Caption: Ola Leepile (Novare CEO); Nicholas Husselman (Top Single Vineyard Wine); Christo Pienaar (SANWS chairman); Elbert Burger (Top Wine Estate and Top Producer); Kobie Viljoen (Top Wine); Derrick Roper, (Novare founder) and Johnny Calitz & Stander Maass (Terroir Top Area).
The national winners from all the cultivars and styles entered into this year’s Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards derive from 17 terrains across the Cape Winelands – a clear sign that the country boasts diversity in terroir.
Only wines certified as single-vineyard, estate-produced, and from a district not divided into more than one ward, are judged.
The five trophies and certificates of the national winners were presented during a luncheon at Overture restaurant (owned by chef Bertus Basson) in Hidden Valley, on Wednesday, 22 September.
The cultivar in this year’s competition that performed particularly well as one eminently suitable to the Cape Winelands, is also the most prolifically planted in South Africa, namely Chenin Blanc. This is certainly good news for the industry and bodes well for this grape’s future.
The trophy for the overall top wine was this year awarded for the third time. From almost 300 entries, the Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Wine went to Villion Henning Chenin Blanc 2020, a Heritage Vineyard wine of origin from the Bot River ward in Walker Bay.
Moreover, the Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Single-vineyard wine was also awarded to a Chenin Blanc, from Stellenbosch – the Koelenhof Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2019. A single-vineyard wine is the best example of a terroir-driven wine and forms an important part of the SA Terroir Wine Awards.
Chenin Blanc is one of the five cultivar wines that received the most entries, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The Novare Trophy for the SA Terroir Top Wine Estate and SA Terroir Top Producer, were both awarded to Rietvallei Estate in Robertson. Rietvallei this year bagged the national winners of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, as well as five winners of all the terroir wines from the Robertson District, namely Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Muscadel, Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blend.
The annual Novare Trophy or Top Terroir Area is awarded on the basis of a specific soil and climate terrain yielding the most awarded wines. This sought-after trophy was awarded for the second time to the Simonsberg-Paarl-Ward in Paarl, thanks to the wine entries from Anura, Glen Carlou, Mitre’s Edge, Mt Vernon and Plaisir de Merle.
The complete list of national winners at the 2021 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards is: Ondine Cabernet Franc 2015, Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2018, Villion Henning Chenin Blanc 2020 (top Heritage Vineyard Wine), De Grendel Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2020, Rietvallei Chenin Blanc 2020, Kaapzicht Skuinsberg Cinsaut 2020, Bon Courage André’s Fame Colombard 2021, Neethlingshof Gewürztraminer 2020, Lynx Grenache 2019, Benguela Cove Malbec 2019, Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Brut 2017, Lanzerac Merlot 2019, Bon Courage Edellaatoes 2018, Le Bonheur Petit Verdot Reserve 2019, Mischa Reserve Petite Sirah 2020, Old Road Wine Elgin Pinot Noir 2019, Groot Constantia Pinotage 2019, Saronsberg Full Circle 2019 (red blend), Nuy Rooi Muskadel 2010, Nitida Riesling 2020, Stettyn Family Vineyards Rosé 2021, Mischa Roussanne 2021, Anura Signature Sangiovese 2016, Rietvallei Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Old Road Grand Mère Sémillon 2018, Saronsberg Shiraz 2019, Villa Esposto Straw Wine 2019, Piekenierskloof Tannat 2020, Baleia Tempranillo 2019, Deetlefs Signature Viognier 2019 and Nitida Coronata Integration 2018 (white blend).
The selected panel of judges comprises Jeff Grier (chairperson), Elunda Basson, Samantha De Morney, Carl Schultz and Anton Swarts.
The CEO of Novare, Ola Leepile, said, “We’re extremely proud to be in partnership with the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) to continue our sponsorship and hosting the 15th annual Terroir Wine Awards. In line with Novare’s philosophy of striving for excellence, the awards acknowledge and recognise exceptional quality, emphasising the best wine within its area, region or origin. The growth in number of new vineyards entering the competition each year demonstrates the importance of this accolade within the wine industry, where leading wineries can compete against each other and be part of this particular platform to showcase their outstanding wines.”
According to the chairperson of SANWSA, Christo Pienaar, “South Africa is one of the few wine countries worldwide with a demarcation committee of a wine and spirit board that analyses terrains and identifies them as individualistic. Wines of specific origin can be certified and stated as such on the label. This facilitates the amazing discovery of all the characterful wines with good structure created throughout our winelands. The soil and climate are fully utilised by the viticulturists”.
At the 16th annual Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards’ judging, SANWSA’s protocol list for safe judging, was fully implemented, which includes the following arrangements: An online form for screening to be completed by everyone; a fully sterilised ozone-treated judging hall; temperature-checking and hand sanitation on arrival; compulsory face-masks and judges maintaining a safe distance of 2 m; clean glasses for each round of wines and all glasses and coffee mugs cleansed in an automatic washer at 80°C.
2021 Novare SA Terroir Wine Award Winners
Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Wine Estate: Rietvallei Wine Estate
Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Producer: Rietvallei Wine Estate
Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Single Vineyard Wine: 2019 Koelenhof Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc
Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Area: Simonsberg-Paarl
Novare Trophy for SA Terroir Top Wine: 2020 Villion Henning Chenin
National Winners:
Class Name | Year | Description |
Cabernet Franc | 2015 | Ondine Cabernet Franc |
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018 | Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon |
Cap Classique | 2017 | Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Brut |
Cape Style Port | 2018 | De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve |
Certified Heritage Vineyard Wines | 2020 | Villion Henning Chenin Blanc |
Chardonnay | 2020 | De Grendel Op die Berg Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | Rietvallei Chenin Blanc |
Cinsaut | 2020 | Kaapzicht Skuinsberg Cinsaut |
Colombar | 2021 | Bon Courage André’s Fame Colombard |
Gewürztraminer | 2020 | Neethlingshof Estate Gewürztraminer |
Grenache | 2019 | Lynx Grenache |
Malbec | 2019 | Benguela Cove Estate Malbec |
Merlot | 2019 | Lanzerac Merlot |
Muscadel | 2010 | Nuy Rooi Muskadel |
NLH | 2018 | Bon Courage NLH |
Petit Verdot | 2019 | Le Bonheur Petit Verdot Reserve |
Petite Sirah | 2020 | Mischa Reserve Petite Sirah |
Pinot Noir | 2019 | Old Road Wine Co. Elgin Pinot Noir |
Pinotage | 2019 | Groot Constantia Pinotage |
Red blend | 2019 | Saronsberg Full Circle |
Riesling | 2020 | Nitida Riesling |
Rosé | 2021 | Stettyn Family Vineyards Chardonnay/Pinot Noir |
Roussanne | 2021 | Mischa Estate Roussanne |
Sangiovese | 2016 | Anura Signature Sangiovese |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Rietvallei Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc |
Sémillon | 2018 | Old Road Wine Co. Grand Mère Sémillon |
Shiraz | 2019 | Saronsberg Shiraz |
Straw wine | 2019 | Villa Esposto Straw Wine |
Tannat | 2020 | Piekenierskloof Tannat |
Tempranillo | 2019 | Baleia Tempranillo |
Viognier | 2019 | Deetlefs Signature Viognier |
White Cultivar Blend | 2018 | Nitida Coronata Integration |
AREA WINNERS:
Breedekloof District including wards
Cap Classique | 2015 | Mariëtte Chardonnay Cap Classique |
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | Daschbosch Mossiedrift Steen |
Malbec | 2019 | Deetlefs Signature Malbec |
Pinotage | 2019 | Flagstone Writers Block Pinotage |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Du Toitskloof Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc |
Viognier | 2019 | Deetlefs Signature Viognier |
White Blend | 2019 | Deetlefs Voyage |
Calitzdorp District
Cape Port Style | 2018 | De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve |
Muscadel | 2015 | Boplaas 1932 Block Hanepoot |
Red blend | 2018 | De Krans Tritonia Red |
Cape Agulhas District including wards
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Lomond Pincushion Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2018 | Lomond Cats Tail Shiraz |
White Blend | 2018 | Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon |
Cape Town District including wards
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018 | Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon |
Cap Classique | 2019 | Groot Phesantekraal Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique |
Chardonnay | 2019 | Groot Constantia Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2021 | Groot Phesantekraal Chenin Blanc |
Merlot | 2018 | Groot Constantia Merlot |
Muscadel | 2017 | Groot Constantia Grand Constance |
Pinotage | 2019 | Groot Constantia Pinotage |
Red blend | 2018 | Nitida Calligraphy |
Riesling | 2020 | Nitida Riesling |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | D’Aria The Wild Thing Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2018 | Groot Constantia Shiraz |
White Blend | 2018 | Nitida Coronata Integration |
Ceres Plato District
Chardonnay | 2020 | De Grendel Op die Berg Chardonnay |
Shiraz | 2019 | De Grendel Op die Berg Syrah |
Citrusdalberg District
Certified Heritage Vineyard Wines | 2019 | Piekenierskloof Carel van Zyl Grenache |
Cinsaut | 2020 | Piekenierskloof Cinsault |
Grenache | 2020 | Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir |
Shiraz | 2020 | Piekenierskloof Shiraz |
Straw wine | 2019 | Villa Esposto Straw Wine |
Tannat | 2020 | Piekenierskloof Tannat |
Darling District including wards
Cabernet Franc | 2015 | Ondine Cabernet Franc |
Chenin Blanc | 2019 | Ormonde Chip off the Old Block Chenin Blanc |
Red blend | 2019 | Cloof Winemaker’s Lynchpin |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Flagstone Free Run Reserve Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2018 | Cloof Crucible Shiraz |
Elgin District
Cabernet Franc | 2017 | Vrede en Lust Artisan Cabernet Franc |
Chardonnay | 2018 | Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2019 | Vrede en Lust Kogelberg Chenin Blanc |
Pinot Noir | 2019 | Old Road Wine Co. Elgin Pinot Noir |
Riesling | 2020 | Vrede en Lust Early Mist Riesling |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Sauvignon Blanc |
White Blend | 2018 | Vrede en Lust Barrique |
Franschhoek/Franschhoek Valley District
Certified Heritage Vineyard Wines | 2018 | Rickety Bridge The Pilgrimage |
Chardonnay | 2020 | Glenwood Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2019 | Old Road Wine Co. Stonerail Chenin Blanc |
Grenache | 2019 | Lynx Grenache |
Malbec | 2018 | La Couronne Franschhoek 1688 Malbec |
Pinot Noir | 2018 | Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir |
Pinotage | 2020 | Allée Bleue Blue Owl Pinotage |
Red blend | 2016 | Dieu Donné The Cross Collection Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon |
Rosé | 2020 | Allée Bleue Shiraz Rosé |
Sémillon | 2018 | Old Road Wine Co. Grand Mare Sémillon |
Shiraz | 2018 | Allée Bleue Shiraz |
Viognier | 2020 | Lynx Viognier |
White Blend | 2021 | Glenwood Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon |
Herbertsdale ward
Muscadel | 2021 | Jakkalsvlei Rooi Muskadel |
Rosé | 2021 | Jakkalsvlei Pinotage Rosé |
Lower Duivenhoks River District
Chardonnay | 2019 | Baleia Chardonnay |
Pinot Noir | 2020 | Casa da Baleia Pinot Noir |
Red blend | 2020 | Casa da Baleia Vinhos Rochas |
Tempranillo | 2019 | Baleia Tempranillo |
Lutzville Valley District
Pinotage | 2018 | Lutzville Classic Collection Pinotage |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Lutzville Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc |
Montagu Ward
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020 | Montagu Winery Cabernet Sauvignon |
Chenin Blanc | 2021 | Montagu Winery Chenin Blanc |
Muscadel | 2021 | Montagu Winery White Muscadel |
Red blend | 2020 | Montagu Winery Merlot/Ruby Cabernet |
Outeniqua Ward
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Boplaas Sauvignon Blanc Bobbejaansberg Family Reserve |
Overberg District including wards
Pinotage | 2019 | Raka Pinotage |
Shiraz | 2018 | Raka Biography Shiraz |
Paarl District including wards
Cabernet Franc | 2018 | Mitre’s Edge Cabernet Franc |
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018 | Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon |
Chardonnay | 2020 | Glen Carlou Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | Flagstone Paradigm Reserve Chenin Blanc |
Malbec | 2018 | Mt Vernon Malbec |
Merlot | 2018 | Plaisir de Merle Merlot |
Red blend | 2018 | Glen Carlou Collection Red Blend |
Sangiovese | 2016 | Anura Signature Sangiovese |
Shiraz | 2019 | Glen Carlou Syrah |
Robertson District including wards
Cabernet Franc | 2016 | Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc |
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2017 | Bon Courage Inkará Cabernet Sauvignon |
Cap Classique | 2017 | Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs |
Chardonnay | 2021 | De Wetshof Estate Limestone Hill |
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | Rietvallei Chenin Blanc |
Colombard | 2021 | Bon Courage André’s Fame Colombard |
Merlot | 2020 | Bonnievale The River Collection Merlot |
Muscadel | 2018 | Rietvallei Muscadel |
NLH | 2018 | Bon Courage NLH |
Pinot Noir | 2020 | Kranskop Pinot Noir |
Red blend | 2016 | Rietvallei Estate Red |
Rosé | 2021 | Bon Courage Lady of the House Pinotage Rosé |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Rietvallei Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2020 | Bonnievale The River Collection Shiraz |
Tannat | 2019 | Kranskop Tannat |
Stellenbosch District including wards
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2017 | Alto Cabernet Sauvignon |
Cap Classique | 2010 | Lourensford Extra Brut Cuveé 101 |
Cape Port Style | 2015 | Lourensford Kurkbos Port |
Certified Heritage Vineyard Wines | 2019 | Koelenhof Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc |
Chardonnay | 2019 | Bartinney Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin Blanc |
Cinsaut | 2020 | Kaapzicht Skuinsberg Cinsaut |
Gewürztraminer | 2020 | Neethlingshof Estate Gewürztraminer |
Merlot | 2019 | Lanzerac Merlot |
NLH | 2019 | Neethlingshof Estate Maria NLH |
Petit Verdot | 2019 | Le Bonheur Petit Verdot Reserve |
Pinotage | 2019 | Kaapzicht Pinotage |
Red blend | 2018 | Bellevue The Reserve Collection Tumara |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2021 | Neethlingshof Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2018 | Lanzerac Syrah |
Viognier | 2020 | Lourensford Limited Release Viognier |
White Blend | 2017 | Lourensford Chrysalis White |
Tulbagh District
Red blend | 2019 | Saronsberg Full Circle |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2021 | Saronsberg Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2019 | Saronsberg Shiraz |
Viognier | 2019 | Saronsberg Viognier |
Upper Langkloof Ward
Muscadel | 2021 | Jakkalsvlei Hanepoot |
Walker Bay District including wards
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019 | Villion Cabernet Sauvignon |
Certified Heritage Vineyard Wines | 2020 | Villion Henning Chenin Blanc |
Chardonnay | 2020 | Benguela Cove Estate Chardonnay |
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | Villion Jo Vabond Chenin Blanc |
Malbec | 2019 | Benguela Cove Estate Malbec |
Cap Classique | 2017 | Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Brut |
NLH | 2020 | Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc NLH |
Pinot Noir | 2016 | La Vierge Apogée Pinot Noir |
Pinotage | 2017 | Springfontein Terroir Selection Pinotage |
Red blend | 2017 | Springfontein Limestone Rocks Whole Lotta Love |
Sauvignon Blanc | 2020 | Benguela Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
Shiraz | 2017 | Springfontein Daredevils’ Drums Bunches Broken |
Wellington District including wards
Cabernet Franc | 2020 | Mischa Estate Cabernet Franc |
Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020 | Mischa Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
Chardonnay | 2017 | Doolhof Morestond Chardonnay |
Grenache | 2020 | Mischa Reserve Grenache |
Malbec | 2018 | Signatures of Doolhof Single Vineyard Collection Malbec |
Merlot | 2018 | Signatures of Doolhof Single Vineyard Collection Merlot |
Petite Sirah | 2020 | Mischa Reserve Petite Sirah |
Pinotage | 2018 | Signatures of Doolhof Single Vineyard Collection Pinotage |
Red blend | 2020 | Mischa Reserve Cerno |
Roussanne | 2021 | Mischa Estate Roussanne |
Sémillon | 2017 | Hildenbrand Estate Barrel Fermented Semillon |
Worcester District including wards
Chenin Blanc | 2020 | De Wet Cellar Leyland Steen |
Merlot | 2019 | Stettyn Family Vineyards Merlot |
Muscadel | 2010 | Nuy Rooi Muskadel |
Pinotage | 2018 | Nuy Mastery Pinotage |
Red blend | 2018 | Stettyn Family Vineyards Guardian |
Rosé | 2021 | Stettyn Family Vineyards Chardonnay/Pinot Noir |
Shiraz | 2019 | Stettyn Family Vineyards Shiraz |
White Blend | 2021 | Stettyn Family Vineyards Stone White |