published on: Thursday, 09 July 2015
The Elgin Valley scooped the honours as the best performing South African region at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2015, announced in London on 14 June.
Overall, South African winemakers continued the success of previous DWWA outings. Of the 35 international trophies that were awarded this year, five went to South African producers. Only France (eight international trophies) and Australia (six international trophies) fared better. International trophies are the highest accolade a wine can achieve at the DWWA.
But it was the Elgin Valley that achieved local honours, winning an impressive two international trophies, three regional trophies and three gold medals.
At final count, the Elgin Valley took home the following awards:
International trophies
Elgin Vintners Pinot Noir 2012
Paul Cluver Ferricrete Riesling 2014
Regional trophies
Oak Valley Chardonnay 2014 (out of 71 South African entries into the first round of judging)
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (out of 85 South African entries into the first round of judging)
Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2013
Gold medals
Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2014
Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2013
Paul Cluver Gewürztraminer 2014
The Decanter World Wine Awards are considered the ‘Oscars’ of the wine world, with rigorous judging by experts from across the globe. The 12th edition of this annual competition attracted 15 929 entries that were judged by a panel of 240 specialists, including 85 Masters of Wine and 23 Master Sommeliers.
“The Elgin Valley can be very proud of this international recognition by one of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions,” said Paul Cluver, of Paul Cluver Wines.
“This is just further proof that the valley is maturing as one of South Africa's premium wine growing regions where its cool climate helps it produce elegant wines of superior quality from a variety of cultivars.”
Christopher Rawbone-Viljoen of Oak Valley, highlighted the contribution of the region’s terroir.
“Elgin’s cool climate is well-suited to growing premium Chardonnay and, in our experience, particularly the Dijon clones. The cool climate ensures that Chardonnay is picked at lower sugar levels resulting in moderate alcohols of between 12,5 and 13 percent,” said Rawbone-Viljoen.
“Stylistically, Oak Valley strives for a citrus profile with an emphasis on retaining freshness, complimented by careful use of French oak.”
Richard Rose of Elgin Vintners has particular reason to smile. Of the 17 South African Pinot Noir entered, only two gold medals were awarded – both to Elgin producers. The Elgin Vintners entry went on to achieve an international trophy.
Rose attributes the success to minimal intervention in the cellar, due to the makeup of the fruit and the natural state of the juice after crushing.
“Elegant wines remain our primary objective,” said Rose, “however, it is the structure and texture of the wines that elevate their appeal. Elgin is fast becoming our wine industry’s point of difference.”
