Zonnebloem wins Gold at international wine competition

Thursday, 21 September, 2017
Zonnebloem Wines
Zonnebloem recently walked away with four medals at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2017. Adding to the brand’s impressive list of accolades, the 2015 Zonnebloem Pinotage was awarded a Gold medal at the competition, while the 2014 Lauréat received a Silver Outstanding, and both the 2015 Zonnebloem Shiraz and 2015 Merlot took home a Silver.

Now in its 48th year, the IWSC aims to acknowledge and reward excellence displayed by wines and spirits globally, receiving entries from nearly 90 countries worldwide. Judging for the Competition is unique in that it incorporates a rigorous two-stage process, which includes a blind tasting as well as a detailed chemical and microbiological analysis.

Elize Coetzee, cellar master at Zonnebloem, says that being acknowledged in such an esteemed competition is a great honour, but one that is well-deserved by the team. “The IWSC is considered to be the international benchmark for quality in the industry, so for two of our wines to be recognised means a great deal. While such an achievement is a team effort, special thanks must go to the winemaking team for ensuring such a high standard is consistently maintained.”

The location of the vineyards and precise sourcing of grapes is a key element of the wines’ quality, adds Coetzee. “The grapes of the gold medal-winning Zonnebloem Pinotage 2015 were sourced from trellised, dry land and irrigated vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Kloof, Devon Valley and Helderberg areas, and were harvested by hand.

“Each vineyard block was individually vinified and as most are south-west facing, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes that contribute to the slow ripening of the grapes and concentrated fruit flavours. The result? A deep red full-bodied wine, bursting with cherry flavours and spice.”

Coetzee concludes that these awards stand testament to the brand’s commitment to crafting classic wines with skills learned and developed over generations. “Since 1856, Zonnebloem has been crafting classic and award-winning wines. These awards serve to signal our commitment to continue producing wines of unwavering substance and quality.”

All award-winning wines are available at retail outlets nationwide and can also be delivered to your door when purchased online through the Vinotèque.

Visit www.zonnebloem.co.za or make contact on Facebook or via Twitter for more information.