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South Africa Chenin Blanc shines at international competitions

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in the news » South Africa Chenin Blanc shines at international competitions
published on: 25 May 2012      source: Spier
 
South Africa is fast being recognised as one of the world's leading producers of Chenin Blanc, with recent awards giving top honours for this varietal.
Spier's 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2010 has received three important global accolades in the past week, most significantly a prestigious Decanter Regional Trophy announced yesterday. The wine also achieved a Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge and a Gold at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

"Chenin Blanc was one of the first varietals planted in South Africa, so it's an important part of our heritage that needs to be celebrated and showcased to the world," says Frans Smit, Spier Cellar Master. "It is fantastic to see our wines being recognised at these international competitions as it proves that South Africa is one of the world leaders in producing fine wine Chenin Blanc."
 
Smit says that South Africa's interesting terroir and old Chenin Blanc vines have a lot to do with the success of this varietal. "It is a true blessing that we still have some of these old vineyards as many of South Africa's Chenin Blanc vines have been pulled out. The grande dames that survived need to be protected, and we should start planting new vines now so future generations can enjoy wines made from old vineyards."
 
According to Smit, the versatility of the varietal also lends itself to creating wines in a diversity of styles. "Chenin Blanc is more robust than many of the other cultivars," he says. "There is also a bigger portfolio of terroir available for Chenin Blanc, and because the terroir can be so varied, you can produce wines that are completely different in style but of equally good quality. It is more difficult for other varietals to achieve this versatility.
 
"South African producers are creating wonderful wines across the spectrum of styles, and I believe that in the years to come Chenin Blanc will be seen as SA's flagship varietal."
 
 
Comments comments < hide 2 comments > COMMENTS add a comment
  Your 21 Gables  - Bernard J. Blydenstein - 2012/05/27 09:20:22 PM
I am a strong believer in SA Chenin Blanc. You can beat the French at making top Chenin Blanc. And you did just that.
Who represents you in the Dutch market? I will ask them where I can buy your 21 G.
Kind regards

Bernard J. Blydenstein
  21 Gables Chenin Blanc  - Eve Jell - 2012/06/01 11:40:07 AM
Hi Bernard - thanks for your great comments, and your support for SA Chenin! Our 21 Gables is not yet widely available in Europe, and is currently sold out from our European on-line shop, but if you contact me directly, we should be able to make a plan for you. My e-mail address is evej@spier.c.za
Cheers

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