SA wines scoop 314 medals in international competition

South African wines have scooped a total of 314 medals.in the British-based 2015 International Wine Challenge (IWC).

The Cape winemakers also managed to double their gold medal score‚ picking up 28 golden gongs this year compared with 14 last year. South African wines secured 111 silver medals and 175 bronzes.

“South Africa had a phenomenal result at this year’s competition‚ doubling their Gold medal count on last year‚” commented Charles Metcalfe‚ Co-Chairman of the IWC

“White wines had an outstanding year‚ with tremendous success for wines made from Sauvignon Blanc‚ Chardonnay‚ Chenin Blanc and Riesling grapes. Top performer for the reds is definitely Shiraz at the moment‚ although there are some promising Pinot Noirs coming from the coolest climates down near the south coast. Swartland is definitely an up-and-coming area to watch‚” Metcalf added.

South African white wines led the charge with 15 dry white wines being awarded gold‚ as well as three sweet wines and a sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend. There were nine gold medals for red wines‚ with eight Shiraz-based reds and one Pinot Noir being awarded the top honours.

Winemakers in the Stellenbosch district topped the medal chart‚ scooping eight golds‚ more than any other district‚ as well as 27 silver and 34 bronze medals‚ bringing its total count to 69.

-RDM News Wire