Hong kong

Overall, South African wine producers performed admirably, while some did outstandingly well, at the 10th edition Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition that formed part of the recent HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2018 (9-11 November).

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition is the first truly Asian wine competition in the world, providing winemakers with instant prestige in the market and is Designed and run by the most influential figures in the Asia and international wine industry. Judged by Asian judges, the results are a definitive guide to the best wine and spirits for Asian consumers.

Nederburg’s Heritage Heroes The Motorcycle Marvel 2016 was announced the winner of the ‘best wine from South Africa’ trophy and also earned a gold award.

“We’re very excited about this fantastic honour achieved for our deliciously rich and complex Rhône-style blend,” says Andrea Freeborough, who heads up the Nederburg winemaking team. “The 2016 vintage of this wine features 35% Carignan, 32% Shiraz, 19% Grenache and 14% Mourvèdre.

Franschhoek-based Leopard’s Leap palmed in the ‘Best Merlot/Merlot Blend’ trophy for its Special Edition Red Blend 2016 (including a gold medal). Leopard’s Leap did exceptionally well, winning gold medals for its Culinaria Collection grand Vin 2016 and Pinot Noir 2016 as well.

Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar was another top performer from South Africa, collecting gold medals for its Reserve Verraux Pinotage 2016 and silver medals for its Albertus Viljoen Bismarck 2015 and Albertus Viljoen Chenin blanc 2017.

Asara Wine Estate and De Grendel Wines also won a gold medals for its Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016 and Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2017 respectively.

The Silver Medal winners are:

  • Bottega Family Wines: The Idiom Collection Cabernet Sauvignon/Cab Franc/Merlot/Petit Verdot 2013 & The Idiom Collection Cape Blend 2014
  • Cederberg Cellar: Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 & Cederberg Shiraz 2016
  • Distell: Alto 1693 Stellenbosch 2013 & Alto Shiraz Stellenbosch 2016 *& Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot 2016 & Fleur du Cap Series Privée Pinotage Coastal Region 2016.
  • Doolhof Wine Estate: Dark Lady, Dark Delight Pinotage 2017
  • Ken Forrester: Renegade Stellenbosch 2013 & Toffee Chunk Syrah 2016
  • KWV: Café Culture Pinotage 2017 & Classic Collection Merlot 2017 & Classic Collection Pinotage 2017 & Classic Collection Chenin blanc 2017 & Laborie Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
  • MAN Vintners: MAN Family Wines Jan Fiskaal Merlot Coastal Region 2016 & MAN Family Wines Skaapveld Shiraz Coastal Region 2017 & Free-Run Steen Chenin blanc Coastal Region 2018 & Padstal Chardonnay Coastal Region 2018.
  • Overhex Wines International: Survivor Pinotage Swartland 2017 & Survivor Chenin Blanc Swartland 2018
  • Paul Cluver Wines: Elgin Estate Pinot Noir 2017 & Elgin Estate Chardonnay 2017 & Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2018
  • Perdeberg Wines: The Dry Land Collection Conqueror Cabernet Sauvignon Paarl 2015 & Dry Land Collection Resolve Pinotage Paarl 2015
  • The Drift Estate: Moveable Feast 2015
  • Graham Beck: Blanc de Blancs 2013 Brut NV (Sparkling Wine)

The Bronze Medal Winners are:

  • Alvi’s Drift: Reserve Drift Fusion 2015
  • Asara Wine Estate: Private Cellar Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2017
  • Bottega Family Wines: Whalehaven Conservation Coast Pinot Noir 2014
  • De Grendel Wines: Merlot 2016 & Rubaiyat 2015
  • Distell: Fleur du Cap Essence du Cap Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 & Nederburg Auction Reserve Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 & Nederburg The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
  • Doolhof Wine Estate: Lady in White Chenin blanc 2017
  • Druk My Niet Wine Estate: Invictus 2013
  • KWV: Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 & Roodeberg Red 2016 & Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2016 & Cuvée Brut Sparkling NV & Laborie Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé NV (Sparkling Wine)
  • La Motte: Franschhoek Syrah 2015 & Millennium Merlot Cabernet Franc 2016 & The Pierneef Collection Syrah Viognier 2016 & The Pierneef Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017
  • Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards: Culinaria Chenin blanc 2016
  • Overhex Wines International: Balance Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017
  • Paul Cluver Wines: Elgin Estate Riesling 2017
  • Perdeberg Wines: The Dry Land Collection Tenacity Shiraz Paarl 2014
  • UVA Mira Mountain Vineyards: The Mira Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
  • Kwong Tai Hong Sealand Products: Ja Mocha Pinotage 2017 & Simonsvlei Paragon SMCV 2016 & Val du Charron Reserve Pinot Gris 2017
  • Graham Beck: Brut Rosé NV (Sparkling Wine)