Simonsig Estate has been recognised as one of South Africa's top Shiraz producers by clinching a gold medal for the highly acclaimed single vineyard Merindol Syrah 2007. "It is rewarding to be acknowledged as one of the country's top ambassadors of this red wine variety and the results show that South African Shiraz can hold its own with the best in the world. The competition plays a huge role in raising the bar of quality judging standards, whilst supporting the industry in exposing our wines internationally," says Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan.
The Merindol Syrah 2007 has a cellaring potential of up to ten years and retails for around R250 per bottle.
The Paarl wine estate, Rhebokskloof, received a gold for its Rhebokskloof Black Marble Hill Reserve Syrah 2007. The women winemaker team of Rolanie Lotz (winemaker) and Karin Louw (vineyard expert) perfected their formula, having won gold in the 2009 event as well. Lotz says she is enormously grateful that they received the award as it is a wonderful reward for all the hard work: "Shiraz has always been my favourite cultivar as it is a very rewarding grape variety to work with. To have produced one of the top five in the world is an incredible honour."
Other gold medallists were The Mentors Shiraz 2008, KWV; The Auction Crossing Syrah Viognier 2008, Hex River Crossing Private Cellar; Ronnie Melck Shiraz 2006, Muratie Wine Estate; Lomond Conebush Vineyard Syrah 2007, Cape Legends; Rijk's Private Cellar Shiraz 2005, Rijk's Private Cellar; Bon Courage Shiraz 2008, Bon Courage Estate.
For all competition results got to www.syrah-du-monde.com/wod/WebObjects/Result.woa/wa/res?y=2010&mod=pays&c=AFRIQUE+DU+SUD&co=SdM<=AG.
