The results are in, and our winemakers once again proved that they have the touch of gold with six of our wines being awarded gold at the prestigious Michelangelo Awards and four achieving gold status at the 2021 SA Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards.
The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards was founded in 1997 with the aim of offering South African producers the opportunity to have their wines adjudicated locally by a highly experienced and respected panel of professionals. The entire panel of judges comprises hand-picked wine experts, representing all seven continents. All entries are judged blind by a panel of 5 or 6 experts, using the 100-point internationally recognised OIV judging system.
The SA Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards is a unique competition in that wines and spirits are judged by women for women, thereby focusing on an often-neglected market segment. All winemakers and distillers – both male and female – can enter the competition. The judges are highly qualified to select the best wines or spirits, but being an all-women panel, their vote is also a reliable indication of what women consumers would prefer.
We are extremely proud and grateful to have fared so well in both competitions. Let’s introduce you to the champions …
The following wines received gold awards at both competitions:
- Classic Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
It is no wonder that this well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with its crisp, refreshing finish impressed the judges. The medley of tropical and herbaceous flavours that lingers on the tongue makes it the perfect partner for seafood or summer vegetables. This wine also received Gilbert & Gaillard gold awards for two consecutive years and in 2020 it was named National Winner by the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards.
- Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2020
This dry, medium-bodied wine, recognised in 2021 as Novare SA Terroir District Winner, is rich in flavour and complexity – truly gold in a bottle! Pair it with seafood or white meat, or serve with creamy goat’s cheese and olives.
- Francois Le Vaillant Pinotage 2017
An intense wine with expressive layers … Think black cherry and plum, backed by spicy notes from oak maturation. The fruit density and luscious finish deem it a good match for a hearty game pie, marinated spicy lamb, smoked duck, baked pasta like lasagne, or Indian curries.
These wines were also awarded gold at the 2021 Michelangelo Awards:
- Classic Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This wine wowed the judges with its aromas of blackberry fruit, its floral perfume, and cedar notes from oak maturation. The palate shows great fruit density and freshness with fine and soft tannins that lead to a long, lingering finish. Pairs equally well with red meat or a hearty mushroom risotto.
- Classic Collection Shiraz 2018
A dry, medium-bodied red wine that impresses with aromas of spice and red berries, backed by subtle vanilla undertones. Elegant and well balanced with soft tannins and a lingering mouthfeel. Serve it with matured hard cheese, roast beef with a pepper sauce, or a hearty casserole.
- Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with its fresh aromas of black fruit and graphite, backed by hints of cigar box, was a sure winner. The palate bursts with berry freshness and fine tannins with a lingering aftertaste. It will complement red meat dishes like meaty stews, braised lamb shanks, slow-roasted beef rib roast, ribeye steaks, a beef stir fry, or pan-roasted veal chops.
Yet another wine received a gold award at the 2021 SA Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards:
- Diamond Collection Ebenhaeser 2018
We are not surprised that this full-bodied dry red with its fresh aromas of black fruit, graphite, and spice impressed the panel. It also received a Gibert & Gaillard gold award this year. Subtle notes of cedar and vanilla from wood maturation make it something special. It shows firm but elegant tannins and a lingering palate that makes it a great partner for any red meat-based dish.
Well done to our winemakers and thank you for your continued support! Buy these award-winning wines online today to share in the joy …
