SA raises the glass at Swiss International Wine Awards
Two South African wineries, Simonsig and Perdeberg, showed their true colours at the Swiss International Wine Awards last weekend, celebrating a combined total of 30 awards, including three golds and a Special Wine Award.
Simonsig Frans Malan 2004
Simonsig claimed two golds for its latest two red wine releases for this year, the famous Cape Blend, Frans Malan 2004 and the multi-prized Merindol Syrah 2004. In addition, the estate scored a silver medal for its Brut Rosé 2006 and bronze status for its Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Chenin Avec Chêne 2006 and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2007.
“We are thrilled to see that these two blue blooded reds are receiving the local and international recognition they deserve. Over the years, the Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards have played a huge role in raising the bar of quality judging standards in our country, whilst supporting the industry in exposing our wines internationally,” said Simonsig winemaker Johan Malan.
Perdeberg clinched an impressive 24 awards; with its Saam Mountain Vineyards' brand Phisantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2007 taking home the gold as well as the Special Wine Award for Best White.
Silver went to Perdeberg's 2006 Merlot, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc and Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.
Bronze was awarded to Perdeberg's 2005 David Frost Vintage Reserve and Reserve Pinotage; 2006 Pinotage, Reserve Chardonnay; 2007 Reserve Viognier, and Saam Mountain Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The estate also received the Seal of Approval for its Perdeberg 2005 David Frost Reserve Shiraz, Perdeberg Reserve Classic Red, Zebra Hills Pinotage; the 2006 David Frost Classic Red and Perdeberg Shiraz; 2007 Perdeberg Chenin Blanc; and the Saam Mountain Vineyards' 2006 Premium Pinotage Viognier, Shiraz, Pinotage, Koopmanskraal Shiraz and Leeuwenkuil Pinotage; and 2007 Chenin Blanc, Premium Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Newly appointed Perdeberg Winery CEO, Gerhard van der Watt says: "We're raising a glass to ourselves on this one! It certainly supports our new domestic and international drive to create more noise around the brand and our very special wines."
Headed by Robert Joseph, the founder of the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London, the Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards judge wines on international standards. The awards were launched six years ago to expose South African wines and winemakers to major local and international retail chains. This year's judging panel included international judges Peter Koff from the USA, Ellen Zou from China and Chris Murphey from the UK as well as a selection of influential local wine buyers.
