South Africa Rises to the Fore at Decanter World Wine Awards

LONDON, June 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

South African producers scooped five International Trophies at the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), outperforming other New World wine countries such as Australia, US, Chile and Argentina.

Only 33 International Trophies were awarded at DWWA 2014, representing just 0.22% of the 15,007 wines entered. Judging involved 224 specialist tasters from around the world, including 66 Masters of Wine and 18 Master Sommeliers.

Lynne Sherriff MW, DWWA regional chair for South Africa, said: "The DWWA is a very prestigious international wine competition and these wonderful results can only be positive for South Africa.

"South African wine has come of age, mainly due to more mature vineyards and a young and vibrant new generation of winemakers."

Steven Spurrier, Decanter consultant editor and DWWA chair, said South Africa's success is partially built on its ability to marry its New World status with the wine styles of Old World Europe.

"There is, in my view, a certain European backdrop to the wines from the Cape, which allows them to straddle the northern and southern hemispheres in a most interesting way," he said.

South Africa's Trophies included Best Bordeaux Varietal Under £15, won by Hartenberg's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch. Another red wine, Spier's 2011 Creative Block 3 from the Coastal Region won Best Rhône Varietal Under £15 for its blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Viognier.

For white wines, Paul Cluver's 2013 Estate Sauvignon Blanc from Elgin won Best Sauvignon Blanc Under £15. Jordan's 2013 Chardonnay from Stellenbosch won Best Chardonnay Over £15.  

South Africa also won Best Sweet Wine Under £15 with KWV's 2012 The Mentor's Noble Late Harvest, from Walker Bay and made with Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Judges awarded 10,455 medals in total at this year's awards, including 125 regional trophies, 454 gold medals, 2,003 silver, 4,378 bronze and 3,620 commended. Regional trophies are chosen from gold medal winners in a particular region and then compete for International Trophies in specific categories defined by wine style.

Full results and details of the awards see: http://www.decanter.com/dwwa    

Notes to Editors: 

• The DWWA was launched in 2004 and is celebrating 11 years as the world's leading wine competition.
• Wines awarded a Gold or Silver medal are re-tasted by the Regional Chair
• Gold wines are then re-tasted by members of the region's panel

For more information please contact: Clementine Communications - Clemence de Crecy - clemence@clementinecom.com