Throughout history the delicate bubbles of sparkling wine inspired humans to greatness. Though the French first created it in the eponymous region of Champagne, most wine producing countries have managed to create equality in bubbles: Prosecco, Cava, Sekt, simply sparkling wine or as it is locally known, Méthode Cap Classique.
De Grendel has proudly won at the most influential wine and spirits awards in the world – CWSA – China Wine and Spirits Awards. Winning a Gold and Double Gold CWSA medal is the ultimate seal of approval in China – soon to be largest wine and spirits market in the world.
A site-specific wooded Chardonnay from De Wetshof Wine Estate in Robertson won this year’s Johann Graue Trophy for the National Champion Chardonnay at the South African National Young Wine Show. This year’s competition attracted 1 680 entries from wineries throughout South Africa and is seen as the country’s pre-eminent indication of the quality of wines to be expected from this year’s vintage.
During the winter months, before the new growth starts, one of the most laborious and important activities in the vineyard is winter pruning. Mature vines left unpruned can become a tangled mass of growth, with grapes vying for sunlight and space, with no berries giving their best. Here in the southern hemisphere, pruning takes place during the months of June to September. Correct pruning methods ensure a robust vineyard, with optimum growth, healthy berries - and the bottom line, which is a great wine in the glass.
| The results of the Sommelier Selection 2018 competition were announced on the 26th July 2018. This wine competition is unique being the only one in South Africa that is judged by a panel of top local sommeliers. |
The judging is complete, preparations for the awards function at Cavalli Estate in Somerset West on 15 August are in full swing and wine lovers are looking forward to seeing which of their favourites among the Top 20 finalists are considered by the panel of experts to be the best of the best in the 2018 Absa Top 10.
Thanks to the dry season and the complexity contributed by three months lees contact as well as the addition of 10% Semillon, the 2018 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc has a sumptuous, full palate. While its refreshing character supports Sauvignon Blanc’s popularity as an aperitif-style wine, the intricacy of this vintage, brings sophistication and ensures versatility.
"This year marks the fiftieth vintage for Simonsig, and we look back on and celebrate 50 great years of bottling and labeling our own wines in our own cellar. This is also the fiftieth year of consecutive Chenin Blanc vintages – quite and achievement, if I may say so myself!"
At the 13th annual Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards the many terroirs in the Cape Winelands which create great wines were highlighted. The 23 National Winners of cultivar wines, blends and wine styles come from 14 wine terroirs from across the winelands.