Michelangelo Platinum level introduced for exceptional wines

Friday, 14 June, 2013
FireColumn Communication
Joining the Michelangelo International Wine Awards’ established range of ‘first’, the competition will this year introduce a platinum level as recognition tier within the awards. The platinum awards tier will be added above the Gran d’Or (double gold) medals for superior wines scoring above 98 points.
Some of the competition’s other innovative developments included the introduction of South Africa's first award for Brandy in 2006, and the Garagiste Trophy, a first for small winemakers in 2003.

Currently in its 17th year, the Michelangelo International Wine Awards built a reputation as a credible and unique wine competition.  It is the only wine competition in South Africa with a completely international panel of wine judges while wines are adjudicated according to the OIV's international 100 point system.

Michelangelo's Technical Director, Sue van Wyk, says, "The Michelangelo Awards does not easily award medals. Only the top one-third of entrants receives medals and no bronze medals or merit awards are given. Receiving a Michelangelo medal is considered an achievement to be proud of as even a silver medal requires a minimum of 86% in the blind judging.  Gran d'Or achievers receiving a score of more than 98% will now qualify for a platinum medal. Displaying a platinum award on a wine bottle will identify exceptional performance and outstanding quality."

"It is indeed a rare wine which achieves such a high score – less than 2% of entries will fall in this tier," says Michelangelo's Managing Director, Lorraine Immelman. "We believe such an achievement needs to be highlighted and honoured with a special award."

Background information
  • In 2012 a total of 1,432 entries were received. Of these  44 Gran d'Or medals were awarded to 42 wines and two brandies, as well as 151 gold en 291 silver medals.
  • All entries are judged blind, using the international 100-point system. The judging process and all results are audited by DDI Financial Solutions.
  • Since the competition’s inception in 1997 more than 160 judges from 37 countries served on the judging panels. All judges are accredited international wine judges and are hand-picked to serve on the jury. This year boasts a panel representing  Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, the Philippines, Slovakia,  the United Kingdom and South African.
The Michelangelo supports Fairtrade and awards the best ethically and sustainably produced red and white wines entered by a Fairtrade certified winery.

Furthermore, the Michelangelo International Wine Awards is the only competition to officially accept tank or barrel samples (accompanied by an independent lab analysis) which allows producers to measure the quality of their wines before bottling.

Two new trophies are being introduced in 2013, namely the Best Coffee/Mocha-Style Pinotage Trophy, sponsored by Toneleria Naçional SA and the Best MCC Trophy, sponsored by African Cellar Suppliers.

Entries for the 2013 Michelangelo International Wine Awards open on 1 July. Follow the competition on www.facebook.com/MichelangeloAwards or via Twitter @MiwaAwards. Entries can be submitted via www.michelangeloawards.com.