The panel
was chaired by Johan Jordaan of Spier Wines, who also heads up the Cabernet
Sauvignon Interest Group. Other members of the panel included Cape Wine
Master, Nina-Mari Bruwer, wine journalist Samarie Smith, sommelier Georgio
Meletiou of the Cullinan Hotel, Mark Norrish of Ultra Liquors representing the
retail industry and Izele van Blerk representing the Chardonnay Interest
Group.
This year,
entries for the Paarl Wine Challenge were limited to two varietals for grapes
both produced and vinified in Paarl. As expected, the new format saw a
decrease in entries, but organisers agreed that quality rather than quantity
was the focus.
According
to Stephen Richardson, Chairman of the Paarl Wine Route, the contest was
limited to wines from the appellation of Paarl to give smaller producers a
platform from which to promote their wines. “It is inspiring to see a broad
spectrum of producers in the line-up and following the positive feedback from
the tasting panel, we know that Paarl can hold its own as one of the top wine
producing regions in the world,” says Richardson.
Producers
attended a brief feedback session with the tasting panel following the blind
tasting. The general feedback was extremely positive from both the
critical wine experts and the consumer orientated judges. “Today was a
tough judging day as we had some really good wines in the mix. Wines were
well balanced and integrated and showcased the typography of the area nicely”,
said Jordaan.
The panel
did however favour the Chardonnays and commented on the distinct styles evident
in the line-up. “A strong sense of place is becoming increasingly important
to the consumer and some of the Chardonnays we tasted today are a great
benchmark for the region. The winning wine exhibited great balance
between the flavour, wood and lingering after taste,” continued Jordaan.
He further explained that although the competition was
closely contested amongst the white wines, the Cabernet Sauvignons were also
well-rounded and balanced. “It is important to remember that wine is both
a science and an art and that competitions such as this one, is specifically
aimed at highlighting the unique selling points of a specific region,” said
Johan.
According
to Stephen Richardson, Chairman of the Paarl Wine Route, the Paarl Wine
Challenge was originally started to encourage healthy competition amongst wine
producers in the region and to provide a much needed marketing platform.
“Paarl
region is definitely building its reputation for exceptional quality wines and
outstanding performances by its winemakers. It is particularly
rewarding to see Paarl wines featuring strongly across the board at
competitions and challenges such as the SA Young Wine Show, Michelangelo Wine
Awards as well as the International Wine and Spirits Challenge,” explains
Richardson.
Richardson concluded that it was good to see consensus from
judges both from the retail and winemaking industries on the top scoring wines
in each category. “This proves that the wines could not be faulted on
quality, while the winemakers also showed a clear understanding of their
consumers and their specific preferences.”
In 2016,
the spotlight will fall on Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, while 2017 will feature
Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2018, it will be the turn for Merlot and
White Blends, while Red Blends and Viognier will be battling it out in 2019.