The National Wine Challenge, which incorporates Top 100 SA Wines, the premier fine-wine-only event in South Africa, announced its winning wines at a special event held on 25 April.
The competition is recognised as the leading fine-wine awards brand both in South Africa and abroad, and aims to identify winning wines by cultivar and blend, with medals awarded for the top-scoring wines. The categories of awards are divided into Grand Cru 1st place, Double Platinum, Double Gold and Double Silver. In addition to this the Top 100 highest scoring wines are grouped to form the elite ‘Top 100 SA Wines’, a club of SA’s finest wines.
De Krans received recognition for its Cape Vintage Reserve 2014 (Top 100 & Double Platinum), Touriga Nacional 2015 (Top 100 & Double Platinum as well as Grand Cru National Champion Best in Class) and Tritonia Calitzdorp Blend 2015 (Double Gold).
The Touriga Nacional is produced from grapes grown on the farm and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. A deep dark colour the wine displays intense fruit flavours of blackberries, violets and spice. Winemaker Louis van der Riet recommends serving this award-winning wine with a succulent ostrich fillet or any other game dish.
Produced from several Portuguese varieties, and aged in oak for 22 months before bottling, the Cape Vintage Reserve, according to Louis will reach its optimal drinking potential if left to age for a further 20 to 30 years. The port is dark deep red and displays a beautiful aromatic nose of violets, red berries, vanilla and dark chocolate. On the palate, you’ll be met with alluring red fruits, dried prunes and cocoa flavours. Enjoy on its own during the colder months or serve with baked desserts or combine with a sauce to serve with your chosen dessert. Best enjoyed with matured cheeses as well.
Not forgetting the Tritonia Calitzdorp Blend, which is a dry red blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barocca. The wine is a ruby red colour with complex flavours of violets, cloves and red fruit on the nose. Savoury and a fine-grained structure with lovely integrated wood and a delightful elegance are prominent on the palate. Best enjoyed with ostrich, venison dishes, as well as pies and a roast.
For more information on De Krans and its range of superb wines and ports visit www.dekrans.co.za.