Category Archives: Veritas Awards
Elegant Eikendal Wines On A Winning Streak
Double golden glory for newly released Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Eikendal, the prominent Stellenbosch cellar on the foot of the Helderberg renowned for its elegant Bordeaux-style red wines and fine Chardonnay, has raised its all-round winemaking talent with no less than seven impressive local and international awards added to its lineage in 2012.
The latest of the five top performing wines that contributed to Eikendal’s ‘star-studded year’ is the newly released Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, which has already been crowned twice. This ‘gentle giant’ scored a gold medal at the 2012 Veritas Awards – South Africa’s premier wine competition – and international wine judges were equally impressed with this full-bodied, elegant red, when the 2010 vintage excelled with gold medal status at the annual MUNDUS Vini International Wine Awards 2012 in Germany. In addition its predecessor, Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, was rated amongst the country’s finest at the Top 100 SA Wine Challenge for 2012.
Another red gem that shot to fame this year is Eikendal’s flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, Classique 2009, which streaked ahead of its competition with double trophy glory at the Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2012. This highly acclaimed wine won the Old Mutual Trophy for the Best Red Wine as well as the Riedel Trophy for the Best Bordeaux-style Red Blend. The estate’s white flagship, the elegantly wooded Eikendal Chardonnay 2011 also showed its mettle at this competition and walked off with a gold medal.
Earlier this year the Eikendal Merlot 2009 clinched gold at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 in the UK.
Perfectly positioned on the famed ‘golden slopes’ of South Africa’s red wine production area, Eikendal maximises its favourable terroir and close proximity to False Bay to produce great wines. The red varieties in particular, benefit from the cool conditions which allow slower, optimal ripening of the grapes. Eikendal’s location is also a premium pocket for producing exceptional Chardonnay with strong regional and varietal integrity, showcasing the best characteristics of the cultivar.
“2012 was an exceptional year for Eikendal. Whilst it still gives me great satisfaction to see people enjoying our wines, accolades such as these somehow remind me how much I truly love what I do and where I am. I’m glad to see that the wine on which we have built our reputation over the past 30 years still make us proud,” shares winemaker Nico Grobler.
More information on the Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010:
Described by the winemaker as ‘a wine that is more classic and refined in character rather than gutsy and powerful’, the latest vintage Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is a full-bodied, yet superbly smooth red that satisfies with a remarkable concentration of fruit and ripe tannins.
The first immediate impact is the bouquet – a sultry smack of bright red currant and black mulberry fruit harmoniously backed by lingering spice and tobacco nuances. Alluring with a deep garnet lustre, the wine unfolds gentle layers of earthy aromas and herbaceous tones, while a silky smooth mouthfeel is balanced by a lingering fresh acidity on the finish.
Barrel-maturation took place over 16 months to give the Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 its richly layered fruit aromas and roundness. This wine shows great ageing potential and holds promise for further improvement over the next 8-10 years.
Recommended food partners: Try it with venison, succulent rump steak Mediterranean dishes or guinea fowl. It will go perfectly with your Sunday roast.
Recommended retail price: R110 per bottle directly from the cellar or at selected wine outlets countrywide.
For more information or wine orders contact Eikendal at Tel: (+27)21 855 1422 or email: info@eikendal.co.za.
Food And Wine For The Connoisseur
Foodies and wine enthusiasts are in for a treat when they join the Winemakers Table on 6 November in Durban. In the wake of the announcement of the 2012 Veritas awards, Durbanites will have a chance to enjoy a variety of double gold and gold Veritas medallists perfectly paired with mouth watering cuisine prepared by Xanthos Giannakopoulos, the executive chef of the Riviera Restaurant at the SunCoast Towers.
The 4 course masterpiece will be accompanied by no less than six superb wines, including some of the country’s best whites, reds and dessert wines. Bennie Howard, Vice-Chairman of Veritas will introduce the award winning wines at the dinner. Wine lovers agree: a Veritas award symbolises quality excellence. Book your seat at the Winemakers Table and decide for yourself.
Tickets are available at R295 per person. To book your space at the Winemakers Table, contact Allan on 031 314 7878 or email allan.naicker@tsogosun.com
Wine tasting
A tasting of Veritas wines takes place on 7 November from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Function Room, Deloittes Head Office in Umhlanga, at R110 a ticket. Attendees will also be treated to light snacks and a tasting of the 2012 Qualité Cheeses. Tickets for this event can be obtained from Computicket.
Visit www.veritas.co.za for more information and contact details or contact Elsabé Ferreira at tel 021 863 1599 or via email to admin@veritas.co.za. Follow Veritas at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Veritas-Awards/257143924401201 and Twitter at @veritasawards.
Second Consecutive Gold For Boland Cellar Reserve Merlot
The 2009 Boland Cellar Reserve Merlot received a gold medal at the annual Veritas Awards for the second year running, but the path to success started many years before when a single vineyard was planted in the perfect spot.
According to Boland Cellar winemaker Bernard Smuts, the Merlot bush vines that yielded this award- winning wine, was planted in the late 1990’s on the plains between Paarl Mountain and the foothills of Paardenberg. “The dark Tukulu soils allowed the roots to grow deep and strong, while specialised canopy management offered the berries sufficient protection from the sun. Green harvesting controlled production and preserved the delicate flavours in the smaller, more concentrated fruit,” explains Smuts.
“Although we advocate a hands-off approach in the cellar, we value the role of the human stewards of the grape as crucial components in achieving fine expressions of regionality in our wines. Both the viticulturist and winemaker had a few crucial decisions to make during the creation of this special wine,” says Smuts.
The result of this collaboration is Boland Cellar Reserve Merlot – an unfiltered and naturally fermented, full-bodied red wine with an intense red colour, concentrated aromas of ripe fruit and violets with a lingering aftertaste of concentrated aromas.
Boland Cellar also received silver medals for the 2011 Boland Cellar Loubser Family Reserve Pinotage, 2011 Boland Cellar Reserve Merlot, 2010 Boland Cellar Reserve Wooded Chardonnay and the 2010 Boland Cellar Reserve Merlot.
Bronze medals went to 2011 Boland Cellar Reserve The Geldenhuys Family Wooded Chardonnay, the 2010 Boland Cellar The Loubser Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Boland Cellar Five Climates Chenin Blanc, the 2009 Boland Cellar Reserve Pinotage, the 2010 Boland Cellar Reserve Shiraz and the 2012 Boland Cellar Five Climates Chardonnay.
The Veritas Awards give recognition to wines of exceptional quality and the distinctive Veritas symbol of excellence serves as an authoritative quality guideline for wine connoisseurs. The Veritas Awards, South Africa’s oldest and largest competition for market-ready wines, are presented annually by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA).
For more information, please visit www.bolandcellar.com
Fleur du Cap strikes Double Gold at 2012 Veritas
Fleur du Cap’s elegant Unfiltered wines excelled at the 2012 Veritas Awards, the Oscars of South Africa’s wine competitions, with a Double Gold medal for the ultra- elegant 2011 Chardonnay and a Gold medal for the 2010 Merlot.
Showing great consistency, the Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Chardonnay 2011 is the second consecutive vintage of this wine to achieve Double Gold status at the Veritas Awards. This superbly polished wine crafted by the winemaking team at Die Bergkelder, shows delicious citrus, apricot and toasted almonds aromas with just a touch of vanilla in the background. The palate is full-bodied and beautifully rounded from regular lees stirring during eight months of barrel maturation and reveals an abundance of fruit on the palate.
The Veritas Gold medallist, Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Merlot 2010, is a beautiful ruby red wine that teems with strawberry and red berry fruit with hints of white chocolate. These complex aromas follow through on the palate to meld with decadent Christmas cake and cedar oak flavours. The firm and grippy, yet silky tannins evolve into a velvety texture that lingers on the finish.
The Veritas Awards which attracted 1744 entries this year, plays a major role in the South African wine landscape setting the benchmark of quality market ready wines.
Fleur du Cap wines are made at Die Bergkelder, the famous “cellar in the mountain” in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, headed by Cellarmaster Andrea Freeborough who is assisted by Pieter Badenhorst, winemaker of the white wines, and Justin Corrans in charge of the reds. Viticulturist Bennie Liebenberg looks after the vines. For more information, visitwww.fleurducap.co.za, fleurducap.tumblr.com or join the Fleur du Cap Facebook community.
Simonsig Rakes In Veritas Gold And Double Gold Medals
Simonsig Estate shone at the 2012 Veritas Awards with an incredible feat of two Double Gold and no less than seven Gold medals across a diverse range of wines including Méthode Cap Classique and Port.
As one of South Africa’s most celebrated Pinotage producers, it is no surprise that the Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2009 walked off with a Double Gold medal. Sharing Double Gold grandeur is Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2012, which also made the cut in the FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 awards this year.
The 2010 Simonsig Redhill Pinotage, a 2012 ABSA Top 10 Pinotage winner, is one of Simonsig’s seven Veritas Gold medallists this year. Gold medals were also awarded to two other Simonsig red wine flag bearers: the Simonsig’s Bordeaux-steyle blend, Tiara 2009, and the Merindol Syrah 2010.
Both Simonsig Chenin Blancs, the ever popular unwooded 2012 as well as the stellar wooded Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne 2010 clinched Veritas Gold.
Simonsig Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs 2007, the best Blanc de Blancs at the 2012 Amorim Méthode Cap Classique Challenge, also glinched Veritas Gold..
One of the biggest surprises of the Veritas awards, was the Gold medal for Simonsig Cape Vintage Reserve 2009, a once-off endeavour by red winemaker Debbie Thompson who wanted to try her hand at making a Port-style wine. This award winner is available for purchase exclusively at the Simonsig tasting room.
In total Simonsig raked in 20 Veritas medals (two Double Gold, seven Gold, eight Silver and three Bronze medals) across a broad spectrum of flagship, ultra-premium and easy-drinking wines at this year’s Veritas Awards, underpinning the all-round winemaking talent and craftsmanship of this reputable Cape Winelands family wine estate.
“The Veritas medals across our entire range illustrate our winemaking team’s commitment towards consistency and quality excellence. We are particularly delighted to see that the wines on which we have built our reputation, can still compete against the best in the business and this makes us proud,” says Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan.
Veritas Gold for J.C. Le Roux Cap Classique Challenge Winner
The House of J.C. Le Roux scored a sparkling victory at the 2012 Veritas Awards with the prestige cuvee, Scintilla 2003, this year’s Amorim Méthode Cap Classique Challenge winner, clinching a Gold medal.
Only produced in exceptional vintages, this elegant flagship from South Africa’s leading sparkling wine cellar was one of 1 744 entries in the country’s biggest wine competition and most highly valued indicator of quality market ready wines.
Luxuriously smooth and well-balanced with an elegant, dry palate and an explosion of scintillating bubbles, J.C. Le Roux Scintilla 2003 is a sophisticated choice for discerning palates. A classic blend of Chardonnay (75%) and Pinot noir (25%), the wine spent an unbelievable seven years on the lees, resulting in rich layers of complexity and flavours with a superior, smooth character.
“Veritas Gold is the cherry on top after our victory at the Cap Classique Challenge for our graceful flagship,” says cellarmaster Elunda Basson.
This year marks the 22nd birthday of the highly contested Veritas Awards. The medals received from this competition hold a high standing amongst national wine and brandy buyers, owing to their trustworthy results that serve as a reliable indication of quality.
J.C. Le Roux Scintilla 2003 is available at boutique wine shops and restaurants, selling for R150 at the cellar door.
For more information, visit www.jcleroux.co.za or www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeRoux.
Fine Brandies Truimph At 2012 Veritas Awards
Fine Brandy.By Design™ specialty brandies cast a richly golden glow at this year’s Veritas Awards, garnering five double gold medals, four golds and two silvers.
The hero was undoubtedly Van Ryn’s Collection Reserve quartet netting two double golds and two golds. The Van Ryn’s 10 Year Old vintage brandy and the 15 Year Old potstill were the double gold winners and the 12 and 20 Year Olds, the gold medallists.
Van Ryn’s is South Africa’s most decorated brandy distillery. Earlier this year it won its fifth Worldwide Best Brandy title at the International Wine & Spirit Challenge. It has also earned the International Spirits Challenge Best Brandy trophy three times.
Other Veritas double gold medallists were Flight of the Fish Eagle, Klipdrift Gold and Oude Meester Reserve 12 Year Old. Golds also went to Collison’s White Gold and the Oude Meester 18 Year Old Souverein. Those to get silver were Oude Meester Demant and Uitkyk 10 Year Old.
“There’s a golden thread of consistency to the performance of these brandies,” says Fine Brandy. By Design™ spokesperson, Shelley Ellse. “Whether on local or international competitive platforms, they continue to earn acclaim.”
Double Gold Glory For Desiderius Pongrácz At 2012 Veritas Awards
Pongrácz seized the moment and triumphed with a Double Gold medal, the highest accolade at the prestigious 2012 Veritas Awards for the singularly noble flagship, Desiderius Pongrácz 2003.
With both Pongrácz and the Awards celebrating their 22nd birthday, Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 excelled amongst the 1 744 entries judged by a panel of international and local judges in what is regarded as South Africa’s biggest wine competition and most highly esteemed indicator of quality market ready wines.
Inspired by Hungarian nobleman Desiderius Pongrácz, the graceful signature Méthode Cap Classique flaunts a white-golden hue with a faint grey-pink tinge that complements aromas of precious, delicate spices and a wonderful crisp, foaming mousse. An elegant blend of the classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot noir, Desiderius Pongrácz
is set apart by its distinctive fluted bottle.
It has a rich complexity and classic yeasty character imparted over time during prolonged maturation on the lees for over 7 years with a lively, persistent bead. As the wine matures it tends to develop wonderful creamy, nutty characteristics on the nose and a full bodied texture which lasts for ages on the palate.
“This magnificent Cap Classique encapsulates grace and exceptional character. The Veritas Double Gold is a wonderful, fitting tribute to its charismatic namesake who revolutionised viticulture in the Cape,” says triumphant winemaker Elunda Basson.
The Veritas Double Gold holds a high standing amongst South African wine lovers as a trustworthy and reliable indication of quality.
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 is available at selected boutique wine stores at around R235.
Six Wine And Brandy Giants Honoured
The vibrant and economically important South African wine and brandy industry is built on the shoulders of men and women who have, through the ages, dedicated their time and efforts on the promotion of the fruit of the vine. Veritas annually acknowledges the invaluable passion and drive with which these legends have shaped the sector throughout the span of their lives.
Half a dozen industry greats were handed the 2012 scroll of honour during the 22nd Veritas Awards ceremony: John Gainsford, Danie Terblance, Willem Joubert, Helmie de Vries, Andries van Tonder and Pierre Loubser.
John Gainsford, well known rugby player who was capped 33 times between 1960 and 1967, was indeed an esteemed representative of the Springbok emblem but later in life John chose to represent the wine industry. He worked for Union Wine, Graham Beck and then DGB as their international director focusing on sales and promotions. For more than 30 years, even during the times when sanctions seriously impaired wine exports, John won over the palates of wine lovers in Germany, Switzerland, the UK and Mauritius.
Danie Terblanche was lauded for his years as MD of Union Wine and for service to the wine industry through membership of a variety of industry bodies.
L to R: Andries van Tonder, Helmie de Vries, Danie Terblanche and Willem Joubert.
Willem Joubert‘s involvement in the wine industry spans almost 40 years and Veritas honours him for his role as lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch and as General Manager at Ashton Cellar. Willem furthermore shared his knowledge and expertise on several industry bodies.
Veritas acknowledges Helmie de Vries for his valuable contribution of 40 years to the industry to producing quality wines as cellar master at Koelenhof Cellar and the training of many young wine makers.
Andries van Tonder has played an invaluable role serving the industry through his involvement of 30 years at the SA Liquor Brandowners’ Association (SALBA) – formerly known as the CWSI (Cape Wine and Spirit Institute).
Pierre Loubser has been involved in the rewriting of many of the liquor laws which govern this vibrant and growing industry. His contribution to the Estate Wine Producers and Pinotage Association has also been applauded.
“Veritas wishes with these awards to honour living legends that have gone the extra mile on behalf of the South African wine industry,” explains Charles Hopkins, chairman of the SANWSA. “Personalities previously honoured as wine legends include prominent retired wine makers, brandy masters, viticulturists, industry leaders, researchers, wine writers, wine ambassadors and wine personalities.”
Visit www.veritas.co.za for more information or contact Elsabé Ferreira at tel 021 863 1599 or via email to admin@veritas.co.za.
Follow Veritas at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Veritas-Awards/257143924401201 and Twitter at @veritasawards.
Images: Barry Lamprecht
