Spier wins first place for SA at Belgian wine awards

Spier Private Collection Shiraz 2005 won trophies for best red wine and best South African wine, and a grand gold medal; while a second grand gold was awarded to Spier Vintage Selection Shiraz/Mourvèdre/Viognier 2005. Spier Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 won silver at the event.

Spier Wines MD Neville Carew pointed to the company's continual drive for quality; noting that the results were announced within weeks of its certification in international standards ISO 22000 and BRC4 Grade A. “Our wines reflect our commitment to achieving world's best quality practice,” Carew said. “The commitment is shared by all of our staff; and all have a share in this latest win.”

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, which took place in Bordeaux this year, saw some 6,190 samples submitted for tasting; a 7% increase on entries last year. South Africa won five great-gold-, 23 gold- and 45 silver medals at the event; while Spier's were the only trophies awarded to a South African wine.

This is Spier's fourth consecutive success at the Belgian awards, where three gold medals were won by the producer in each of the three years prior.