The 2017 Absa Perold Cape Blend Competition will be the seventh edition of the event convened by the Pinotage Association. It focuses solely on special red blends with Pinotage as their core component. The closing date for entries is 31 July. The blends must be Pinotage-driven – comprising a minimum of 30% Pinotage, but no more than 70%. Apart from the compulsory Pinotage component, there are no other stipulations or restrictions; this year there will even be a class for wines made in the Rosé style.

Pinotage Association Chair Beyers Truter says, “It’s encouraging to see how winemakers have embraced this challenge by creating unique wines that involve a vast array of styles and techniques.” He adds that the versatility of Pinotage, combined with the increased availability of the different red varietal partners and innovative winemaking, has contributed to the growing interest in this “dynamic and exciting” category of wines.

Johan Schwartz, Marketing Manager of the Pinotage Association, adds that Cape Blends have also advanced in attracting more attention on international markets over the past few years. “Recognised winemaking styles are expanded on with a uniquely South African ingredient to produce exciting experiences for wine lovers internationally, and this has encouraged numerous wine producers to position Cape Blends as their flagships – the diamonds in their portfolios. These wines,” says Schwartz, “have the potential to become key catalysts for ground-breaking efforts in both established and new markets for South African wine around the globe.”

To enter, visit https://tinyurl.com/CapeBlendEntry. For more information, contact the Pinotage Association.