The Graves sub-region of Bordeaux excels at under-stated,
oak-aged dry whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. In simple terms,
Sauvignon Blanc provides freshness while Semillon provides palate weight but
when it comes to the best examples, it’s a case of the whole being greater than
the sum of the parts.
Sauv-Sem blends are a niche category within South Africa but
there is general agreement that overall quality is exceptionally high and the
RisCura White Hot Wine Awards serves to provide these wines with the attention
they deserve.
30 entries were received from 21 producers for this year’s
competition. 12 wines were rated 90 or higher on the 100-point quality scale
and these were recognised during an event held at Tjing Tjing Torii, in Cape
Town on Wednesday, 2 August.
The top wines were as follows:
94
Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2013
93
Constantia Glen Two 2014
Nitida Coronata Integration 2014
92
Oak Valley Mountain Reserve 2011
Tokara Director's Reserve 2014
Vergelegen G.V.B. 2013
91
Highlands Road Sine Cera 2013
Gabriëlskloof Magdalena 2013
Strandveld Adamastor 2012
Trizanne Signature Wines Sauvignon Blanc Semilon Reserve 2014
90
Constantia Uitsig Constantia 2013
Strandveld Adamastor 2013
As best wine overall, the Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2013
won a new top-of-range 225-litre Grande Reserve Château Tradition barrel from Tonnellerie Sylvain. This
competition is a companion project to the RisCura Red
Hot Wine Awards begun this year and featuring blends from the red varieties
of Bordeaux, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and
Petit Verdot.
Follow the action on twitter #RisCuraWhiteHot
For the full report: #RisCuraWhiteHot Wine Awards WInemag.co.za are
hosting two Public Tastings events to showcase the top-rated Bordeaux –style
white blends to the wine enthusiast. Tickets are available online for 23rd
September in Johannesburg and 30th September in Cape Town, at the
Radisson Blu Hotel Gautrain and Waterfront, respectively.