Stellenbosch Wine Routes Triumphs in National Wine Challenge

Friday, 6 May, 2016
Stellenbosch Wine Routes
The first and foremost Stellenbosch Wine Routes showed its mettle at the National Wine Challenge (NWC) 2016, which now incorporates the Top 100 SA Wines, with numerous major winners stemming from the country’s ‘Wine Capital’.

The following Stellenbosch vineyards were Double Platinum/ Top 100 winners at this year’s fine-wine-only challenge:  Spier triumphed with six Top 100 wines, Jordan and Rustenberg both with 4 wines, whilst Longridge and Simonsig each gained 3 top podium spots in addition to their Double Platinum status. Peter Falke and Eikendal also style amongst the Double Platinum/Top 100 winners, each cracking the nod with a red cellar gem – the Ruby Blend 2013 and Pinotage 2014 respectively.

Spier’s Cellarmaster Frans Smith had the following to say about his impressive six wins:  ‘The result is amazing for us and is a great reflection of the dedication and understanding of the viticulturist and winemaking team.  They truly have a deep understanding of each individual block, managing them with care during the ripening season. Similar care is applied to crafting the wines during the winemaking stages. All these wines are very individual and are being made every year from the same blocks for many years, confirming the importance of terroir in consistently creating top class wines.”

The NWC also awarded sought-after Grand Cru award to ‘Best in Class’ winners per cultivar or blend. Stellenbosch producers that came out tops in this category were Jordan with 3 ‘Best in Class’ winning wines and Longridge, Oldenburg, Simonsig and Tokara, each making the grade with one of their esteemed wines.  

'After almost a quarter century of winemaking, consistency and world class quality define our style at Jordan Wine Estate. Being in control of one’s destiny is a lot easier when one has a really strong team. Right now we have the strongest team we have ever had and are therefore able to raise the bar in every aspect of our business. Accolades like these reaffirm that we are on the right track, with older vines and a profound understanding of our terroir enabling us to ensure the ultimate Synergy between Soul and Soil,” shared an elated Gary Jordan of Jordan Estate (4 wins; 3 Best in Class).