The Breedekloof Wine Valley, rapidly becoming known for its wines that over-deliver on price, earning it the reputation as ‘South Africa’s most generous wine route’, once again showed that it can comfortably claim this title, with no less than 36 medals awarded to its wineries at the recently concluded Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.
Wines entered into this much-acclaimed competition are judged by a panel of esteemed local and international judges, who taste the wines blind and adjudicate according to the international 100-point system. A highly competitive awards system, this competition receives close to 2000 entries yearly, with wines only awarded a medal if they fall within the top-scoring one-third of entries received.
This year, the top performing winery from the valley is undoubtedly Bergsig Estate, with a praiseworthy six medals awarded to wines from its portfolio. This winery also received the highest scoring wine from the Breedekloof Wine Valley for its Bersig Icarus White Blend 2016. This floral white blend – a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and dollop of Riesling – received an impressed nod from judges, earning it a Platinum Award.
Bergsig completed its tally of awards with Double Golds for its Bergsig Estate Chenin Blanc Reserve 2016 and for its Bergsig Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2013 respectively. Proving that this winery’s flagship is made consistently well, Gold Medals were awarded to both the Bergsig Icarus Red Blend 2012 and 2014 vintages. Bergsig also received a Gold Medal for its Bergsig Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012.
Bergsig Estate belongs to the Lategan Family, and has been in the same family hands for more than 170 years. In keeping with the Valley’s reputation, Bergsig Estate’s objective is to “make wines that don’t cost the earth” – at only R180 for this winery’s award-winning Icarus blends, it is a goal that is undoubtedly achieved. Says De Wet Lategan, winemaker and owner at Bergsig Estate: “Our Icarus wines are made in a vibrant and distinct style, and like the ancient mythical creature the names refers to, I would like to think that it is a wine that lifts one’s spirit, and one that will leave a lasting impression on whoever consumes it.”
The Breedekloof Wine Valley further boasts with seven additional Double Gold Medal winners from the region: Botha Kelder Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2015, Du Toitskloof Selected Vineyard Dimension Red 2012, Du Toitskloof Cape Ruby 2010, Merwida Chardonnay 2016, Stofberg Family Vineyards Mariëtte Chenin Blanc 2015 and Daschbosch Steen 2016.
Recognising the craft movement that is taking place along the Old N1 in the valley, a Double Gold Medal went to Stofberg Family Vineyards’ Old N1 Distillery Fijnbos Field Gin, made in limited quantities by award-winning winemaker Mariëtte Stofberg.
Comments Melody Botha, CEO of Breedekloof Wine Valley Tourism: “This year’s Michelangelo Wine & Spirits Awards show a spread of medals across various varieties, wine styles and even a craft gin. We are happy that the Valley’s diversity is celebrated as this shows that whatever your preference there is a generous wine with an award on it waiting for you in our valley!”
For full results refer to attached spreadsheet:
Platinum
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|
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Bergsig Estate
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Bergsig Icarus White Blend
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2016
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Double Gold
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|
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Bergsig Estate
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Bergsig Estate Chenin Blanc Reserve
|
2016
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Bergsig Estate
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Bergsig Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
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2013
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Botha Kelder
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Botha Kelder Chardonnay Barrel Fermented
|
2015
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Du Toitskloof Winery
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Du Toitskloof Selected Vineyard Dimension Red
|
2012
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Du Toitskloof Winery
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Du Toitskloof Cape Ruby
|
2010
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Merwida Wingerde
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Merwida Chardonnay
|
2016
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Stofberg Family Vineyards
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Mariette Chenin Blanc
|
2015
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Stofberg Family Vineyards
|
Old N1 Distillery Fijnbos Field Gin
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NA
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uniWines
|
Daschbosch Steen
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2016
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Gold Medals
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|
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Badsberg Wine Cellar
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Badsberg Badslese
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2012
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Badsberg Wine Cellar
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Badsberg Cape Vintage
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2013
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Badsberg Wine Cellar
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Badsberg Chenin Blanc
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2017
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Badsberg Wine Cellar
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Badsberg Vin Doux
|
2015
|
Bergsig Estate
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Bergsig Icarus Red Blend
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2012
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Bergsig Estate
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Bergsig Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
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2012
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Bergsig Estate
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Bergsig Estate Icarus Red Blend
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2014
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Botha Kelder
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Shiraz Reserve
|
2014
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Du Toitskloof Wines
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Du Toitskloof Quest MCC Sparkling Chardonnay
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NV
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Du Toitskloof Wines
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Selected Vineyard Pinotage
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2016
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Du Toitskloof Wines
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Red Muscadel
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2015
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Du Toitskloof Wines
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Du Toitskloof Land’s End Syrah
|
2015
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Goudini
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Goudini Shiraz
|
2015
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Jason’s Hill Private Cellar
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Jason’s Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
|
2015
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Merwida Wingerde
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Merwida Barbera
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2015
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Merwida Wingerde
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Family Vintners Chenin Blanc
|
2016
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Opstal Estate
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Blush Syrah Viognier
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2017
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Stofberg Family Vineyards
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Mariette Chardonnay MCC
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2013
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uniWines
|
Meander Chenin Blanc
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2017
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Silver Medals
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|
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Badsberg Wine Cellar
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Badsberg Chardonnay Sur Lie
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2015
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Badsberg Wine Cellar
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Badsberg Hanepoot
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NV
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Deetlefs Wine Estate
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Deetlefs Voyage 3566.1 White Blend
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2016
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Goudini
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Goudini Brut Sparkling Wine
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NV
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Goudini
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Goudini Merlot
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2016
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Jason’s Hill Private Cellar
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Jason’s Hil Izak Reserve Red Blend
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2013
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Merwida Wingerde
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Merwida Sauvignon Blanc
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2017
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