With all eyes on Styria in Austria as host of the largest Sauvignon Blanc competition in the world from 18-20 April 2024, a rare treat awaits Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts to taste award-winning Austrian wines on South African soil.
On Friday evening, 26 April, one day after the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), Sauvignon Blanc South Africa will host an Austrian Sauvignon Blanc Feast at Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch from 17h00 until 19h30.
Enjoy a feast of wine, ‘brettljause’, and music
Guests will be treated to Austrian Sauvignon Blanc from the acclaimed Südsteiermark and beyond, including gold and silver medal winners, awarded at the 2023 Sauvignon Selection by CMB (previously Concours Mondial du Sauvignon) which was hosted in South Africa in March 2023. From 1 210 entries from across the globe, Austria took top honours in this competition, garnering 85 medals – 45 gold and 40 silver – as well as the Dubourdieu Trophy for the best Sauvignon in the competition awarded to Sauvignon Blanc Sieme Eichberg by the Adam-Lieleg winery from Steiermark.
Five food stands will feature chef Nic van Wyk’s take on authentic cuisine from the culinary heart of Central Europe, with Wiener schnitzel; Austrian mac and cheese or käsespätzle; the traditional pan dish gröstl; a brettljause cheese and meat platter; and apfelstrudel on the menu. Live music by renowned guitarist, violinist, and composer Wilken Calitz promises an entertaining evening.
Celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day
“Sauvignon Blanc is a cultivar characterised by a sense of place, and like South African Sauvignon Blanc, which reflects the very best of our distinctive regions, Austrian Sauvignon Blanc presents variety in style and origin,” says RJ Botha, Kleine Zalze cellarmaster and chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA.
Botha will represent South Africa on the jury of 65 international specialists from around 20 nationalities at this year’s Sauvignon Selection by CMB competition in Austria.
“Austria is known for producing outstanding wines with great ageing potential,” Botha says. “Styrian Sauvignon Blanc is acclaimed as some of the best in the world, and this festival creates a special opportunity for our guests to celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day this year.”
To book for the Austrian Sauvignon Blanc Feast at R950 per person, e-mail restaurant@kleinezalze.co.za. For any enquiries, call 021 880 8167.