2019 Perold Absa Cape Blend finalists announced

Kelsey Knight via Unsplash

The 10 finalists this year are from five different regions, including Stellenbosch, Wellington, Botrivier, West Coast and Robertson.

The finalist wines show how South African winemakers have not only figured out how to make harmonious Pinotage based blends with grapes originating from various regions, but also their commitment to this wine style and all that is Pinotage.

For this year's awards, the judging panel comprises: Wilhelm Pienaar (Hermanuspietersfontein), Janno Briers-Louw (Eenzaamheid), Samarie Smith (Benguela Cove), Nataleé Botha (Kleine Zalze) and Heinrich Kulsen (Nederburg).

Finalists - 2019 Perold Absa Cape Blend Competition

1. Asara Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016
WO Stellenbosch: Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec. Winemaker - Janette van Lill.

2. Beyerskloof Faith 2016
WO Stellenbosch: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Winemaker - Anri Truter.

3. Clos Malverne Spirit of Malverne Limited Release 2015
WO Stellenbosch: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec. Winemaker- IP Smit.

4. Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2017
WO Western Cape: Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Pinot Noir, Malbec. Winemaker-Gerhard Swart.

5. Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2017
WO Stellenbosch: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot. Winemaker - Danie Steytler.

6. KWV Abraham Perold Tributum 2012
WO Coastal Region: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah. Winemaker - Izélle van Blerk.

7. Cape West Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinotage 2018 (Namaqua Wines)<
WO West Coast Region: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker - Reinier van Greunen.

8. Rooiberg Winery Reserve Cape Blend 2015
WO Robertson: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. Winemaker - André Scriven

9. Wellington Wines La Cave Cape Blend 2016
WO Wellington: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. Winemaker - Francois van Niekerk

10. Wildekrans Cape Blend Barrel Select Reserve 2016
WO Botrivier: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz. Winemaker - Braam Gericke

In the Pinotage Rosé category, which is in its third year, significant growth has seen the entries more than double, with 26 wines this year. The four finalists are from producers from the Stellenbosch, Worcester and Paarl regions.

Finalists - 2019 Pinotage Rosé Competition

1. Alvi’s Drift Signature Pinotage Rosé 2019<
Winemaker - Dr. Alvi van der Merwe

2. Beyerskloof Pinotage Dry Rosé 2019
Winemaker - Anri Truter

3. Landskroon Blanc de Noir Pinotage Off-Dry 2019
Winemaker - Michiel du Toit

4. Windmeul Pinotage Rosé 2019
Winemaker - Abraham van Heerden