The competition, now in its 184th year, also offers upcoming wine tasters the chance to hone their evaluation skills during this marathon judging session. In addition to the seven highly qualified and experienced judges in each of the categories, an eighth trainee judge is added to each panel. The junior judges’ scores are not added to the final tally. “We are preparing a future generation of wine judges for the competition as well as the industry as a whole,” says Bennie Howard, vice-chairperson of the SANWSA who organises the Show.
The Shiraz class attracted the most entries (161) followed by Any Red Cultivar Blend (153), Chenin Blanc (152), Chardonnay (136), Cabernet Sauvignon (125), Pinotage (124) and Sauvignon Blanc (117). Only one of the contestants will be heralded as the overall champion young wine and presented with the coveted General Smuts trophy. The Pietman Hugo trophy for the cellar with the highest marks for entries in five categories is also at stake.
A total of 17 SA Champion trophies are to be won for Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Other White Cultivars, Dry White Blends, Off-dry White Wines and Noble Late Harvest. In the classes for red wines, trophies are awarded for the finest Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red Cultivars and Dry Red Blends. Judges will also be looking for the most outstanding Port, Dessert Wine and Muscadel.
The luminaries of the 2016 vintage will be announced during a gala event, co-sponsored by Agri-Expo with the support of Sanlam and Santam, on Saturday 20 August at the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town.
For more information, contact the SA Young Wine office at tel 021 863 1599 or e-mail info@veritas.co.za.
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