South African Shiraz shines internationally

Diversity and quality are the watchwords for the 2014 winners, which comes as no surprise for a grape variety currently enjoying rapid growth. Strict quality standards and optimal tasting conditions enabled the international judges to award 136 medals (42 gold, 94 silver) that are recognised as a reliable criterion for selection. This year's Syrah du Monde Top 10 ranking comprises 11 wines as some of the scores were described by the competition as "rigorously equal."

Three other South African wines were in the top 10 - Number One-Constitution Road Shiraz 2011, Cederberg Shiraz 2011, also by David Nieuwoudt for Cederberg Private Cellar, and Terra d'Aria SV Shiraz 2011.

The balance of the gold medals were won by Fleur du Cap Shiraz 2012, Bon Courage Inkara Shiraz 2012 and Tamboerskloof Syrah 2010.

"We are in the enviable position to source the best grapes from a diverse range of vineyard sites and micro climates throughout the Western Cape, each imparting special qualities to our wines. This award attests to the passion our whole team puts into each Fleur du Cap wine," says cellarmaster Andrea Freeborough, who works closely with winemaker Wim Truter and viticulturist Bennie Liebenberg. The Fleur du Cap Bergkelder Selection Shiraz 2012 is available at leading wine outlets countrywide or the cellar door at Die Bergkelder in Stellenbosch for R75 per bottle.

To view all the winners, go to Syrah du Monde 2014 results.