IWSC WINNERS 2012
Wine investment in South Africa: International investment in SA vineyards continues to grow.
Editor’s letter
4
The IWSC
6
Who are the IWSC and what do they do?
Judging
7
Perennial Pinotage
18
8
All the recipients of the Gold Outstanding award.
Gold List 22
Proudly South African.
The South African Showcase.
Trophy winners
Gold Outstanding 24 list
Why SA is a viable option.
How the judging works.
Tasting the winners
International investment in the SA wine industry
28
All the recipients of the Gold award.
The Wine Extra/ IWSC lounge
34
Be there!
10
Trophy winners paired with delicious food.
INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 5
Why the IWSC? wine makers and buyers.
Entering the Competition and winning the respect of the industry is only the beginning as far as benefits are concerned. It’s what each individual producer does with this achievement that makes it worthwhile and commercially beneficial. The IWSC takes great pride in helping winners promote their success, offering a high-powered Winners Marketing Package including:
T
he International Wine and Spirit Competition is considered to be the oldest and most respected international competition of its kind in the world and the benefits of winning an award are well documented. The IWSC boasts an extensive list of judges that is hard to match, each of whom has been approved by the Independent Technical and Judging Committee. These judges encompass every aspect of the trade including Masters of Wine, drinks writers, educators, distillers,
6 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
• The IWSC Free Marketing Toolkit (including medal artwork, logos, point of sale, template press releases, etc.) • Events – Promotion through showcase tastings, the awards presentation banquet and major international wine and spirit exhibitions. • Publications – All gold, silver and bronze winners get visibility on the IWSC website. Top winners also receive tasting notes. • PR – Exclusive editorials in international trade and consumer publications with broader PR opportunities as well as retail promotions. The 2013 President, G. Garvin Brown IV states “It is with great pride that I serve as president of The International Wine and Spirit Competition for 2013. Our industry is fortunate to have so many outstanding companies whose brands are embraced by consumers for a lifetime and even for generations. I look forward to helping honour the deserving winners of the IWSC, as collectively we strive to bring our high quality wines, spirits and liqueurs to the far corners of the globe.”
Expert Judging
“T
here is a methodical and thorough rigour to the way The IWSC approaches the judging of its entries. Everyone in the organization is aware of the potential impact of their decisions and is determined that every sample be given a fair assessment. It’s what drew me to The IWSC in the first place and what I keep coming back to”, IWSC Technical Director, David Wrigley (MW).
Current vintages entering the Competition are scrutinized by: • Th e Pa n e l s e l e c t e d f ro m ove r 3 0 0 f u l l y experienced and qualified industry judges. • Technical Analysis (Chemical) to ensure that products are technically sound and will be of the same high quality when they reach the consumer as they were when the judging panels originally tasted them. • Categories including region/area, variety/style, vintage/age.
product categories and disciplines and must be independent of the Competition, as is the Chair, to avoid the potential for conflicts of interest. Top winning products are analysed before going on to compete further at National or International Trophy level. Technical analysis is conducted by Corkwise, one of the UK’s leading independent laboratories. The Competition believes that this is the only way to ensure products recommended by its judges are exactly what they claim to be and will maintain their quality when they reach the consumer. In addition, The IWSC reserves the right to carry out random testing. Spirit analysis includes: alcohol and sugar content, as well as screening for possible illegal additives by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) techniques. Spirits are assumed to be bright unless otherwise advised by the entrant.
• A n I n d e p e n d e n t Te c h n i c a l a n d J u d g i n g Committee which is why winning an IWSC award is
widely regarded as a true level of achievement and marque of excellence.
Wine analysis includes: free and total sulphur dioxide, iron, copper, total acidity, volatile acidity (acetic acid), pH, ascorbic acid, sugar, sugar free extract and microbiology. In addition, certain wines will be screened by GCMS for methanol, sorbitol, potential contaminants and other illegal additives.
Members provide expertise in all the Competition’s
For more information, visit www.iwsc.net. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 7
Tasting the winners For the second year running, the IWSC has arranged special tasting days of the winning wines and spirits from South Africa. Hosted at the glorious Grande Roche, industry professionals and media alike had the opportunity to sample the best wines in South Africa. Images by: Mark Freeborough
F
or the second year running, the IWSC has arranged special tasting days of the winning wines and spirits from South Africa. Hosted at the glorious Grande Roche, industry professionals and media alike had the opportunity to sample the best wines in South Africa alongside a few international Trophy winners including:
IWSC Trophy for Vintage Champagne - Champagne Piper Heidsieck Millesime 2004, France Institut Oenologique de Champagne Trophy for Non Vintage Champagne Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV, Union
8 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
Champagne, France IWSC Trophy for Prosecco Carpené Malvolti Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Cuvée Extra Dry NV, Carpene’ Malvolti, Italy Jancis Robinson Trophy for Riesling - Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2010, Weingut Martin Kerpen, Germany IWSC Trophy for Semillon - McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon 2004, McGuigan Wines, Australia
Tasting the winners IWSC Trophy for Blended Red Wine - Argentiera DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2008, Tenuta Argentiera, Argentina IWSC Trophy for Port Wine - Sandeman 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Sogrape Vinhos, Portugal IWSC Trophy for Fortified Wine (Worldwide) - Old Boys 21 Year Old Barrel Aged Tawny, De Bortoli Wines, Australia Renowned distiller and wine consultant Dave Hughes opened the event. He has been an integral part of the IWSC for many years, having served on a number of their judging panels as well as chairing the recent local judging groups.
Nederburg cellar master, Razvan Macici, South African Wine Producer of the Year
Michela Nassiz was the representative for the IWSC on the day. She commented that the local judging of South African wines has had a huge effect on the number of entries into the competition. Bringing the judging locally means that the expense of shipping samples to Europe is not necessary. The use of local judges with palates that are honed to the wines also plays a major part and would seem to have a favourable effect on the overall winnings.
London International Wine Fair Trophy for Single Vineyard White Wine - Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva Family Selection 2012, Vi単a Luis Felipe Edwards, Chile IWSC Trophy for Shiraz/Syrah - Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz 2009, Fox Creek Wines, Australia London International Wine Fair Trophy for Single Vineyard Red Wine - Ozlaide Shiraz 2008, Ozlaide International, Australia IWSC Trophy for Indigenous Grape Varieties - Bosan Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC 2004, Gerardo Cesari, Italy
Michela Nassiz, from the IWSC, Maryna Strachan, Editor and Dave Hughes , sampling the winners
INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 9
Trophy Winners
Taking Top Honours in 2012 T he modern Olympic Games is the leading international sporting event featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games are considered to be the world’s foremost sports competition with more than 200 nations participating. It is therefore with good reason that The International Wine and Spirit Competition can be likened to the Games with the exception that it is hosted annually and not every four years.
What is a drink without a bite to eat? Well, it’s still good, but when it is paired expertly by one of South Africa’s top chefs, it turns to pure magic. The 6 trophy-winning SA products have been paired by Executive Chef and co-owner of All Things Culinary, Craig Cormack. Each pairing showcases not only the wine and spirits, but how the two can complement each other to create a fusion of the senses, visual, fragrance, texture and flavour.
Now in its 44th year, The IWSC is the premier competition of its kind in the world. It aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Entries are received from nearly 90 countries worldwide. No matter where the entry originates, whether it is youthful or aged, it is judged according to its class and treated with respect and consideration. Once again, South Africa was represented by more than 700 products and we took home no less than an impressive 642 medals. We won a total of 6 product trophies and a further 2 trophies in the form of the Dave Hughes Trophy for South African Producer of the Year, won by Nederburg and The IWSC Trophy for African Spirits Producer of the Year, awarded to Distell.
10 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
Executive Chef, Craig Cormack
MASTERING WHAT WE LOVE AND IT SHOWS For Nederburg, the act of mastering wine can never reach completion. As we repeat, we refine, from one vintage to the next. There is always more to be learned and applied in wine-growing and winemaking. For wine lovers, the process of mastering is ongoing too. There are always new wines to be discovered, new tastes to be experienced and new ways of enjoying wine. Our multi-tiered range includes an exciting new variety that is an expression of our mastering of new techniques and tastes. For the connoisseur, in addition to the innovative Ingenuity blends and specialty varietal Manor House wines, we now have the hand-made, gourmet collection of Heritage Heroes blended and varietal wines named to honour the remarkable personalities who have shaped Nederburg. There are great new wines in the line-up for everyday drinking too. Apart from new offerings in the Winemaster’s Reserve and Foundation series, we also have the bright and smooth-drinking 56HUNDRED wines, named for the price of 5600 guilders paid in 1791 for Nederburg, by our founder, Philippus Wolvaart.
of vineyard sites and the way we care for our vines to the vinification of individual vineyard blocks so we can identify the components we need to build the distinctive profiles of our wines. It applies as much to the way we age our wines, using a broad spectrum of oak, from reconditioned large old vats to boutique barriques from coopers across the world. By mastering what we love, we hope to bring the pleasure of well-made wines to more people all over the world. A proud member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative.
2012 International Wine & Spirit Competition: SA Producer of the Year 2012 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year awarded to cellar master Razvan Macici 2011 Platter’s South African Wine Guide: Winery of the Year
Every wine is planned in the vineyards with viticultural techniques decided on the basis of likely retail price. That’s why we are able to offer excellent value across the entire range. Mastering wines means never losing sight of the detail. It’s our approach from the choice
www.nederburg.com
Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 11
Denbies Wine Estate Trophy for Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine Pongrácz Desiderius Bottle Fermented Sparkling Brut 2003
P
ongrácz Winemaker, Elunda Basson’s opinion on this MCC: One of the most special wines
I’ve had the privilege to work with. Stunning vintage, beautiful complexity due to time on lees, yet elegantly balanced with fresh acidity and finesse! Really a wine in a different class! What was your inspiration when making this Bubbly?
The inspiration behind Desiderius is to really show the best terroir expression from that specific year. In this wine we want to showcase a beautifully matured wine that still has a fresh finish and a racy
acidity to keep it youthful. Why do you think that this Brut was the overall Trophy winner? Because of all the above mentioned
characteristics. M a t u r i t y, b e a u t i f u l natural acidity from the terroir, balance and elegance.
Ponngrácz winemaker, Elunda Basson
Craig Cormack’s pairing suggestion: Parma Ham and Melon “My Style” Why did you feel this was a good pairing?
This MCC is not the usual bubbly style, so I thought a fruit component with the freshness of this dish would work well. Craig’s thoughts on the bubbly:
Crispier than I like, but so refreshing. Definitely a bubbly to try if you haven’t done so already.
12 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
Trophy Winners
IWSC Trophy for Sauvignon Blanc Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc 2010
N
ederburg Cellar Master, Razvan Macici’s opinion on this wine : It’s brisk, fresh and
dry, but instead of being taut and lean, it has a rich, weighty palate of capsicum, green fig and gooseberry, lifted by an interesting citrus quality on the nose and palate. There’s also an appealing tension between its zesty and floral notes. To give the wine the dimension we were looking for, we left it on the fine lees before making up the final assemblage. It’s also added a creaminess to the texture.
What was your inspiration when making this wine?
The excellent cool climate vineyards in the Groenekloof area in Darling, overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The strong, maritime terroir gives us very expressive, beautifully balanced fruit. Why do you think that this wine was the overall Trophy winner? Perhaps it is the sense of surprise
and discovery that a wine this rich can also be so fresh and lively. It is a very complex wine where the intense aromas of figs and gooseberry are perfectly balanced by a rich, almost creamy palate and the elegance achieved by the careful bottle maturation.
Nederburg Cellar Master, Razvan Macici Craig Cormack’s pairing suggestion: Roasted Tomato Tart-tin, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil Pesto, Baby Greens Why did you feel this was a good pairing?
I initially thought the flavours would clash with the wine, but as this is a smooth and really well made Sauvignon Blanc, they were a great marriage. The flavours worked exceptionally well together. Craig’s thoughts on the wine:
Not the usual classic Sauvignon Blanc flavours, for me a Sauvignon Blanc that can really be enjoyed with and without food! INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 13
Mission Hill Trophy for Chardonnay Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2010
J
ordan Wines Owner and Winemaker, Gary Jordan’s opinion on this wine: The Jordan Nine
Yards Chardonnay has consistently proved that it is one of the best Chardonnays, not just in SA, but world-wide.
Why do you think that this wine was a Trophy winner?
Our attention to detail and matching amazing vineyards to the best soils. It is perfectly balanced and refined – world class!
What was your inspiration when making this wine?
Our aim is to make a benchmark wine that rivals the best wines of Burgundy. The terroir speaks for itself – as a single vineyard wine it is more concentrated, needs more new oak and thrives on the mineralrich geological fault zone littered with white quartz pebbles.
Jordans owners, Gary and Kate Jordan
Craig Cormack’s pairing suggestion: Smoked Trout, Salmon Trout Tartare, Sauce Vierge and Caviar Why did you feel this was a good pairing?
The nine yards is a huge and well made wine, I felt the flavour profile of the wine had a similar follow through in flavours that the tartare of the salmon had. Craig’s thoughts on the wine:
Again a favourite of mine, I have always enjoyed Jordan wines and, well, the Chardonnay is simply one of the best. 14 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
Trophy Winners
Wine Extra Trophy for Chenin Blanc Stellenrust 47 Chenin Blanc 2011
S
tellenrust winemaker, Tertius Boshoff’s opinion on this wine: It honours the vineyards which
it is made from. The 47 is not only about the age of the vineyards, but the site where the vines are grown, the ripeness they are harvested at and what you do in the cellar is just as important. The Chenin 47 is an expression of South Africa’s sun – full new world ripeness with old world elegance...
What was your inspiration when making this wine?
We started experimenting 8 years ago with different sites and age of vineyards, barrel fermentations, wild yeast fermentation, etc. The 47 Chenin Blanc is an expression of that research, showing the purity and complexity of this beautiful grape. Why do you think that this wine was the overall Trophy winner? Wine is an art with skill. It is a
combination of technique, chemistry and passion. If all 3 these components are not recognisable in a wine, you have failed the vineyard. The 47 is a truthful expression of Chenin Blanc showing its roots and its origins - proudly South African.
Stellenrust Winemaker, Tertius Boshoff
Craig Cormack’s pairing suggestion: Dukka Spiced Chicken Liver Parfait, Naartjies and a Rooibos Tea jelly, Brioche Why did you feel this was a good pairing?
Local is Lekker! We took a South African flavour approach to the pairing, which complemented the wonderful aromas and the smooth mouth feel of the Chenin Blanc, with a little sweetness of the dish it went really well with the bold flavours of the wine. Craig’s thoughts on the wine:
I really enjoy Chenin Blanc, so it was a pleasure pairing this wine. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 15
Abraham Perold Trophy for Pinotage Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2008
K
aapzicht Estate winemaker, Danie Steytler’s opinion on this wine: A serious wine that is a
good example of a South African Pinotage.
should: sweet fruit, tannin structure, integrated oak, balance, harmony and a long after-taste that lingers on the palate.
What was your inspiration when making this wine?
A challenging wine to make, and since it’s a South African cultivar I try to make it as best I can. It gets more attention than other reds on the farm since it’s been criticized in the past, so I strive to prove that this cultivar can make a world class wine. Why do you think that this wine was the overall Trophy winner? It offers everything that a Pinotage Kaapzicht Winemaker, Danie Steytler
Craig Cormack’s pairing suggestion: Impala Rump, Butternut Ruree, Roasted Fig, Burnt Honey Cream and Jus Why did you feel this was a good pairing?
With a really great nose and berries that jumped out of the glass, a sweet component was ideal and venison was the perfect accompaniment. Craig’s thoughts on the wine:
Wow, what a great Pinotage! So yummy. Well done to the Pinotage producers who are doing it as it should be done. 16 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
Trophy Winners
Distell Trophy for Worldwide Brandy Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distillers Reserve
V
an Ryn’s Distiller, Marlene Bester’s opinion on this brandy : The Van Ryn’s 12 Year
Old Distillers Reserve is a well rounded, balanced brandy. It has a generous nose of intense gooseberry, cherry and vanilla. On the palate it has a prominent wood character that is well balanced with strong dried fruit flavours. It develops into hints of coffee on the aftertaste, resulting in a soft, velvety finish with an opulent density. What was your inspiration when making
this brandy?
We wanted to produce a brandy of outstanding quality, well balanced with wood and fruit flavours coming through and complementing each other. It had to be a brandy produced in the traditional French techniques but with a South African interpretation, expressing an unmistakable and distinctive taste of place. Why do you think that this brandy was the overall Trophy winner? The harmony between fruit and
wood, as well as the smooth palate offers an exciting taste profile for the judges and spirit connoisseurs alike making it a worthy winner of the Worldwide Best Brandy Trophy.
Van Ryn’s Distiller, Marlene Bester
Craig Cormack’s pairing suggestion: Crepe Suzette, Orange Jellies, Orange and Cinnamon Ice Cream Why did you feel this was a good pairing?
This was a fun pairing, a smart twist on the Crepe Suzette. Brandy has an amazing way with desserts, we used the 12 Year Old in the flambé of the dish, to add character. Craig’s thoughts on the brandy:
I particularly enjoyed the 12 Year Old because of its smooth and rich spicyness. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 17
International Investment in the South African Wine Industry Article courtesy of WoSA
Foreign interest in the South African wine industry is nothing new; after all, it was started by a foreigner - Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutchman and first Governor of the Cape. He planted the first vines on South African soil in the Company Gardens, Cape Town and memorably recorded in his diary the making of the first wine on 2nd February 1659: “Today - God be praised - wine pressed for the first time from Cape grapes ...� Some thirty years later, the Dutch were joined by the French, when the revocation of the Edict of Nantes forced French Protestants to flee their 18 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
country; many came to the Cape. Fast forward to 2013 and we find both the Dutch and the French continue to invest in the South African wine industry; along with the British, German, Americans and Swiss, they represent the top five nations with interests in or owning wineries here. Beyond Europe and America, Israel, Russia, Singapore, Australia and the Congo also have stakes at this southern tip of Africa; altogether, wineries owned by or with foreign interest totals some 120, approximately 18% of the total.
There is a recurring theme amongst these international investors as they all talk of quality soils, microclimates and a favourable climate, enabling the production of site specific, top quality wine and all wish to carry out their wine growing in an environmentally sustainable manner. There are other benefits, such as being in a similar time-zone for the Europeans, and the southern hemisphere, which enables those involved with winemaking in the northern hemisphere to work both harvests; but there›s one aesthetic reason all investors mention: the Cape›s natural beauty. For the French vignerons, the Cape›s attraction might be less obvious, since they are associated with some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated properties: wineries such as Château Angelus and Château Pichon-Longueville-Comtesse de Lalande. The appeal of South Africa’s wine industry for them lies in its lack of restrictions; in France the Appellation Contrôlée regulations allows for little experimentation. The additional intrigue for Mme de Lencquesaing stems from both Kanonkop and Vergelegen repeatedly winning the trophy named for her former property on the International Wine and Spirit Competition. All these and many other investors, have spent a great deal of time and money developing these projects, many of which have been running for no more than a few years and none for longer than 20 years. Has their initial optimism been realised and the country lived up to their expectations? All give a resounding thumbs up.
South Africa has also attracted the investment of the world’s largest wine company, Constellation Brands. It now owns Bruce Jack’s Flagstone Winery, while Bruce is responsible for the Kumala, another brand in the Constellation portfolio. Look at foreign investment from the South African point of view, Jack sums up the benefits thus: “We have access to the massive amount of information from all the viticultural, oenological and market research, allowing us to make much better informed decisions. Also the access to markets through a very structured and organised marketing and sales force but the ultimate benefit to South Africa is that our wines get into accounts where they can be directly compared to super-premium wines from elsewhere. Invariably, consumers are bowled over by our quality.” Constellation isn’t the only giant to show interest in South Africa; E & J Gallo selected Swartland winery to supply wine for their Sebaka brand, aimed at the young and well-off who are looking for something new. One of Australia’s largest and oldest family wineries, Yalumba, through Robert Hill-Smith, has also achieved a long-held wish for an interest in South Africa; it recently took a stake in Alex Dale’s The Winery of Good Hope. Another Aussie, Ben Radford, who worked with Dale at Longridge in the 1990s and French winemaker, Edouard Labeye are some of the others with shares in this international partnership. After 350 years, the world’s fascination with South Africa and its wines looks set to continue for many years to come.
Adopted and adored: How did winning the Miss Universe pageant in 1992 shape you into the person you are today?
20 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
Perennial Pinotage Proudly South African
O
ne of the many colourful sayings employed by Beyers Truter, Chairperson of the South African Pinotage association, is that the last time South African farmers stood together was on the prisoner-of-war ship taking captured Boers to an internment camp in St. Helena after the AngloBoer War. And the only reason they were standing was because there was no place to sit down!
Truter’s saying may admittedly be relevant to many sectors of South African society, but it certainly does not apply to the wine makers, grape farmers and other persons whose blood pumps with passion for the Pinotage variety, the country’s truly national wine grape. In fact, it was a group of 100 wine farmers who got together in 1995 and with one voice demanded that an Association be created to honour producers of Pinotage wine and to promote the features of a red wine with a set of unique features. 22 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
At the meeting, democracy won the day and the voices of the producers were heard. Today the Pinotage Association is arguably the most active and most prominent producers’ body in the South African wine industry whose activities and voice stretches beyond the borders of South Africa to wine-loving communities world-wide. In ABSA, one of South Africa’s largest banks in which British Barclays has a controlling share, the Pinotage Association also has an enviable sponsorship allowing it to conduct an array of promotional adventures. Why an Association, one may ask. And why Pinotage? The simple answer is that no other variety in South Africa has such an interesting history nor does any other red wine culture express such a diverse array of individual traits in the glass. And there is the no small matter of Pinotage being 100% South African – born and bred!
Perennial Pinotage
It all began in 1925 when the legendary viticultural academic Professor Abraham Perold, then working for the University of Stellenbosch, began looking for a grape variety especially suited to South Africa’s diverse terroir. His search and experience of grape varieties and vineyards internationally pointed to two varieties. One was Pinot Noir the classic, blueblooded heartbreak grape of Burgundy with its astounding flavour spectrum and ability to mirror terroir. The other variety that attracted Perold’s attention was Hermitage, the juicy work-horse grape from Southern France which flourished in hot, dry conditions like those found in South Africa. What, thought Perold, would happen if these two varieties were crossed, something that had never been done before and the very idea of which was revolutionary in 1925?
Congratulations KaapziCht EstatE
Well, Perold was not known as one of South Africa’s great viticultural pioneers for nothing. He put his idea into practice, crossing the varieties from which only four seeds were produced. However, a deluge of water flowed under the bridge before a decision was actually made to plant the seeds, with the first commercial Pinotage wine being bottled in 1959. The rest is, as they say in the classics history, and today Pinotage is internationally recognised as a grape capable of producing wines of great international quality and which serve as a fingerprint of South Africa’s potential as a leading wine nation.
AbrAhAm Perold TroPhy
With Pinotage being recognised across the globe, so has it been included in a range of wine competitions and each year we see more-and-more producers take up the challenge of making a wine expressing novel and intriguing nuances from this magical grape. This has resulted in not only in an annual improvement in Pinotage quality, but also in developing a Pinotage palette of gripping stylistic diversity.
Cheers! Article courtesy of Pinotage Association
vrgraphics.co.za_ 5139
But no matter what they style or who the producer, one sure fact remains: Pinotage tastes like no other red wine on earth and is the taste of South Africa in every glass.
Dave HugHes from sa, presenting tHe tropHy on beHalf of pinotage association, ingvelD steytler, winner anD mauricio gonzalez-gorDon, iwsc presiDent for 2012 anD tHe cHairman of gonzalez byass, sa. OCTOBER 2012 WINE EXTRA 23
gold outstanding
David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Semillon 2011
David Nieuwoudt by Cederberg Private Cellar
Klipdrift Gold Brandy
Distell Ltd
Oude Meester souverein 18 Year Old
Distell Ltd
Oude Meester Reserve 12 Year Old
Distell Ltd
Mellow Wood 5 Year Old
Distell Ltd
Viceroy
Distell Ltd
Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2011
Distell Ltd
Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distillers Reserve
Distell Ltd
Vintage: 2011 RRP: R160 Web: www.cederbergwine.com
Vintage: NV RRP: R210 Web: www.distell.co.za
Vintage: 2011 RRP: R120 Web: www.fleurducap.co.za
Vintage: 12 Year old RRP: R490 Web: www.vanryns.co.za
24 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
2012 Winners gold outstanding
Van Ryn’s 15Year Old Fine Cask Reserve
Distell Ltd
Old Buck Dry Gin
Henry Tayler & Ries Ltd
Olof Bergh Solera Brandy
Henry Tayler & Ries Ltd
Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2008
Kaapzicht Estate
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Muscat 2006
Klein Constantia Estate
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Kleine Zalze Wines
Vintage: 15 years RRP: R880 Web: www.vanryns.co.za
Vintage: 2008 RRP: R225 Web: www.kaapzicht.co.za
Vintage: 2006 RRP: R450 Web: www.kleinconstantia.com
Vintage: 2007 RRP: R 225 Web: www.kleinezalze.co.za
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 25
gold outstanding KWV Grape Brandy 20 Year Old
KWV SA
KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny NV
KWV SA
Winemaker’s Selection Noble Late Harvest 2009
Lourensford
Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2009
Nederburg
Nederburg Private Bin Eminence 2007
Nederburg
Nederburg Private Bin Eminence 2008
Nederburg
Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Nederburg
Pongrácz Desiderius Bottle Fermented Sparkling Brut 2003
Distell Ltd
Spier Creative Block 3 Red 2012
Spier Wines
StellenRust 47 Chenin Blanc 2011
StellenRust Wines
Vintage: 2009 RRP: R115 Web: www.lourensford.co.za
Vintage: 2003 RRP: R255 Web: www.distell.co.za
26 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
2012 Winners gold
gold Allee Bleue Shiraz 2010
Allee Bleue Wines (Pty) Ltd
Alto Shiraz 2010
Alto
Bernheim Classique 2008
Bernheim Wines
Boschendal Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Boschendal Wines
Cavalli Cheval D’Or Warlord 2009
Cavalli Wine & Stud Farm
Vintage: 2010 RRP: R87 Web: www.alleebleue.co.za
Vintage: 2010 RRP: R120 Web: www.alto.co.za
Vintage: 2008 RRP: R70 Web: www.bernheimwines.com
Vintage: 2012 RRP: R 105 Web: www.boschendalwines.co.za
Vintage: 2009 RRP: R125 Web: www.cavalliwine.com
28 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
2012 Winners gold
Creation Syrah Grenache 2010
Creation Wines
De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc 2011
De Morgenzon
Klipdrift Export Brandy
Distell Ltd
Oude Meester Demant
Distell Ltd
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whiskey
Distell Ltd
Amarula
Distell Ltd
Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish
Distell Ltd
Mellow Wood Standard Brandy
Distell Ltd
Collison’s White Gold Brandy
Distell Ltd
Vintage: NV RRP: R90 Web: www.distell.co.za
Van Ryn’s 10 Year Old Vintage
Distell Ltd
Vintage: 10 Year Old RRP: Web: www.distell.co.za
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 29
gold Commando Brandy
Distell Ltd
Three Ships Premium Whiskey 5 year old
Distell Ltd
Hartenberg The Eleanor Chardonnay 2009
Hartenberg Estate
Consulate Premium London Dry Gin
Henry Tayler & Ries Ltd
Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2010
Jordan Wines
Jordan Chardonnay 2010
Jordan Wines
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2008
Kaapzicht Estate
The Forrester Meinert Chenin 2010
Ken Forrester Wines
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Kleine Zalze Wines
Vintage: 2010 RRP: R120 Web: www.jordanwines.com
Vintage: 2009 RRP: R 96 Web: www.kleinezalze.co.za
30 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
2012 Winners gold Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2011
Kleine Zalze Wines
Vintage: 2011 RRP: R65 Web: www.kleinezalze.co.za
Winemaker’s Selection Reserve White Blend 2009
Lourensford
Vintage: 2009 RRP: R180 Web: www.lourensford.co.za
Lomond Pincushion Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Lomond Estate
Vintage: 2011 RRP: R110 Web: www.lomond.co.za
Muratie Ansela Van de Caab 2009
Muratie Wine Estate
Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest 2011
Nederburg
Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2007
Nederburg
Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2008
Nederburg
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION WINE EXTRA 31
gold Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2010
Nederburg
Nederburg Private Bin Eminence 2009
Nederburg
Rust en Vrede Red 2009
Rust en Vrede
Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Oldenburg Vineyards
Saronsberg Seismic 2007
Saronsberg
Saronsberg Full Circle 2010
Saronsberg
Naledi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Spier Wines
Naledi Chardonnay 2010
Spier Wines
Spier Private Collection Shiraz 2010
Spier Wines
Strandveld Adamastor 2010
Strandveld Wines (Pty) Ltd
Black Moon Caramel Liqueur
Universal Beverages
Varient: Cabenet Sauvignon Vintage: 2009 RRP: R210 Web: www.oldenburgvineyards.com
32 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
www.jfhillebrand.com
It takes specialist skills, expertise and robust processes to move beverages swiftly, reliably and securely around the world. It takes focus too. 100% of it, 100% of the time. For over 160 years, our customers have benefited from our total commitment to the beverage industry with our experience and knowledge ensuring that we handle each type of beverage in the most effective manner.
JF Hillebrand South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel +27 21 809 2000 capetown@hillebrandgroup.com
Experience Gold at The Wine Show Jo’burg
O
nce again, Wine Extra in association with The Wine Show will be hosting an exclusive Gold Lounge at their flagship show in Johannesburg. The Show moves from its old venue in North Riding to a new home at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre, bringing its unique platform which includes direct sales to its visitors, edutainment in the form of Wine Theatres and the more relaxed side of things with sushi areas and boules courts. The Wine Show aims to provide its visitors with the opportunity to experience a vast array of South African and international wines to suit every palate and every pocket and welcomes all wine lovers,
34 WINE EXTRA INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
from the novice to the connoisseur to this fun and entertaining wine experience. The Gold Lounge will be open to all Show visitors at an additional charge of only R40. Regular sessions will be held throughout the Show period from 3-5 May and hosted by the Sommeliers Association of South Africa. In each session, different IWSC Gold and Trophy winning wines will be featured and discussed and visitors will have the opportunity to sample the wines and spirits, of which many are no longer available to buy due to limited stocks. For more information on The Wine Show, visit www.wineshow.co.za.