SA Young Wine Show

Entries close on Friday 22 June for young wines from the 2012 harvest wishing to contend for the Young Wine awards.  The SA Young Wine Show, the country’s biggest and oldest wine competition grants wine makers from the eight wine regions the opportunity to benchmark their different wines, experimental styles and new varieties against those of their peers.

Some 2 000 young wines annually aspire to be on the receiving end of the coveted General Smuts and Pietman Hugo trophies.  The General Smuts trophy is the competition’s highest acclaim and goes to the overall champion, while the Pietman Hugo trophy is awarded to the cellar with the highest score for five different wines.

From 23 to 27 July specialist panels of qualified wine judges will take the youngster wines through their paces at the Nederburg Auction Complex.  Wines take part in 17 categories and   stand the chance to be named a SA Champion within these groupings.  The categories include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Other White Cultivars, Dry White Blends, Sweet White Wine, Noble Late Harvest, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red Cultivars, Dry Red Blends, Port, Dessert wine and Muscadel.

The superstars of the 2012 vintage will be announced on Thursday 16 August during an award ceremony under the auspices of Agri-Expo, an ardent supporter of the South African wine industry for close to 180 years.

Veritas

The cut-off date for entries for Veritas, SA’s most authoritative wine competition for market ready wines and brandies, is August 8^th. Veritas double gold, gold, silver and bronze medals are undoubtedly on the wish list of the country’s leading wine makers and brandy masters.

“The well known Veritas emblem is synonym to quality excellence, and both local and international wine consumers often let their purchase decisions be guided by the presence of such a trusted symbol on the bottle,” says Duimpie Bayly, chairman of the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) responsible for this reputable competition.

This year’s judging process will take place from 3-7 September and those interested in the results will have to be patient until 6 October when the winners will be announced during an event held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Visit www.youngwineshow.co.za and www.veritas.co.za for full information and entry forms, or contact Elsabe Ferreira at 021 863 1599, fax 021 863 1552 or via email to admin@veritas.co.za.

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Issued by

Marlene Truter Communications
tel 021 426 5247
marlene@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of SANWSA
tel 021 863 1599
admin@veritas.co.za

With five double golds and nine gold medals, KWV came up trumps as the cellar with the most double gold and gold medals in the history of this competition.  “This success is very significant,” says Richard Rowe, chief wine maker at KWV.  “From a wine making point of view it reinforces that the many changes we have made in our approach to wine making are paying off. Over the last three years we’ve been paying particular attention to wine style and looking to produce wines which are fresher, more varietal of nature and with a greater emphasis on structure, flavour and balance. To this end we have been writing long term contracts with growers who produce fit for purpose grapes from appropriate regions.”

KWV won double gold medals for their The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2009, the 2009 The Mentors Petit Verdot, as well as their Cape Classic Tawny Port and an exceptional 1930 Muscadel LBV. “Our Veritas awards highlight the fact that we are successful across a wide range of wine styles and price points,” he says.  “It also indicates that KWV is one of the most prominent players in the South African wine industry.”

Kobus Gelderblom, KWV brandy master was just as ecstatic about the double gold for their 15 year old pot still brandy.  “These results added to those from international competitions, clearly confirm our consistently high levels of excellence,” he says.  “More important is the fact that we could add these brandy awards to the success of our wines and fortifieds to highlight KWV’s superb quality over a diverse range of products.”

Boplaas Family Vineyards, South Africa’s master port producers, won 3 double gold medals for their Cape Tawny Port, the 2009 Cape Vintage Port, and a 1997 Tawny Port Reserve.   Margaux Nel, Boplaas wine maker, acknowledges that it is with pounding hearts that wine makers wait to hear what the Veritas judges thought of their wines.  “We are really proud of the fact that our small family run cellar situated way out in the sticks, do so well at Veritas,” she says. Especially the Cape Tawny Reserve 1997 which won a double gold in the Museum Class testifies to the proud tradition of fine Cape fortifieds.

Nederburg cellar master Razvan Macici says their two double golds for the 2003 Private Bin Edelkeur Noble Late Harvest and the 2010 Private Bin Eminence natural sweet wine is the result of team work, passion, inspiration and the attention to every single detail, from the vineyard to the bottle.  “It is all about Brand Nederburg!” he says.  “Nederburg produced Edelkeur, a wine made from Botrytis-infected grapes, for the first time in 1969. Since then this wine has won more accolades than any other cellar for these styles and has become synonymous with Nederburg and Noble Late Harvest.”  Both winning wines are made in small quantities and are exclusively available through the Nederburg Auction. Nederburg also won 9 gold medals.

“The Veritas Awards are immensely important to us,” says Christo Pienaar, wine maker of Nuy Wine Cellar who was on the receiving end of two double gold medals for their 2007 Nuy White Muscadel and a 1989 Red Muscadel.  “These two double golds prove that our Nuy Muscadel is exceptional, whether young or aged,” he says.  “We always enter a variety of wines and were especially happy about the gold medals awarded to our Chenin Blanc and Colombar wines.” Nuy received a further 7 gold medals.

Distell Brandy also received two double gold and six gold medals.  The two double golds went to their Flight of the Fish Eagle and Van Ryn’s 12 year old Distillers Reserve.  Marlene Bester, manager at Van Ryn Brandy, says many of their brandies are internationally recognised and Veritas grants them the opportunity to highlight their excellence at home.  “The publicity surrounding a Veritas award winner is invaluable to any brand in South Africa as it is a trusted indicator of excellence,” she says. “It is through sheer hard work and team effort that we achieve these results and create brandies people can appreciate and enjoy worldwide.”

Bon Courage was awarded a duo of double gold medals for the 2006 Blanc de Blanc Jacques Bruére and a 2011 Red Muscadel.  “It is extremely valuable to be able to measure your wine against those of other good wine makers and to compare your wine with the best in its class,” says Jacques Bruwer, Bon Courage wine maker.  “Winning at Veritas goes a long way towards creating awareness for your brand and we are proud to say that we’ve been performing well at Veritas for the past few years.”  Bon Courage also won 5 gold medals.

Spier, last year’s top achiever, this year walked away two double golds for their 2010 Woolworths Classic Chenin Blanc and Woolworths The Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon 2008. Says Frans Smit, chief wine maker at Spier: “Winning at Veritas reinforces the effort that the wine making team has put into the wines. Spier is committed to creating top quality wines and this is a reassurance of our commitment.”  Spier also bagged 5 gold medals.

According to Gerhard Swart, wine maker at Flagstone Wines, they’ve been focusing on establishing themselves as one of South Africa’s premium wine cellars:  “By winning Veritas double gold medals we are reaping the benefits of our hard work.”  Flagstone was rewarded two double gold medals for their 2009 Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Writer’s Block Pinotage. “For both these wines grapes are handpicked and the berries are sorted by hand,” he says.  “Fermentation is done in stainless steel open top fermenters and manual punch downs are performed throughout the process.” The wines were matured for 18 months in small 225ℓ barrels.  They also received two gold medals.

“It’s a great feeling to do well at Veritas,” says Abrie Beeslaar, wine maker of Kanonkop who won two double gold medals for their 2006 and 2008 Kanonkop Pinotage.  “The two winners have many similarities although the vintage variation is quite obvious,” he says.  “The 2006 has more complexity and more depth and the 2008 have more upfront fruit but a lighter structure.  We’ve used grapes from the same vineyard for both wines but 45 year old vines help to give the wine consistency from one year to the next.”

Delaire Graff’s won two double gold awards for their 2009 Cape Vintage Port and the 2010 Chenin Blanc. Morne Vrey, wine maker at Delaire Graff says: “It is great to be able to work with good quality fruit in a well resourced winery that contributes towards bringing out the full potential of the grapes.  Winning the Veritas double gold medals is a fantastic accolade for the entire Delaire team.”

Various public tastings of the Veritas winners are underway throughout the country.  Visit www.veritas.co.za for more information about the tastings and full results of the country’s biggest wine competition for market ready wines.  The website also has a search facility that has been designed to give browsers Veritas results right from the inception of the competition 20 years ago.  Contact Elsabé Ferreira at info@veritas.co.za or tel 021 807 3104 for special enquiries.

END

Issued by Marlene Truter Communications
tel 083 294 6060Email
marlene@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of Veritas Awards

Contact  Elsabé Ferreira
tel 021 8073104
Email information@veritas.co.za

The 2011 list of legends includes such industry giants as David Biggs, Maureen Joubert, Peter Veldsman, Dr Kobus Conradie, Bernhard Lüttich, Allan Mullins, and Hans Rabie.

“A living legend can hail from the likes of prominent retired wine makers, brandy masters, viticulturists, industry leaders, researchers, wine writers, wine ambassadors and wine personalities,” explains Duimpie Bayly, chairman of the SANWSA.  “These are people who have done more than their share to help establish a strong and vibrant industry that brings forth high quality wines and brandies.”

David Biggs started writing about wine in 1979 and has been producing a weekly wine column for the Cape Argus for the last 30 years.  He co-authored the book, Enjoy Wine, with Dave Hughes, was honoured by the Cape Wine and Spirit Education Trust for his ‘Exceptional Contribution to Wine and Spirit Education’ and been a member of the judging panel of the Veritas Awards competition every year since it started.

Maureen Joubert deserves the acclaim as Veritas Legend for the vital role she played in promoting the image of wine and women in this previously male-dominated environment during her years as the first and to date only female editor of Wynboer.

Foodie Peter Veldsman, once dubbed the ‘bravest restaurateur’ by Eat Out magazine, is indeed an icon on the South African food and wine scene. Veldsman started his career at the first experimental cooking school in SA, served time as the food editor of Sarie magazine, and won various food and wine and writing awards – both locally and internationally. He has been included in the ‘Who’s who of the World’ since 2004.

Researcher Dr Kobus Conradie’s most important contribution to the wine industry came from his research about the terroir concept and the issue of vine nutrition. The aim of his fertilisation programme was towards sustainable and realistic production levels and optimum wine quality and current fertilisation guidelines are mostly based on his research. The SA Viticulture and Oenology Society lauded him for his work with the research prize in 1986 and 1991.  His research about the effect of soil and climate (terroir) on wine quality, especially in terms of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, has greatly influenced the industry.

Berhard Lüttich was managing wine maker for the Windmeul Co-op wine cellar for 20 years during which time he led this winery to great prize-winning heights.  One of his pioneering lectures at Nietvoorbij about the sugar-acid relationship in Chenin Blanc and Colombard impacted the wine making landscape significantly when wine makers – at first reluctantly – started paying close attention to this relationship and the testing thereof.

Allan Mullins, only the sixth Cape Wine Master when he earned this title in 1986, has been noted to have ‘a razor-sharp palate, sharper than any knife in Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen’.  His career in wine blossomed from joining Woolworths as a wine selector, being promoted to wine selection manager to his current position as independent consultant responsible for the selection of all wines, blending of wines, marketing and training for this chain. Mullins is an accomplished wine judge, author of various articles and senior lecturer for the Cape Wine Academy.

Hans Rabie is a legend in the Breede River Valley.  Not only did he serve on the Provincial Council for Worcester, he was also chairman of the Central Board of Farmer Associations, founder member and director of the Nuy Wine Cellar and president of the Worcester Agricultural Society. Rabie twice won the award for the best designed farm in the area and lead the process of establishing the Worcester farm museum, Kleinplasie.

For further information contact Elsabé Ferreira at tel (021) 807 3104 or e-mail to information@veritas.co.za

END

Issued by             Marlene Truter Communications
082 7727 519
info@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of  Veritas Awards

Contact Elsabé Ferreira
021 807 3104
information@veritas.co.za

Although no other cellar really followed closely on their heels other top achievers in terms of double gold and gold medals include: Boplaas Family Vineyards (3 double gold, 1 gold), Nederburg Wines (2 double gold, 9 gold), Nuy Wine Cellar (2 double gold, 7 gold), Distell Brandy (2 double gold, 6 gold), Bon Courage and Spier won 2 double gold and 5 gold medals each, Flagstone (2 double gold, 2 gold) and Kanonkop Wine Estate (2 double gold, 1 gold). Delaire Graff Estate also earned two double gold medals.

Out of a total of 1 739 entries 42 (2.41%) double gold, 158 (9.08%) gold, 609 (35.0%) silver and 619 (35.6%) bronze medals were awarded.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE TOP WINES & BRANDIES

Just ten top wine and brandy cellars laid claim to more than half of this year’s double gold medals.  Double gold medals will adorn KWV’s The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2009, the 2009 The Mentors Petit Verdot, as well as their Cape Classic Tawny Port and an exceptional 1930 Muscadel LBV. A double gold for their 15 year old pot still brandy again confirmed their prowess on both the wine and brandy front.

Boplaas Family Vineyards, South Africa’s leading port masters, is second in the double gold row with three of these coveted awards for their Cape Tawny Port, the 2009 Cape Vintage Port, and a 1997 Tawny Port Reserve.

This year Nederburg received two double gold medals for a 2003 Private Bin Edelkeur Noble Late Harvest and a 2010 Private Bin Eminence natural sweet wine.

Nuy Wine Cellar’s double gold trio were awarded for their 2007 Nuy White Muscadel and a 1989 Red Muscadel.

Two of Distell’s premium brandy brands won the favour of the judges and consequently double gold status: Flight of the Fish Eagle and Van Ryn’s 12 year old Distillers Reserve.

Bon Courage boasts with two double gold awards for their 2006 Blanc de Blanc Jacques Bruére as well as a 2011 Red Muscadel.

Spier, last year’s top achiever, won two double gold medals for the 2010 Woolworths Classic Chenin Blanc and the Woolworths The Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2008 vintage.

Flagstone’s two double gold medals were awarded for their Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon and the Writer’s Block Pinotage, both from the 2009 vintage.

Two double gold medals went to Kanonkop for their 2006 and 2008 Pinotage.

Delaire Graff Estate deserved two double gold medals for the 2009 Cape Vintage Port and the 2010 Chenin Blanc.

Cabernet Sauvignon took the lead in double gold medals with five awards, followed by Red Blends (4), Pinotage (4), Port (4), Muscadel (3), Pot still Brandy (3), Wooded Chenin Blanc (2), Sauvignon Blanc (no wood) (2), Méthode Cap Classique (2), Shiraz (2), Wooded Chardonnay (1), Wooded Gewürztraminer (1), Wooded Sauvignon Blanc (1), Natural Sweet White (1), Merlot (1), Other Red Cultivar (1).  The Museum Class yielded five double gold awards for Dessert Wine (2), Noble Late Harvest (1), Port (1), and Red Wine (1).

Red Blends topped the list of gold medal winners with 16 awards, followed by Shiraz (14), Pot Still Brandy (13), Sauvignon Blanc (no wood) (12), Cabernet Sauvignon (12), Merlot (9), Wooded Chenin Blanc (8), Méthode Cap Classique (8), Chenin Blanc (no wood) (7), Pinotage (6), Muscadel (6), Colombar (no wood) (4),  White blends (no wood) (3), Wooded Chardonnay (3), Port (3), Dessert wine (3), Wooded white blends (2), Chardonnay (no wood) (2), Wooded Sauvignon Blanc (2), Weisser Riesling/Rhine Riesling (no wood) (2), Wooded Viognier (1), Special Late Harvest (1), Straw wine (1), Natural Sweet White (1), Noble Late Harvest (no wood) (1), Wooded Noble Late Harvest (1), Rosé (1), Cabernet Franc (1), Pinot Noir (1), Other red cultivar (1), Sherry (1), Standard Brandy (1).  In the Museum Class Dessert Wine (6), Noble Late Harvest (2), White wine (1), Port (1), and Red wine (1) won gold medals.

The full results are available online at www.veritas.co.za.

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES JOIN FORCES WITH LOCAL TEAM

1 739 wines and brandies were put through their paces by a team of more than 100 local judges, augmented by the skills and experience of nine international wine and brandy experts.

The imposing international team of judges included the first South African chairperson of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Lynne Sherriff (England); well known wine writer and panel chairperson of the International Wine Challenge in London, Christine Austin (England); Johan Larsson (Sweden) chief wine buyer of South African wines for the Swedish wine retail monopoly, Systembolaget; and John and Nellie Salvi (France).  John, MW, is a viticulturist, wine writer and wine maker, while his wife Nellie is a wine writer and owner of a company organising wine tours and technical symposiums.

Joining them was Thomas Lüber (Germany), chief buyer of South African wines for WIV Wein International AG; Australian born Richard Rowe, currently chief wine maker at KWV, as well as the French brandy expert Denis Lahouratate from Biscuit in Cognac, and Dave Hughes, our very own wine and spirits connoisseur and internationally respected judge.

TASTE VERITAS WINNERS RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Wine enthusiasts in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Knysna and Port Elizabeth will stand a chance to taste these top Veritas achievers – without having to purchase the lot.

Capetonians can taste the Veritas achievers at the VOC Room (Southern Sun Cape Sun, Strand Street) on 18 October from 17:00 to 20:00 with tickets at R130 pp. The Johannesburg tasting takes place on 26 October from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Bill Gallagher Room of the Sandton Convention Centre – tickets cost R140.  Wine lovers in Durban will get their chance on 3 November from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Function Room, Deloitte Head Office in Umhlanga – tickets are R100 each. Tasters will be able to enjoy this year’s Qualité cheese champions during these sessions too.

Squires Legendary Grill in the Boardwalk centre in Beach Road will be the venue where wine lovers in Port Elizabeth can gather for a sit-down tasting event of 16 wines that includes light refreshments on 15 November starting at 18:00 (R100 pp). In Knysna the Veritas victors can be tasted during a dinner hosted at Kilzers Kitchen on 16 November from 19:00 – tickets cost R240. There will also be a sit – down tasting session with selected wines and snacks on 17 November from 18:00 to 20:00 at R85 per person at Kilzers.

Tickets for tastings in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban are available at Computicket.  Bookings for the Port Elizabeth and Knysna events must be made with the various organisers. This year’s tastings are supported by the professional services company, Deloitte.

For the latest news about Veritas, as well as interesting interviews with the organisers, international judges and top achievers, visit the online Veritas press office at www.winenews.co.za. Contact Elsabé Ferreira at tel (021) 807 3104, email to information@veritas.co.za or visit www.veritas.co.za for more information.

END

Issued by Marlene Truter Communications

tel  082 7727 519

email info@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of Veritas Awards

Contact Elsabé Ferreira

tel 021 8073104

email information@veritas.co.za

No, we do not connect the number of entries received with a premeditated number of medals to be awarded.  Part of the purpose of Veritas is to give consumers a wine buying guideline and a Veritas medal is trusted as a good indicator of excellence.  Each wine is judged blind by expert wine judges and rated on merit.

2. What percentage double gold and gold medals were awarded over the past five years?

3. Are Veritas double gold and gold medal wines on a par with international awards?

I think so yes, but one has to consider the fact that wines are judged at different times, in different places by different judges.  The fact remains that it is people with different, though trained and experienced, palates judging wines.  The inclusion of international judges on the Veritas panels contributes largely towards keeping the Veritas results reliable and on par with international trends and tastes.

It’s also true that a wine tasted in September in South Africa and in December in England will be different – even if only bottle-maturation plays a part.

4. What are the merits of winning a Veritas medal?

Veritas has been called the ‘Oscars’ of wine competitions and the Veritas emblem has become a mark of approval coveted by wine makers, and for wine enthusiasts a seal of quality to trust.

The respected double gold, gold, silver and bronze symbol on the winning wines not only gives wine makers, viticulturists and cellar masters a much appreciated pat on the back, the publicity surrounding a Veritas victor is invaluable to any cellar.  For wine lovers it somewhat smoothes the decision making process for seeing a Veritas emblem on a bottle is a sure indication of the quality of the product.

5. How does the Veritas Management sustain the stature of this competition?

The Veritas Management, together with participating cellars and contracted media consultants, are committed to promoting the competition on all levels – locally and internationally.  We constantly compare ourselves to similar international competitions, incorporate comments from our international judges and take heed of constructive criticism.

6. What elements of surprise or expectation does this competition hold?

The fact that the results are only announced at the gala dinner and not published beforehand without doubt enhances the feeling of expectation and excitement. In the build-up to the judging and the awards ceremony we make sure that consumers are kept informed via varied media releases to create a feeling of anticipation regarding the current year’s results.

7. How does Veritas go about securing as many entries as possible from as many cellars as possible?

Veritas takes place under the patronage of the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) which represents the whole of the wine industry. A constant flow of information, high levels of publicity about the competition and the fact that winning a Veritas award is viewed as one of the most prestigious achievements, keep Veritas foremost in the minds of wine makers.

Veritas annually invites internationally acclaimed wine experts to augment the local judging panels. This practice ensures that the judging process, as well as the results, is impartial and internationally accepted. The prerequisite for a local Veritas judge is a wine judging certificate from the University of Stellenbosch, a Cape Wine Academy Cape Wine Master’s Diploma, or similar accreditation.

Lynne Sherriff, chairperson of the international Institute of Masters of Wine, as well as a Cape Wine Master and Master of Wine MW, speaks highly of the way Veritas is managed and presented: “The fact that we only taste between 60 and 80 wines per day, ensures that each wine receives the attention it deserves,” she said. “The individual blind tasting of the wines is followed by an often lively discussion until consensus is reached on the marks to be awarded.”  Accomplished South African wine judge Dave Hughes, who spends five months of the year judging at various international competitions, was in total agreement: “There is not a wine competition in the world with a better judging and management system than Veritas,” he said. “This is an extremely slick operation.  On top of it the quality we get to taste is simply magnificent.”

Sherriff, South African born but based in England, took the lead in the judging of Méthode Cap Classique and Cabernet Sauvignon.  “We tasted an interesting range of sparkling wine styles – from fresh and zippy to more mature. The best sparkling wines came from the Blanc de Blanc and Blend entries, and not so much from the Rosé or Blanc de Noir entries,” she said.  “The outstanding sparkling wines tended to have been in contact with the lees for longer and therefore have a stronger aromatic quality.”

“We tasted 169 Cabernet Sauvignon wines and the best of those shared a common quality of sophistication and a complex integration of fruit and oak.  For me the star of the vintages was 2009.  Wines from that year are really representative of what South Africa should be expecting from a fine vintage.”

Christine Austin, wine writer, international wine judge and a Panel Chairman at the world famous International Wine Challenge in London, slotted in with the panels tasting Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. “We tasted 108 different Pinotages and whereas a singular flavour dominated the drinking experience of SA Pinotage before, I sensed a dramatic shift in the overall quality,” she remarked. “I was delighted to find a new elegance; a greater depth in terms of flavour with elements of fruit shining through more and more.”

“Chenin Blanc is probably the variety which gives international wine drinkers their first experience of a South African wine and if they taste a thin acidic wine, those consumers might be lost forever,” she said. “Fortunately there were quite a number of Chenins that had that desired concentration of flavour needed to hook consumers.”

South African born Nellie Salvi who now lives in Bordeaux, threw in her weight with the Chardonnay and Merlot tasting panels.  “I find that South African Chardonnay have started to move away from being characterised by overbearing flavours to wines with greater finesse which I think the consumer might increasingly ask for in future,” she said.

“Coming from Bordeaux, I know Merlot to be a bit feminine with delicate floral fruits,” she remarked.  “Here fruit is not necessarily the main expression of a South African Merlot.  The styles evidently differ according to the wide variety of soil types and I’ve tasted marvellously structured wines – I was simply fascinated.” Nellie owns a company organising wine tours and technical wine related symposia. She is also a celebrated wine writer and international judge.

John Salvi, MW from France, expressed his delight in the 196 Shiraz wines he tasted.  “I half expected to find stark black wines, but instead I tasted wines showing elements of restraint and good fruit – wines which will age extremely well,” he said.

John also tasted his share of Noble Late Harvest and his verdict is that although this class did not receive as many gold medals as expected, the best wines were indeed splendid.  “When a wine is very sweet, you must ensure that there is a corresponding acidity to balance the alcohol, sugar and acid,” he explained, “and these wines had a lovely natural acidity which must have come from picking the grapes at exactly the right time.” John is an oenologist, wine writer and journalist, winemaker and a professional taster who resides in Bordeaux.  Dave Hughes also tasted the Noble Late Harvests and explained that the 2011 vintage had hardly any Botrytis. “However, they did get a bit of Botrytis on the red grapes and where the result is usually an unsightly brown wine, a few wine makers this year succeeded in creating a beautiful red wine.”

Hughes also led the Port tasting panel: “South African Vintage Port, which is bottled within two years with its colour still red, and Tawny Port, which spends 5-6 years in barrels and has a gold-brown colour, are as good as anything that Portugal can produce,” he smiled.  “Even the Portuguese appreciate our Ports.”

Thomas Lüber, chief buyer of South African wines for WIV Wein International AG – the world’s largest direct wine sales company, gave the Dry Whites a big thumbs-up.  “As a German I was especially interested in the traditionally German varieties such as Gewürztraminer and Wiesser Riesling and I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality,” he said.  “These wines are true to the character of the cultivar and the sugar and structure is just right.”

Swedish wine buyer, Johan Larsson, was part of the panel of judges tasting Other Reds and Sauvignon Blanc. Although he’s a first timer at Veritas, his experience and exposure as chief wine buyer of South African wines for the Swedish wine retail monopoly, Systembolaget, proved invaluable. “In the class for Other Reds it was the Petit Verdot that really stunned me,” he said.  “Whereas a Petit Verdot can be harsh and bitter, I found these wines to be subtle, yet rich in fruit – a cultivar that can stand on its own legs.  It definitely needs not only be used in blends.”

Where the Sauvignon Blanc entries are concerned Larsson said they realized that the 2011 vintage was a tricky one which asked more of winemakers in terms of the handling of the grapes in the cellar.  “The outstanding wines in this class showed beautiful floral character, a concentrated minerality and excellent structure without going sharp.”

Australian born Richard Rowe, currently KWV’s chief winemaker, has had extensive exposure to the wine industry in Australia, Germany and France.  Richard has high praise for the category for Other Red Blends. “This was not what I expected. Whilst the class had a variety of blends, there were many Shiraz/Grenache blends and it was great to see a category which often disappoints deliver flavour, freshness and concentration. The wines were presented by vintage, and it was quite apparent that the 2009’s in particular were very strong.”

Richard also judged the Bordeaux Blends: “The top Bordeaux Red Blend was incredible and showed fantastic intensity of Cabernet flavours,” he said.

Several of the international judges teamed up to evaluate the Museum class. Nellie Salvi described tasting the Museum class as having ‘tasted the Afrikaner heritage of the South African wine world’.  “The wines portrayed their true cultivars and styles and remained fruited and structured enough to be enjoyable after all these years.”  Husband John Salvi commented that this exercise convinced him that South African wines can indeed age gracefully. “I even tasted a 5 year old Sauvignon Blanc and it was mellow and smooth – really very enjoyable.”

The category for brandy drew 36 standard, vintage and pot still brandies and according to panel leader Dave Hughes, they were all outstanding. Co-judge Denis Lahouratate, an international juror, cognac specialist and cellar master at the House of Bisquit Cognac is as excited about the quality of brandy that South Africa produces.  “I found the brandies to be very fruity, as well as softer and elegant,” he said. “Most of them are easy to ’discover’ – very different to the cognac style.  In the older brandies I found more concentration – they are richer with more exotic flavours.”

This wines and brandies which most impressed the international and local judges – those worthy of the coveted double gold, gold, silver and bronze medals – will be made known on the 8^th of October at an event sponsored by Agri-Expo held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Visit the Veritas website at www.veritas.co.za for information regarding the various public tastings that will follow the announcement of this year’s Veritas champions.  Contact Elsabé Ferreira for more information at tel (021) 807 3104 or e-mail information@veritas.co.za.

END

Issued by                                                             Marlene Truter Communications

t 021 426 5247 / 083 294 6060

info@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of                                                      Veritas Awards

t 021 807 3104

information@veritas.co.za

Pictured left to right: Dave Hughes, chairperson of the Veritas brandy tasting panel; Denis Lahouratate international juror, cognac specialist and cellarmaster at the House of Bisquit Cognac and Veritas vice-chairman Bennie Howard CWM

At the helm of the specialist brandy judging panel of local and international brandy experts is DAVE HUGHES, one of South Africa’s veteran international wine and spirits judges.

You’re a wine and spirits writer, national and international judge, consultant, auctioneer, Brandy Guild member and one of the greatest champions of the South African drinks world for more than three decades. But you’ve also been a distiller by trade. Tell us more about your experience in that field?

My career in the drinks world began when I was 18 and served an apprenticeship as a distiller with African Distillers in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), where I was born. My training covered everything, but focussed on laboratory work: the conversion of molasses into ethyl alcohol; the experimental germination of grains for possible use in Africa; fermentation of fruits (marula, mahobahoba, prickly pear and palm); making vinegars; and, eventually, producing carbon dioxide (for the carbonated drinks industry) and dry ice. I also learned about coopering.

I subsequently went over to the UK and worked in whisky distilleries in Scotland, spirit and gin distilleries in England, and at St James Gate in Dublin, Ireland, doing Guinness fermentations. I also did stints in France and the Netherlands, picking up experience with the production of cognac (Martell) and liqueurs (Marie Brizard and De Kuyper). And I worked a vintage for Mumm Champagne.

After coming to South Africa in 1968, I was involved in the production of all manner of well-known local spirits products, from Gilbeys, Booths and Old Buck gin to Smirnoff vodka to various brands of brandies, liqueurs, milk products, aperitifs… You name it, I’ve probably distilled it!

I’ve been judging wine and spirits all around the world since 1975. But in recent times I’ve focussed on leading local shows such as the Veritas Awards, the South African Young Wine Show, Diner’s Club and the Pinotage Top Ten. On the international front, I’m a bit of a veteran at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London (my specialities are fortified wines and spirits) and also a regular at Concours Mondial du Bruxelles and Mundus Vini in Germany.

You’ve been a member, by invitation, of the Worshipful Company of Distillers since 2001. What does this rare (unique for a non-British resident) honour entail?

I was invited to join, mainly because of the many years of judging whiskies and spirits at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London, but also in recognition of the years of historical research I did for various British distillers.

For me, the honour lies in being part of such an ancient outfit. To give you an idea of just how ancient: as a member I’m now allowed to drive my livestock across London Bridge without paying a toll; I’m exempted from tax on any land I own in the City of Westminster (not that I, sadly, have the wherewithal to indeed own any land there); and, should I find myself anywhere in the Old City of London, perchance in a somewhat inebriated state, any taxi driver is duty-bound to convey me to my residence free of charge and then collect his fee the next day from the Worshipful Company’s office PLUS claim a bale of hay for his horse!

But, seriously, besides these most marvellous but largely useless benefits, I do attend a number of their gatherings each year and make phenomenal friendships and contacts in the international distilling world.

As a consultant to the Veritas Awards Board, how important is the inclusion of a category of South African brandy to this prestigious 20-year-old national wine competition?

I think it’s an excellent opportunity for our brandies that do so exceptionally well in major international competitions to compete in a top local arena and showcase their greatness to local consumers through the resultant marketing and media attention.

What synergy do you see between wine and brandy, which is, after all, a wine-based spirit of equal if not more flavour and complexity that can bear similarly enjoyable scrutiny?

The two, wine and brandy, rest side by side and often, to me, are so intertwined that it is difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins.

As a veteran judge at several leading international wine and spirits competitions, where South African brandies are regularly rated tops, what do you think sets South African brandies apart from the rest of the world’s?

Modern South African brandies have a pureness that others are still striving to achieve. Yet, despite this high level of purity (or ‘cleanness’ achieved by stringent production laws in the making of the base wine and distillate), they still have loads of flavour and character. Lots of European and other brandies still seem to think that to have character or an element of distinctiveness exhibit a certain level of impurity.

We are also special in that we make brandies of different types and styles to cater for the mixer market and the sipping market. We do not try to make one brandy to please all.

How does South African brandy compare with Cognac (considering they are made to similar and equally rigorous standards) and what points of difference does it offer brandy lovers (in style, quality and price)?

Well, first of all, I would beg to disagree that Cognac is ‘always made to rigorous standards’! There are some that are magnificent, but many others rely on their ‘improvers’ for taste and character. Cognac is mostly always over priced. And these outrageous prices are invariably paid for the amazing glassware they come in, which is often by far and away more valuable than the contents!

I don’t think we should continue along this route of holding Cognac up as the holy grail of brandy. Good Cognac is good: Bisquit, the best of Martell, Hennessy… But there is oh so much that is not good. South African brandy does NOT compare with Cognac. It is a different style and type; it is after all made in a different climate. It’s like trying to compare our wines with Burgundy and Bordeaux: great wines, but very different animals.

How would you inspire the young, aspiring, modern-day markets across the South African spectrum to take the leap and discover the joys of exploring our brandies?

There is absolutely no way I would think otherwise than that modern South Africans should be exploring modern South African brandy as the modern spirit of the nation. Our brandy is truly a product of our time, like our new democracy. It really should be our celebratory drink as it is a distillate that actually came of age more or less as democracy arrived.

You founded the Cape Wine Academy (CWA) in 1979 to further public interest in and knowledge of wine while with the former Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery. What courses and experiences would you now recommend to lovers of brandy eager to learn more?

All CWA courses are great for both learning more about winemaking (and distilling) and practical tasting experience. At the moment there is a fantastic new course being designed specifically on brandy, but it’s not ready as yet. Credits for successful completion will be recognised by the National Training Council, which should improve marketing and service standards, but also encourage the ordinary everyday enjoyment of our fine local brandies.

With your busy, globetrotting lifestyle, when is the time and place that you most enjoy a South African brandy?

In the Karoo on a cold winter’s night watching the stars in the skies above Sutherland (sipping a potstill brandy neat); deep in the Lowveld on a hot day with orange juice as a mixer with some soda water and lots of ice; and after a long, busy day, a regular brandy with an ice cold Coke as a mixer… there’s nothing better to relax you. And after a fine meal at one of our many great restaurants, sipping a 12 or 15 or 20 Year Old, though it remains a regret that I can’t get South African brandy at so many places I visit.

But for me, the best is sitting up on the top of Bottelary kop, watching the sun sink in the west over Table Bay and then turning around to see the full moon rise over the Simonsberg, enjoying a great sipping brandy with the love of my love, surrounded by our eight ‘rescue’ mutts.

[Dave Hughes lives in Devon Valley in the Stellenbosch winelands.]

The judging of the 2011 Veritas Awards took place at the Nederburg auction complex in Paarl from  5 – 12 September and the results will be announced at a gala banquet on October 8^th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

1. Are international standards followed during the judging of the Veritas competition?

Yes, we follow guidelines set by the OIV (Office International de la Vigne et du Vin) based in Paris.

2. Who can become a Veritas judge?

A judge may hail from any sector of the wine industry (wine makers, cellar masters, wine writers, wine experts, etc). The only prerequisite is that he or she must have obtained a wine judging certificate from the University of Stellenbosch, a Cape Wine Academy Cape Wine Master’s Diploma, or similar judging accreditation.  The Veritas executive management then compiles the judging panels in consultation with the various cultivar workgroups.

3. What are cultivar workgroups and how do they contribute?

The cultivar workgroups were initiated by Veritas with the aim to bring oenologists and viticulturists together to promote the further development of the specific cultivars. Members organise their own activities.

4. Why are international wine experts invited to act as judges?

The annual inclusion of international professionals aims to ensure that the judging process, as well as the results, is impartial and internationally accepted.

5. And how are these judges selected?

International judges hail mostly from countries where South African wines are sold. Dave Hughes, a South African with more than 30 years international judging experience, delves into his network of people with expertise abroad and assists us to identify the overseas judges.

6. What criteria are applied when selecting international judges?

An international judge (be it a winemaker, wine connoisseur or journalist, or a sommelier) must be a recognized taster in his or her home country with significant international experience.

7. How are local judges assigned to a specific panel?

Cultivar workgroups nominate specialists for the specific categories or wine classes. Qualified judges may request to serve in a specific panel, based on their specific interest and knowledge. Panels are finalised by the Veritas management.

8. How does the Veritas management ensure judges’ integrity?

We trust our judges to act with integrity, and rely on input received from our conveners – proficient people with years of experience. The whole process is also audited by independent auditors.

9. What are the lines of communication between judges and the media?

The convenor of each panel acts as the official source of information regarding the judging of that specific category. International judges are encouraged to share their experiences and opinions on a DVD shown at the awards dinner, through an official press release, as well as in informal discussions with the media.

10. How are panel conveners chosen?

The Veritas executive management appoints conveners after discussion and recommendation of the cultivar workgroups, following a fully democratic process.

11. What is the responsibility of a panel convener?

A convener must assist in the selection of his/her panel and ensure that the panel is fully familiar with the specific class.

Beforehand, the convenor must brief the panel – especially new judges – about judging procedures, the scoring system, mechanics of awarding medals and category of product to be judged during the session.  Panels are reminded that they judge in accordance with the SANWSA systems and guidelines.

Capetonians will have an opportunity to taste the Veritas achievers at the VOC Room (Southern Sun Cape Sun, Strand Street) on 18 October from 17:00 to 20:00.  Tickets cost R130 per person. Wine lovers in and around Johannesburg can book their space for a tasting at the Bill Gallagher Room of the Sandton Convention Centre on 26 October from 17:00 to 20:00 – tickets cost R140.  Those in Durban will get their chance on 3 November from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Function Room, Deloittes Head Office in Umhlanga, at R100 a ticket. Tasters will also be able to enjoy this year’s Qualité cheese champions during these sessions.

Wine lovers in Port Elizabeth will be treated to a sit-down tasting event that includes light refreshments at the Squires Legendary Grill in the Boardwalk centre in Beach Road.  This event takes place on 15 November from 18:00 to 19:30 and costs R100 per person. In Knysna the Veritas victors can be tasted during a dinner hosted at Kilzers Kitchen on 16 November from 19:00 – tickets cost R240. Kilzers will also present a tasting session with selected wines and snacks on 17 November from 18:00 to 20:00 at R85 per person.

Book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment – there are only a limited number of tickets available.  Tickets for tastings in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban are available at all Computicket outlets or online at www.computicket.com.  Bookings for the Port Elizabeth and Knysna events must be made with the various organisers. Visit www.veritas.co.za for more information and contact details.

The Veritas Awards are world-wide perceived as South Africa’s most authoritative wine and brandy competition for market ready products. The Veritas label carries significant weight when consumers and prominent wine buyers make their decisions.

END

Issued by             Marlene Truter Communications

tel 083 294 6060

Email marlene@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of      Veritas Awards

Contact Elsabé Ferreira

tel 021 8073104

Email information@veritas.co.za