The panel of judges declared the entry as “an ultra-friendly wine” warranting the competition-winning rating as “a very good wine with fine character and style”.The accolade re-affirms the quality and great value of Earthbound wines and follows on the heels of several local and international awards it has received in the recent months. These include two at Decanter World Wine Awards; three at IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition); and, a double gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.“The view that organic wine sacrifices quality is simply not valid anymore,” says Earthbound winemaker Samuel Viljoen. “The consistency in success of these wines at all levels proves that you can now confidently make a responsible purchase and enjoy a very good wine at the same time.”The Earthbound Chenin Blanc 2014 was made with grapes produced on Papkuilsfontein Vineyards in the West Coast district of Darling. Conventionally grown grapes are sprayed with up to 15 different pesticides. Papkuilsfontein Vineyards however, uses alternative and environmentally friendly solutions to address farming challenges. They are certified 100% organic. The farm has installed owl boxes to help control rodents and a specialised machine utilises steam to eradicate weeds. In addition to these responsible farming practices, the farm is Fairtrade accredited, which means that the sale of Earthbound wine directly benefits workers, through a fund administered by a worker-dominant committee.The Nedbank Green Wine Awards were launched in 2009 to acknowledge the efforts of wine producers in conserving the land while making better wines in environmentally responsible ways. Entry wines are tasted blind and scored to identify finalists, which are re-tasted and ranked to determine a winner. The competition organisers said entry numbers had increased this year, and the judges noted an improvement in quality.In tasting notes for the Earthbound Chenin Blanc 2014, the panel tasters identified aromas of tropical fruit, pear and pineapple vivacity. They added: “The palate is packed with zesty lemon freshness and ripe pineapple and melon flavour. Cheerful, ripe and sunny.”The Earthbound Chenin Blanc 2014 sells for R45.96 and is available throughout the country at all leading wine retailers. For more information about Earthbound wines email info@earthboundwines.co.za or visit www.earthboundwines.co.za and join them on Facebook at EarthboundWines.Earthbound is part of the Cape Legends, an extensive collection of superlative quality, award-winning wines from several boutique estates situated in and around the Cape Winelands. For more information about the Cape Legends fine wines, visit www.capelegends.co.za.