What is Quest for the Best?
“Quest for the Best” is a competition initiated for 100% Wellington wines by Wellington, celebrating the wine district’s quest to showcase the overall quality and diversity of the Wine of Origin Wellington.
Judging
During the judging process on 21 July a record number of 92 wines by 16 Wellington producers were tasted blind by six well-known judges. The wines are judged and scored according to a tried and tested points system.
The judges are:
- Bennie Howard – Cape Wine Master & vice chairperson SANWSA
- Samarie Smith – Editor Die Burger Versnit supplement
- Sandile Mkhwanazi – Journalist at WineLand Magazine
- Johann Fourie – Chief winemaker KWV
- Danielle le Roux – Winemaker Asara
- Kris Snyman- Cybercellar
According to Cape Wine Master and Vice Chairperson of the SANWSA, Bennie Howard, this year’s outstanding categories are Chenin blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz.
“Chenin blancs had good ripe fruit, the styles were quite diverse – from fresh and fruity to well wooded wines. Both Pinotage and Shiraz classes excelled with beautiful black berry aromas and good tannin structures and a excellent use of wood,” says Howard.
The 2016 Quest for the Best top 10 wines from Wellington are:
- Bosman Family Vineyards – Bosman Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
- Doolhof Wine Estate – Lady in White 2010
- Wellington Wines – La Cave Pinotage 2015
- Wellington Wines – La Cave Shiraz 2014
- Mont du Toit - Les Coteaux Cabernet Franc 2012
- Andreas Wine – Adreas Shiraz 2013
- Diemersfontein Wines – Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Viognier 2015
- Diemersfontein Wines – Woolworths Reserve Collection Pinotage 2014
- Douglas Green – Douglas Green Chenin Blanc 2016
- Linton Park Wines - Linton Park Merlot 2015
The list is filled with old favourites and some new surprises. Wellington Wines and Diemersfontein each took two places in the top 10 while Bosman Family Vineyards Cabernet 2008 won for the second consecutive year.
Sponsorship
Since September 2012, Mutual & Federal Agri is the name sponsor of the Wellington Wine Route.
“We share a common goal and our partnership is built on a mutual strive towards excellence,” says Andries Wiese, Group Manager of Agriculture at Mutual & Federal Agri. “Mutual & Federal Agri has been a provider of financial security to the Agricultural community for the last 185 year and this is an extension thereof. We are proud to be associated with the Wellington Wine Route and their initiative to reward excellence,” says Wiese.
For more info please contact +27.218641378 or email wine@wellington.co.za.
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