Sniffing, tasting and choosing Young Wine excellence

1 August 2014

The air at Nederburg just outside of Paarl is filled with excitement as the South African Young Wine Show’s panel of judges kicks off with the tasting of young wines from eight wine regions. For a whole week, from 28 July to 01 August, a total of 1 972 young wines will come under scrutiny in search of youthful quality and setting benchmarks for winemaking and viticultural brilliance.

With 129 producers entering their finest fresh offerings, Shiraz once again leads the number of entries with 154, followed closely by Chenin Blanc (147) and Sauvignon Blanc (135).

A host of winemakers and experts with specialist knowledge on specific wine styles will sit on 16 panels, judging the 17 categories, namely Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Other White Cultivars, Dry White Blends, Sweet White Wine, Noble Late Harvest, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red Cultivars, Dry Red Blends, Port, Dessert Wine and Muscadel. As in previous years, an eighth learner judge will join the various tasting panels in order to gain valuable training and exposure.

All eyes will be on the sought-after General Smuts trophy for the country’s best young wine, the Pietman Hugo Trophy for the highest score in five categories, as well as the 17 championship trophies, the gold, silver and bronze medals.

The SA Young Wine trophies’ main aim is to give recognition to remarkable wines in its first year of production. By doing this, acknowledgement is given to the skills of the viticulturist. the winemaker, as well as the proficiency of the cellar. But in the business of wine this competition also offers winemakers the opportunity to compare their know-how and skills to their peers in the industry and to assess wine quality at an early stage.

Winners will be announced during a gala-dinner and wine tasting on August 22 in the Good Hope Suites & Market Hall, Grandwest Casino. This glitzy event is hosted by SANWSA and Agri-Expo, who has been involved in this competition since its inception in 1833, with Sanlam recently joining as co-sponsor.

For more information, contact the SA Young Wine office at tel 021 863 1599, fax 021 863 1552 or e-mail admin@veritas.co.za.

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Issued by                                                                
Marlene Truter Communications

tel         021 438 6836 l 083 294 6060                  e-mail   marlene@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of
SA Young Wine Show
tel         021 863 1599                                         e-mail   admin@veritas.co.za

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