Guests will have a chance to enjoy a variety of double gold and gold Veritas medalists perfectly paired with mouth watering cuisine prepared by Harpreet Longani, the Executive Chef at Bombay Brasserie.

The tantalising 5 course dinner will be accompanied by no less than six superb wines, including some of the country’s best whites, reds and dessert wines. This will include wines from De Wetshof, Simonsig, Graham Beck, Windmeul, Guardian Peak and Nederburg. Bennie Howard, Vice-Chairman of Veritas will introduce the award winning wines at the dinner. Wine lovers agree: a Veritas award symbolises quality and excellence.

Book your seat for this unique dinner at Bombay Brasserie and decide for yourself.
Price : R 490 per person (Includes Dinner, Wine, Water and Gratuity)
Time: 19:00
To make your reservation at Bombay Brasserie contact res.capetown@tajhotels.com or 2721 819 2000
(Limited seats available on the evening)

OVERNIGHT SPECIAL
14 March 2013
After dinner, enjoy the elegant luxury of Taj Cape Town at a special rate of R1750 per room or book a One Bedroom Suite for R2500 per suite, breakfast included. Price is for single/double occupancy.

To make your reservation contact res.capetown@tajhotels.com or 2721 819 2000 and quote Veritas Dinner to to get the special rate.

The other top achieving wine cellars in terms of the number of double gold and gold medals won, include: Jordan (3 double gold), Simonsig (2 double gold, 7 gold), Boplaas Family Vineyards (2 double gold, 3 gold), Cederberg Private Cellar (2 double gold, 2 gold), Windmeul (2 double gold, 2 gold)  and Guardian Peak (2 double gold, 1 gold).

In the category for brandy which drew 33 standard, vintage and pot still entries, KWV and Van Ryn’s both scooped two double gold medals, followed by Oude Meester, Klipdrift Gold and Flight of the Fish Eagle who each won one double gold award.

This year 1744 wines and brandies entered setting their sights on the prestigious double gold medal and 58 (3.3%) superb products were awarded double gold, while 147 (8.4%) won gold, 499 (28.6%) silver and 677 (38.8%) bronze, landing the total medals awarded at 1 381.

2012’S WINNING WINES

Eight South African wine cellars did exceptionally well in the quest for double gold and gold medals and secured almost half of the total number of double golds awarded.

KWV’s double gold medal yield honoured the following fine wines: The Mentors Pinotage 2010, The Mentor Shiraz 2010, 1933 White Jerepigo Limited Edition, 1969 Hanepoot Jerepigo and a non-vintage Classic Collection Cape Tawny.

Nederburg impressed with four double gold medals for their Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve NLH 2010, a Private Bin Edelkeur Chenin Blanc NLH 2008, a Private Bin Edelkeur Chenin Blanc 2004 and the Private Bin R181 Merlot 2007.

Jordan Wine estate from Stellenbosch bagged a trio of double gold medals for their Nine Yards Chardonnay 2011, the Jordan Chardonnay 2010 and the Cobblers Hill 2008.

Boplaas received two double golds for their Cape Vintage Reserve 2009 and 2010.

Two double gold medals also went to Cederberg Private Cellar, SA’s highest altitude cellar, for their Five Generations Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 and the Shiraz 2010.

Stellenbosch based Guardian Peak was honoured with a duo of double golds for their Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 and the Guardian Peak SMG 2010.

Simonsig, where generations of Malans have been making wine since 1688, won two double gold medals for their Redhill Pinotage 2009 and the Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

Windmeul Cellar, situated in the heart of the Paarl Winelands, has become known for its double gold winning Pinotage. This year is no exception as their Reserve Pinotage 2011 came up trumps together with their Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

UNSURPASSED BRANDIES

Double gold medals were awarded to KWV’s 15 and 20 year brandy, as well as to Van Ryn’s 10 and 15 year old brandy. Other top performers include Flight of the Fish Eagle, Klipdrift Gold and Oude Meester 12 Year Reserve.

CULTIVAR RESULTS

Sauvignon Blanc topped this year’s entries with 211 entries, followed by Shiraz (181) and Cabernet Sauvignon (146).

Sauvignon Blanc (no wood) took the lead in the double gold medal stakes with 8 awards, followed by Pot Still Brandy (7), Cabernet Sauvignon (5), Shiraz (5), Chardonnay (wooded) (4), Red blends (4), Pinotage (4), Merlot (3), Port (3), Chenin Blanc (no wood) (2), Chenin Blanc (wooded) (2), Noble Late Harvest (no wood) (2), Méthode Cap Classique (2), Sauvignon Blanc (wooded) (1), Straw wine (1), Red Muscadel (1). In the Museum Class Dessert wine (2), White wine (1) and Noble Late Harvest (1) won double gold medals.

Red blends topped the list of gold medal winners with 16 awards, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon  (12), Chardonnay (wooded) (10), Merlot (10), Chenin Blanc (no wood) (9), Méthode Cap Classique (8), Sauvignon Blanc (no wood) (8), Potstill Brandy (7), Chenin Blanc (wooded) (6), Pinotage (5), Shiraz (5), Red Muscadel (5), Chardonnay (no wood) (3), Noble Late Harvest (no wood) (3), Dessert wine (3), Port (3), White blends (no wood) (2), White blends (wooded) (2), Riesling (no wood) (2), Natural sweet (2), Standard Brandy (2), Sémillon (no wood) (1), Sémillon (wooded) (1), Viognier (wooded)(1), Noble Late Harvest (wooded) (1), Special Late Harvest (no wood) (1), Rosé (1), Cabernet Franc (1), Pinot Noir (1), Other Red Cultivars (1), White Muscadel (1), Sherry (1). In the Museum Class gold medals were awarded to White wine (4), Dessert wine (4), Red wine (2), Noble Late Harvest (2), and Port (1).

Visit www.veritas.co.za for the complete results. The website also contains a search facility which was specially developed to indicate Veritas medal winners since the inception of the competition in 1991.

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES LEND WEIGHT TO JUDGING PROCESS

Six experienced international judges joined forces with no less than 100 researchers, academics, Cape Wine Masters, wine writers and consultants to determine which wines and brandies are worthy of Veritas acclaim.  This inclusion of internationally revered and experienced tasters contributes to the favourable reputation of the country’s most respected wine competition for market ready wines.

The international delegation included Lim Hwee Peng, a wine and spirits judge, speaker and journalist from Singapore who was recently honoured as the Most Dynamic Wine Educator in Asia; Janåke Johansson, owner of a leading Swedish Family Import Business, the Janåke Wine Group, responsible for top volume brands for more than 20 years and a veritable wine judge; and Thomas Lüber from Germany – chief buyer of South African wines for WIV Wein International AG since 2002.

Also Australian-born Richard Rowe, chief wine maker at KWV, who has extensive wine making experience in Australia and Germany and is recognized as an exceptional wine maker and judge. Denis Lahouratate, cellar master at the French House of Bisquit Cognac and Dave Hughes, one of South Africa’s leading wine and spirits experts with extensive international experience, served on the brandy judging panels.

TASTE THE WINNERS

Make sure not to miss the opportunity to taste the double gold and gold winning wines during various public tastings, generously sponsored by Deloitte, taking place country wide.

Attend the Cape Town tasting on 16 October in the Strelitzia Conservatory and Restaurant, CTICC Ground floor, from 17:00 to 20:00 at R140pp. On 24 October (17:00 to 20:00) it is the turn of wine lovers in the Johannesburg area (Bill Gallagher Room of the Sandton Convention Centre at R150).  The Durban tasting takes place on 7 November (17:00 to 20:00) at the Function Room, Deloittes Head Office in Umhlanga, at R110 a ticket. These sessions include a tasting of the 2012 Qualité Cheeses and light snacks.

The sit-down tasting session at the Squires Legendary Grill in the Boardwalk Centre in Beach Road, Port Elizabeth, takes place on 13 November (18:00 to 19:30) at R110 per person. Knysna’s Kilzers Kitchen offers enthusiasts two opportunities: a dinner combined with a tasting on 14 November from 19:00 onwards at R250 pp, as well as a tasting with light snacks on 15 November (18:00 to 20:00) at R95.

Tickets for the tastings in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban are available from Computicket, but bookings for the Port Elizabeth and Knysna events have to be made with the various organisers. Information about these events is available at www.veritas.co.za 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.

END

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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.

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.

ENDS

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On behalf of SANWSA

tel 021 863 1599

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Thomas Lüber, chief buyer of South African wines for WIV Wein International AG – the world’s largest direct wine sales company, were indeed impressed with the quality of Pinotage and Noble Late Harvests that he judged.  “I’ve seen Pinotage grow from being too much driven by wood, to being more consumer oriented friendly,” he says. “South African producers really understand the varietal, they show extreme pride in it, and combine their quest for quality and the consumer’s wishes to create some of the finest wines.”

According to Lüber the Noble Late Harvests that he tasted were at least on the same level as the well-known Nobles from Germany’s Rheingau or Mosel. “Consumers should particularly take notice of the superb combination of richness and sometimes a touch of oak in the South African wines.”

Australian born Richard Rowe’s extensive international experience as winemaker and wine judge makes him an invaluable Veritas judge. Rowe co-judged the 180 Shiraz entries:  “This year the Shiraz class put forward very strong entries,” he says. “We were impressed by clean, fresh varietal wines that showed balance, structure and finesse.  Most of the good wines came from the 2010 harvest and not from the 2009 harvest as I expected.”

Rowe was also part of the panel judging the museum class.  “Although there were some outstanding wines, some lacked concentration and flavour. Whilst there were a couple of wines that were truly magnificent, I felt that many producers are not taking the opportunity of showcasing their older wines in these classes.”

Lim Hwee Peng, a certified wine specialist from Singapore who was recently honoured as the Most Dynamic Wine Educator in Asia, judged on the panel that tasted the sparkling wine entries. “It was tough judging this category due to the many different styles and expressions,” he says.  “While the Cap Classique’s were excellent, we found quite a few normal sparkling wines that were of a really high quality.”

Lim also tasted on the Chardonnay panel. “While the wooded wines gave us what we expected from them, it was among the unwooded wines that we found the biggest surprises,” he says. “The unwooded entries are definitely more food-friendly and consumers will be able to enjoy more than one glass.  This is surely a trend that must be taken seriously.”  It is Lim’s forth visit to South Africa and according to him the quality of Chardonnay, which is very popular in Singapore, has improved tremendously over the last few years.

Janåke Johansson, owner of a leading Swedish Family Import Business responsible for top volume brands for more than 20 years and a veritable wine judge, shared his international expertise on the panels judging Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  “We were typically looking for classic styled wines; not over extracted, balanced in alcohol and of course clean and typical for the variety,” he says. “We were impressed by a great number of excellent wines, confirming my belief that South African Cabernet Sauvignons are of world class standard.”

Thirty three standard, vintage and pot still brandies were entered for this year’s competition and according to panel leader Dave Hughes, they were all world class. “Even the least expensive South African brandy can compete against the very best the world has to offer,” he says. “To seek a double gold you almost have to try to find something that can exclude a brandy from winning double gold. I must admit that I also look for that true South African character – we should not produce copies of Cognac.”

Denis Lahouratate, cellar master at the French House of Bisquit Cognac, was at Dave Hughes’ side for the judging of the brandy entries. “Although we had no exotic examples amongst the standard brandies, I thought that the average standard is high,” says Lahouratate.  In the category for pot stills and vintages the best examples were found in the 13-20 year matured brandies which were richer, finer and better balanced.

The gems from amongst the 1744 entered wines and brandies – those deserving of the coveted double gold, gold, silver and bronze medals – will be made known on Saturday 6 October during a gala event at the Cape International Convention Centre (CTICC), sponsored by Agri-Expo.

Visit www.veritas.co.za for information about the various public tastings of double gold and gold medal winners taking place country wide, 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.

END

Issued by Marlene Truter Communications
tel 021 437 1568
info@marlenetruter.co.za

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

In 2010 brandy joined the line-up of the more than 1700 hopefuls that enter annually.  Whereas South African brandies previously competed only at an international level, our country’s leading brandy masters can now compare their creations with those of their local peers.

Good news for participants is that the South African National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) that runs this competition has announced that there will be no increase in the entry fees for this year.

While the judging process takes place from 3-7 September those interested in the results will have to be patient until 6 October when the winners will be announced during a gala dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

• The recent election of Charles Hopkins as the new chairperson of the SANWSA heralds a period of renewal for the wine industry, especially in terms of the awards ceremony and the compilation of the tasting panels.  “I would like to put greater emphasis on the transparency of the entire process,” says Hopkins, a leading cellar master, wine educator and judge.  “People should really understand the process and take ownership thereof.  I would also like to see younger faces, sommeliers and experts with a commercial background being included in the tasting panels.”

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

ENDS

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tel 021 863 1599
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“I really appreciate the confidence that my peers in the wine industry have expressed by electing me to this position,” says Hopkins.  “This appointment will allow me to contribute significantly in an industry that I’m passionate about.  I would like to see the profile of Veritas and the SA Young Wine Awards enhanced and the valuable input from all role-players responded to.”

Hopkins, who has been cellar master at De Grendel in Durbanville since 2005, is one of the most esteemed winemakers in South Africa.  He is regarded as the country’s most experienced Sauvignon Blanc judge and regularly tastes at leading competitions such as the SA Young Wine Show, Top 10 Pinotage and the International Wine and Spirit Competition.  He also acts as mentor for winemaking students from Elsenburg and the University of Stellenbosch and is involved in various technical wine and viticulture discussion groups.

Hopkins follows in the formidable footsteps of several greats in the wine industry that served as chairperson of the SANWSA over the past 35 years, namely Duimpie Bayly (2004-2012), Danie de Wet (1995-2004), Lourens Jonker (1988 – 1995) and NC Krone (1977-1988).

The closing date for wines from the 2012 vintage that wish to enter for the SA Young Wine Show is Thursday 21 June.  Winemakers with an eye on the coveted double gold, gold, silver and bronze Veritas medals, have until 8 August to enter their finest market ready wines.

Visit www.youngwineshow.co.za and www.veritas.co.za for further information regarding these two competitions or contact Elsabe Ferreira at 021 863 1599 or via email to information@veritas.co.za.

ENDS

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info@marlenetruter.co.za

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Tel 021 863 1599

information@veritas.co.za

SA Young Wine Show

Entries close on Thursday 21 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 – 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 at Bloemhof in Stellenbosch 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 Charles Hopkins, newly-elected 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.

END

Issued by Marlene Truter Communications
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info@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
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On behalf of Veritas Awards

Contact  Elsabé Ferreira
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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
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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