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MAMMOTH YOUNG WINE TASTING

Results of judging eagerly awaited

Each year the crème de la crème of South Africa's wine industry are pitted against each other in the hotly contested Young Wine Show. Although still youthful, these fledgling stunners already display the characteristics of greatness to come, making them worthy winners in their own right.

Not only the country's largest, but also the longest running wine competition, the Young Wine Show has been instrumental in many a milestone being reached in SA's wine industry. This illustrious legacy dates as far back as 1833 when the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society (now known as Agri-Expo) initiated a wine show that would become a highlight of the agricultural show calendar.

Today the Show, which is still supported by Agri-Expo as co-sponsor, is presented annually by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANW) with the aim of providing winemakers with the opportunity to showcase the best their current vintage has to offer.

This year's crop of hopefuls is being put through their paces by specialist panels of qualified wine adjudicators at the Nederburg Auction Complex near Paarl this week. All will be revealed as the results are announced during an awards luncheon on 20 August, which will be hosted by the Worcester and Breedekloof Wine Regions at the Goudini Spa.

This year's competition drew no less than 2 106 entries from the richly diverse wine regions of South Africa. The most popular classes proved to be red blends (with 109 entries), Sauvignon Blanc (103 entries) and white blends (101 entries).

The wines compete in 17 classes. The white wine categories are comprised of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Other White Cultivars, Dry White Blends, Off-dry White Wines and Noble Late Harvest. The featured reds are Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red Cultivars and Dry Red Blends. Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed as Port, Dessert Wine and Muscadel also vie for top honours.

The highest honour to be bestowed on these promising young wines is the sought after General Smuts trophy for the best wine on show, as well as the Pietman Hugo trophy for the highest marks in five categories. Just as prestigious and fiercely contested are the other championship trophies as well as the gold, silver and bronze medals.

For further information contact Elsabé Ferreira at Tel (021) 807 3104, fax (021) 863 2079 or by e-mail on patricia@veritas.co.za