THE IWSC ANNOUNCE 2015 SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESULTS AT FLAGSHIP SHOWCASE IN CAPE TOWN
Shortlist for South African Wine Producer of the Year revealed
Today (15th September) sees the announcement of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) South Africa wine results for 2015. This year brings notable results for South African farms, with a 50% increase in the coveted Gold medals. The competition has also announced the South African Producer of the Year shortlist, with the winner to be announced in November at the annual awards banquet at the Guildhall in London.
Results have been released in conjunction with the opening of Cape Wine, the flagship trade showcase of the South African wine industry. Hosted by Wines of South Africa, the three-day exhibition brings the international wine community together to give an insight into the depth and range of current South African winemaking. As the largest show of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the show provides the perfect platform to announce the IWSC winners. IWSC judge, Dr Winifred Bowman, will host an IWSC Gold medal winners’ tasting on the first day of the show, (15th September). Attendees will find out what makes a gold medal winning wine and be one of the first to taste the judges’ favourites.
Ewan Lacey, general manager of the IWSC commented on the announcement;
“The South African wine results this year have been exceptional. Our judges were really impressed with the quality of wines presented at judging, awarding a record number of both Gold and Gold Outstanding medals. We’ve seen first time entrants’ storm the medal table as well as established competitors perform very well with brand new products.”
Many single varietal wines performed very well; KWV won gold with their The Mentors Petit Verdot 2012. Other highlights were a Gold medal for Benguela Cove Shiraz 2014 and a Gold Outstanding medal for Cederberg Driehoek Shiraz 2012.
Stand out winners from the announcement include Stellenbosch based StellenRust who scooped two Gold Outstanding medals, one for StellenRust 50 Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2014 and another for StellenRust Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2013; part of a 10 medal strong haul from the vineyard. Kanonkop Wine Estate also bagged two Gold Outstanding medals, as well as three Gold medals, amongst a total of 14 medals. As a region, Stellenbosch dominated the Gold and Gold Outstanding medal table.
Sparkling wines once again tasted very well in this years’ Competition, reaffirming South Africa’s position as a top producer in the category. Both Graham Beck and Kleine Zalze picked up Gold medals for their Graham Beck Rhona Blanc de Blancs, and Vintage Brut Methode Cap Classique 2009 respectively. These were amongst 25 medals for Cap Classique, 23 of which were Silver and above demonstrating the quality of sparkling wines on show at the competition.
IWSC Chair Judge Dave Hughes said;
“Entries were well up on previous years and a real encouraging factor was the amount of first time entrants for 2015. Judging at the Grande Roche in Paarl always gives all entrants a ‘Gold Outstanding’ experience with well-versed staff and judges (both local and international) on hand to deliver an unrivalled judging programme. The local judging certainly encourages a wide range of quality entries and we look forward to more in 2016.”
International trophies including The Chenin Blanc Trophy and The Pinotage Trophy will be presented in November at the Annual Awards Banquet held in London, along with the announcement of the coveted South African Wine Producer of the Year.
2015 SOUTH AFRICAN WINE PRODUCER SHORTLIST
International Wine & Spirit Competition, UK
GOLD OUTSTANDING
Cederberg David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Bowline 2014
Cederberg Driehoek Shiraz 2012
Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry 2010
Glen Carlou The Welder 2013
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2010
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2012
Ken Forrester The FMC 2013
Nederbrug Private Bin Edelkeur 2010
Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2013
Stellenrust 50 Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2014
Stellenrust Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2013
Uva Mira Sing-a-Wing Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Zevenwacht 360 Sauvignon Blanc 2014
GOLD
Backsberg Hillside Viognier 2014
Benguela Cove Shiraz 2014
Boland Cellar Reserve No1 Chenin Blanc 2014
Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Boutinot Aquifer Semillon 2014
Cederberg Shiraz 2013
De Grendel Rubaiyat 2013
Graham Beck Rhona Blanc de Blancs 2009
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Jordan Chardonnay 2014
Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2013
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2007
Kanonkop Pinotage 2012
Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut Methode Cap Classique 2009
KWV Cathedral Cellar Chenin Blanc 2013
KWV The Mentors Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2012
KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2013
KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2012
Leopards Leap Culinaria Chenin Blanc 2014
Lomond Snowbush 2012
Metzer Family Syrah 2012
Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Young Airhawk 2013
Nederburg Private Bin Eminence 2011
Neethlingshof Malbec 2013
Paul Cluver Ferricrete Riesling 2014
Rustenberg RM Nicholson 2013
Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraz 2013
Sijnn 2010
Simonsig Chenin Avec Chene 2014
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2015
Solms-Delta Koloni 2013
Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 2015
Strandveld Vineyards Adamastor 2013
The Grape Grinder The Grinder Shiraz 2013
Tokara Directors Reserve Red 2011
Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2013
Uva Mira DW Syrah 2013
Full results: www.iwsc.net/search2015/results
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Notes to editors
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Cape Wine takes place between the 15th-17th September at the Cape Town International Convention Centre
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IWSC Speakers’ Corner Slot is 4.30pm on the 15th September, hosted by IWSC judge Dr Winifred Bowman
IWSC
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Established in 1969, The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) was the first competition of its kind, set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its 46th year, The IWSC’s relentless pursuit of excellence underpins every aspect of the competition today
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What sets the IWSC apart is the formidable reputation of its judging process. Our panels of carefully selected industry experts comprise Masters of Wine, buyers, sommeliers; WSET qualified educators and respected wine journalists. Every single wine is assessed on its own merits within the context of its class
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Currently receiving entries from around 90 countries, the IWSC is truly international in its reach and recognition
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South Africa wine judging takes place locally in Paarl at the Grande Roche hotel
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IWSC partners around the world work throughout the year to drive awareness and promote winners to both trade and consumer audiences
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With 46 years heritage, an IWSC Award is recognised internationally as a badge of quality
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For the full list of South African winners or more information, visit: www.iwsc.net
