The Show is an annual competition that accounts different wine regions’ best vintages. Involved areas include Paarl, Robertson, Breedekloof, Stellenbosch, Oranje-Vaal, Olifants River, Swartland and Little Karoo. From more than 1 700 entries judged and 51 champion trophies awarded, Boland Cellar’s 2017 One Formation white blend won the Akura Trophy for Champion Dry White Blend at the Paarl Young Wine Show. The cellar also took the CJP Chemicals Trophy as Chenin Blanc Champion for Paarl.
The term, ‘One Formation’, associates different elements - in this case, three varietals - that were combined to form a singular blend. The range includes white and red blends. Paarl is particularly renowned for varietals such as Chenin blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz which form the cornerstones of the different blends. The wines were inspired by experimenting with lesser-known varietals to result in a range of authentic regional blends. Consequently, the 2017 white vintage evolved in a Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc and Grenache blanc blend.
According to Maraleze Knoetze, head of marketing at Boland Cellar, the One Formation label honours the brand’s ‘Pioneers Of Collaboration’ ethos that is key to the Cellar’s longstanding heritage. “With Chenin blanc being a foundational varietal in the One Formation white blend, a double championship award in the white wine categories truly shows Chenin Blanc’s versatility and potential to highlight the varietals’ appeal. The 2017 vintage, provides layers of apple, kiwi and gooseberry with citrus undertones, and pairs well with seafood dishes.
One Formation's white blends retail from approximately R80 per bottle at Picardi Rebel outlets nationwide and at the cellar in Paarl.