2009 Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Limited Release Overberg Chardonnay 91 Points

2009 Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Limited Release Overberg Chardonnay 91 Points

Clear, day bright, pale straw, slight gold rim, medium plus concentration, medium plus viscosity.

Clean, medium plus intensity, bursting with citrus note, honey dew melon, spicy oak note, matchstick complexity, empyromatic and mineral note, wooded but subtle and well integrated.

Beaune profile fused with Montrachet nutty profile.

Dry confirms fruit perceived aromatically, new flavors of caramelized citrus, nougat and crème brulee, medium plus acidity, fresh, oak beautifully integrated, excellent purity of fruit, high complexity.

Only 300 bottles released, now until 2018+

2009 Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay/Overberg Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 84-86 Points

2009 Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay/Overberg Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 84-86 Points

Clear day bright, pale straw with slight green tinge, medium concentration, medium viscosity.

Clean, medium plus intensity wit notes of gooseberry, green lime, kiwi fruit, white flowers.

White pebbles minerality, slight old wood oxidative note,complex.

Dry, confirms fruit, such as delicate lime, green pears, medium plus acidity, medium alcohol, medium complexity, textured mid palate with a Sancerre like freshness and profile, inclusion of 12 % Semillon will certainly assist in further development over the next 6 years, now until 2016+

Stellenbosch at Summer Place

Stellenbosch at Summer Place


Teaming up with Sanlam Private Investments, the inaugural Stellenbosch at Summer Place brings grapes, glitz and glamour to the City of Gold, to showcase the finest wine, food, art and crème de la crème of the Stellenbosch winelands, on Wednesday 10 November 2010.

Savour the true spirit of Stellenbosch in style and rub shoulders with 50 top Stellenbosch winemakers. From De Toren to Dalla Cia, Kanonkop to Kleine Zalze, delight in 200 of the finest wines from the country’s premium wine region.

Meet five of the finest Stellenbosch chefs who will lend their gourmet flair with their signature dishes :

• Bertus Basson, Overture at Hidden Valley Wines
• Daniel Vercuiel, De Volkskombuis
• George Jardine, The restaurant at Jordan Wine Estate
• Grégory Czarnecki, The restaurant at Waterkloof
• Michael Broughton, Terroir at Kleine Zalze

Talented Stellenbosch music sensation Zamar will add rhythm to this glamorous affair and art aficionados will be able to feast their eyes on select pieces exhibited by Stefan Hundt, curator of the Sanlam Art Collection – one of South Africa’s oldest and most extensive corporate art collections. For more info and tickets, phone Christa on (021) 886 8275.

Wine Style Magazine

Winestyle Magazine

Register For free at South Africa's new Online WineStyle Magazine

www.wine-style.co.za/register

JOHANNESBURG CAP CLASSIQUE CELEBRATION

JOHANNESBURG CAP CLASSIQUE CELEBRATION
18 & 19 NOVEMBER at the HYATT (Rosebank)


Dear Bubbly-Lovers friends from Gauteng,

This is a reminder if you haven't booked yet !!!
Until the 31st of October, you can still get the early bird deal at R200 instead of R250.

It is not 'another wine show'... But a unique opportunity to sample at will the best bubblies in the country from 25 producers and to meet the winemakers themselves, who all committed to be present.

PLEASE SEE BELOW THE FULL PRESS RELEASE.
TICKETS ARE SELLING QUICKLY !!!
ONLY 250 GUESTS PER EVENING.
BOOK NOW IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY DISAPPOINTMENT...

Bookings exclusively by emailing DNA EVENTS : Cap Classique Celebration booking

For more info, phone Ann on 082.909.1116 or Darielle on 084.207.3820.

Looking forward to seeing you there !!!


Be sure not to miss this year's Johannesburg Cap Classique Celebration, taking place from the 18th to 19th of November at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank.

For the second year running this social calendar highlight celebrates some of the country's top Cap Classiques, allowing visitors to experience some of these fine bubblies without having to venture to the Winelands.

This celebration will see South Africa's top 25 Cap Classique producers exhibiting their bubblies with either the owner or winemaker presenting their bubblies, affording visitors a more intimate experience. Highly acclaimed wineries participating in this much loved event include Boschendal, Bon Courage, Cabriere, Colmant, Constantia Uitsig, Domaine de Dieux, Genevieve, Graham Beck Wines, Groote Post, Klein Constantia, Krone, Laborie, L'Avenir, Longridge, Morena, Namaqua, Pongraçz, Quoin Rock, Ross Gower Wines, Silverthorn, Simonsig, Steenberg, Tanzanite, Villiera and Weltevrede.

Adding to this premiere experience, visitors will be able to buy wines via the Shop at Show facility. Norman Goodfellows, the appointed retailer, will be offering exceptional prices and delivery to your door, affording visitors the perfect opportunity to stock up for the festive season.

Booking to this not-to-be missed event is essential as tickets are limited to 250 people per night.

COST: Early Bird Tickets
R200 per person (available from 1-31 Oct) can be booked directly from DNA EVENTS.

A R250 per person entrance fee allows you access to the festival, which includes a complimantary tasting glass and tastings.

TIME: 18h00 - 21h00 on both nights

BOOKINGS: DnA Event Management
Email: Cap Classique Celebration booking
Telephone: (082) 909-1116

ENQUIRIES:
Darielle Robertson
Events Manager
Tel: (084) 207-3820
Email: darielle@dnaevents.co.za
Ann Ferreira
Events Manager
Tel: (082) 909-1116

Talk Classic Business

Talk Classic Business

CLASSIC TALK
Classic Business
with John Fraser

OCT
1
Classic Business with John Fraser & Tony Twine: Econometrix, Andile Mazwai, CEO: Barnard Jacobs Mellet, Nick Holland, CEO: Gold Fields, Miguel Chan: Group Sommelier Southern Sun & Alan Coward, CEO: Amalgamated Appliance -1 October 2010
• Posted by John Fraser at 7:19PM on 01 Oct 2010

Swartland Wine & Oyster Street Party

Swartland

Wine & Oyster Street Party

Saturday 30th October 2010
Hosted by Ritrovo
Waterkloof Heights Shopping Centre

Featuring all the top wine producers from the Swartland region:

Badenhorst Family Wines
Sequillo Cellars
Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate
Orangerie
Mullineux Family Wines
Lammershoek

Champagne & Oyster Bar
headlined by Pommery
with REAL Champagne sold by the glass @ R50


Hot Street Food
by Ritrovo, BICCCS & Prosopa
including spicy prawn risotto, lamb kleftiko,
8 pc. sushi platters & chicken souvlaki in pita
and beautiful cheese boards for two
FABULOUS EXTRAS:

Hair Show by Palladium Hair Co.

Display's & Demo's by Body Therapy

Superb Pastries, Panini, Coffee & Gelato from BICCCS

Fine Selection of Top Locally produced Cheeses served with crackers

Awesome 20% Discount on all Le Creuset products @ High End Kitchens for the day

HOT HOT Live DJ's keeping the vibe alive!


Tasting Fee only R50 p.p
includes: 20 wine tasting vouchers, complimentary tasting glass, free entry to the Grand Raffle @ 3pm

(no sharing of tasting glasses & vouchers permitted)


Mullineux Family Wines
PO Box 369
Riebeek Kasteel, Western Cape 7307

Shiraz Challenge Winners Global Trader 2010

2010 Global Trader Shiraz Challenge Winners

19:27, 15th July, 2010 by winetimes.co.za

The eagerly anticipated results of WINE magazine’s 2010 Global Trader Shiraz Challenge were announced at Catharina’s Restaurant in Steenberg today, with top honours going to Provenance Shiraz 2007, made by Dewaldt Heyns from Tulbagh cellar Saronsberg.

The award for the Best Value Shiraz, determined by dividing the average price of all the wines by the price of the individual wine and multiplying by the Star rating for that wine, went to Obikwa Shiraz 2009, made by Distell winemaker Michael Bucholz.

Judging Procedures

There were 184 wines entered into this year’s Shiraz Challenge. The wines were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a panel of five judges consisting of Christian Eedes (chairman), Christine Rudman, Carrie Adams, James Pietersen and Miguel Chan.

46 wines were selected to go through to a second round, allowing the panel a more detailed examination of the wines. Two wines tied for first place with the same average arithmetic score.

Three of the judges had scored the Saronsberg higher, making it the winning wine on the day.

Top 10
The top 10 scoring wines draw attention to the depth of quality and breadth of styles that the Shiraz category displays.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS
Provenance 2007
Rickety Bridge 2008

FOUR STARS
Benguela Cove Walker Bay Premium Selection 2008
Eagles’ Nest 2008
Spier Private Collection 2008
Hartenberg 2006
Terra D’Aria The Soprano Reserve 2008
Flagstone Dark Horse 2007
Windmeul Reserve 2008
Rainbow’s End Single Vineyard 2008

The Top 20 South African Wineries

The Top 20 South African wineries

Submitted by Tim James on 12 April, 2010 - 22:33

There's a good mix of new blood and continuity in the results of the poll just conducted among 26 wine professionals, aiming to reach a plausible list of the best wineries and the best wines in South Africa. But only one of the top five wineries was producing wine before the great revolution in South African winemaking in the 1990s. And two of the top five had not even released a wine by the turn of this century.


Boekenhoutskloof is the winery that got the most nominations to be in the top five (this category was separately voted for), closely followed by two with a tied vote: Kanonkop and Sadie Family Wines and then Cape Point Vineyards; Vergelegen was just behind. No other winery came anywhere near close to these closely-spaced five.
I then asked the voters to name another fifteen wines, to make up a top 20, giving us the following list, in order of votes received:
• Boekenhoutskloof
• Kanonkop
Sadie Family Wines (these two tied)
• Cape Point Vineyards
• Vergelegen
• Hamilton-Russell Vineyards
• Paul Cluver
• Rustenberg
• De Trafford
Meerlust
Thelema (these 3 tied)
• Bouchard-Finlayson
Jordan
Tokara (these 3 tied)
• Hartenberg
• Le Riche
Neil Ellis
Steenberg (these three tied)
• Chamonix
Morgenster (these two tied)

Grape had previously done three such polls - in 2001, 2003 and 2006 - though the voting panel was a bit different on each occasion. The top five last time were: Vergelegen, Boekenhoutskloof, Hamilton Russell, Rustenberg and Thelema.

Ten of the wineries in the 2010 Top 20 did not feature in 2001 (including Sadie and Cape Point, of course), testimony to the strength of the newcomers to the industry in this dynamic decade - but the list also shows the continuing and sometimes strengthened commitment to quality of some of the older producers (Meerlust, for example, didn't feature in the first two polls).

Four wineries are complete newcomers this year: Tokara, Le Riche, Chamonix and Morgenster. It should be mentioned that I insisted on wineries voted for having a record of at least three vintages of marketed wines - a separate vote was taken on promising newcomers, which I'll report on later.

The 25 people who voted (I'd invited more, but half a dozen either declined or didn't offer anything) were mostly wine-writers, sommeliers and retailers (listed below); all but one were local. The panel obviously could have been somewhat different, but I'm confident that this was a good one.

As I have remarked before, it would be virtually impossible to expect any individual to have a good, continuing knowledge of what is happening at all the leading wineries - and these "experts" are, like everyone else, subject to some extent to the influence of reputation, and of clever marketing, and the like. To an extent, then, this list is an account of image and reputation as much as of a convinced view of quality. But who discounts the significance of image?

And it's not easy - as almost all of the voters remarked with varying degrees of frustration - making a choice.

Just for example, how does one reckon the claims of a winery like Morgenster, for example, which is really known for just one superb wine, against somewhere like Jordan with a large and varied range? It's much easier to have a high average standard when you have few wines! I myself voted for Nederburg in my top 20 - almost as an afterthought, as it is very easy to forget that Nederburg now makes a couple of wines in the top league, and its overall image is probably held down by the fact that it also makes large ranges of more ordinary wines. (This poll was specifically rewarding high quality, not a brilliant range of mid-quality of mass-production wines - that's another story entirely.) In fact, Nederburg, which had in previous polls come nowhere close, finished only just outside the Top 20, tied with Waterford and Ataraxia (but Ataraxia also did remarkably well in the up-and-coming vote). Then came Graham Beck, then Raats, then Rust en Vrede (a winery that has done better in the past). A number of wineries received between one and five votes.


There were some omissions that might raise some eyebrows. Where is De Toren? Where is Rijks? Klein Constantia and some others have not been there since the first poll. One could continue with analysing and questioning these results ad nauseam, but I'll now leave that up to others.

The voters were as follows (some categories are vague, and overlap, of course):

Wine writers: Tim Atkin, Christian Eedes, Michael Fridjhon, Joanne Gibson, Edo Heyns, Tim James, Angela Lloyd, Melvyn Minnaar, Fiona McDonald, Christine Rudman, Cathy van Zyl, Philip van Zyl

Retailers: Carrie Adams, Carolyn Barton, Ingrid Motteux, Roland Peens, James Pietersen, Caroline Rillema

Sommeliers and others: Miguel Chan, Neil Grant, Higgo Jacobs, Cathy Marston, Andre Morgenthal, Joerg Pfuetzner, Kent Scheermeyer, Jonathan Steyn

www.grape.co.za

Nedbank Green Awards - red and white can also be green

Nedbank Green Awards - red and white can also be green
27 October 2010 by Nedbank Green Wine Awards

South Africa was the first country in the world to adopt an industry-wide system to promote sustainable grape growing and environmentally sound cellar practices.

The country is again leading the way with the promotion of environmentally friendly wines thanks to the second annual Nedbank Green Wine Awards which will be announced on November 18.

Local vineyards have found a mu ltitude of ways to go green - not just by switching to organic grape-growing but by taking advantage of other green initiatives: from the use of indigenous cover crops, recycling of winery waste water, to using horse power in preference to tractors and even harnessing the power of the sun rather than relying on fossil-fuel derived electricity.

All of these initiatives have been adopted not only because more and more local and international consumers are looking for wines made with eco-friendly and sustainable production practices but also because it's the right thing to do.

These wineries will be honoured at the Nedbank Green Wine Awards, held in association with WINE magazine. Awards are given in two categories - for the Best Organic Wine as well as the Best Environmental Practice Award.

Organic viticulture can be defined as grape growing that shuns man-made pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or fertilisers. Winners for the Best Organic Wine will be made from 2009 or earlier vintages, or blends of various vintages. Wines must be in market-ready condition and will have been accompanied by valid certification, such as that issued by the Société Générale de Su rveillance (SGS), an internationally recognised organic accreditation body.

The winners will be chosen at a blind tasting done by a panel of wine tasting experts including Christian Eedes (chair), Miguel Chan (Southern Sun sommelier), Roland Peens (wine broker and Master of Wine student), Ginette De Fleuriot (Cape Wine Master, Allan Mullins CWM (Wine Selector for Woolworths) and
Rianie Strydom (Haskell Vineyards winemaker).

The overall winner in 2009 and winner in the white category was Lazanou Organic Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2008 while the best red wine was a red blend from Stellenbosch winery, Laibach. Appropriately called The Ladybird Red, this 2007 vintage wine was named after the red-and-black bugs which are used for natural disease and pest control.

The Nedbank Green Wine Awards Best Environmental Practice Award is judged by a panel of environmental experts. It is open to all farms with the minimum requirement for entry being a 70 percent rating from the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), the voluntary environmental sustainability scheme established in 1998. Organic certification is also accepted for entry into this category, but must be accompanied by several government authorisation documents such as water use authorisations and plough permits.

The judges for the Best Environmental Practice Award are Inge Kotze (project coordinator of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative), Lourens van Schoor (head of Enviroscientific, auditing body for the IPW), Tom McLaughlin (good business journey Specialist at Woolworths) and Johan Reyneke (Reyneke bio-dynamic wines in Stellenbosch).

Last year's winning winery was Oak Valley Wines from Elgin with Waverley Hills Organic Wines of Tulbagh named as the runner-up .

In a world first, biodiversity guidelines were included in the IPW scheme from 2005. South Africa has a unique wine heritage with the the oldest viticultural soils in the world. It is also the most biodiverse place on earth with more than 9 600 plants. Currently 90 percent of exporting producers representing 95 percent of grapes harvested have joined the scheme, demonstrating to consumers worldwide that the country is serious when it comes to sound environmental practices.

Nedbank's sponsorship of the Organic Wine Awards further supports its aim to be the leading "green bank". Nedbank has a long history of involvement in the wine indu stry including its 14 year sponsorship of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) and its involvement in the CWG Development Trust helping families of farm workers. The Nedbank Green Trust has been pivotal since 2004 in establishing the Biodiversity Wine Initiative, which is aimed at encouraging responsible land usage and farming within the wine industry.

"These awards provide a platform for the recognition of local winemakers and encourage environmentally sustainable farming and production practices. It also allows consumers to make a conscious choice when making wine purchases," says Greg Garden, Divisional Executive Group Marketing at Nedbank.

Southern Sun Wine list concept

Southern Sun Wine list concept


As Africa’s Leading Hotel group we are committed to showcase the very best of South Africa.

Welcome to our world of fine wines. Let us take you on a journey of discovery of South Africa’s finest, complemented by some of the world’s benchmark wines without which the vinous journey would not be complete.

South Africa through its unique Terroir has the world’s oldest soil structure.
A legacy of the pre-historic Gondwana continent.

February 2, 1659 Jan van Riebeeck, the first commander of the Cape of Good Hope, wrote in his diary: “Today, praise is to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes”.

350 years later, South Africa is the world’s 9th largest producer by volume, contributing 3.1 percent of the world’s wines, from 102 146 hectares of Vitis vinifera, of which 505 are active co-ops, estates and private cellars, as well as a host of smaller producers making 1 or 2 barrel only.

Our focus is not on brands or grape variety, as we all know the world’s greatest wines have no mention of any grape(s) whatsoever on their label. Our quest is to showcase to you our discerning clientele the best possible wine South Africa can produce, as well as the origin of what is in your glass, all traceable due to the unique wine of origin system, established in 1972, which makes South Africa the most advanced wine legislation in the Southern hemisphere. Our selections will reflect the truth of the vintage as well as working with and respecting Mother Nature.

Our wine list is designed to showcase the intricacies and the amazing biodiversity, which makes the wine lands unique.

South Africa’s most interesting, captivating and compelling wines made in the last 5 years are from the dedicated, and widely travelled young generations of wine makers, making distinct wines of character and pedigree, reflecting site and vintage conditions.

All our listing goes through a blind screening process using an internationally accepted 100 points scoring system, commonly used by major international hotel chains for fair listing as it does not allow for the influence of branding.

The minimum criteria for listing is 85 points, rewarding quality that can be comparable to the world’s best wines, as well as an affinity to be enjoyed on its own and to complement a broad style of food, with the structure to improve with cellaring.

Freshness, cleanliness, minimal spoilage and long term cellaring, is very important in order for us to offer you a world class wine experience, hence our preference for screw cap as a means of closure.

Our wine list is a continuous work in progress, and we hope you will find a wine to your taste.
We apologise if your favourite wine is not listed or featured.

Wine List compiled by Certified Sommelier Miguel Chan, Group Sommelier for Southern Sun Hotels

Production Areas Overview, main soils and wine strenght

Breede River Valley Region

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District

Main soil: Sandy with boulder, dark coloured lightly textured alluvial, limestone and sandstone
140 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir

The largest region and district, the a crucial contributor to table wine production, however the last 10 years have seen a drive towards higher quality, notably Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon. Robertson have the particularity of having limestone soil and are perfect for Pinot Noir, the first wave are promising.

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Agterkliphoogte Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Eilandia Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Le Chasseur Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Bonnievale Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Hoopsrivier Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Mc Gregor Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Boesmansrivier Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Klaasvoodgs Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Robertson District – Vinkrivier Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Worcester District

Breede River Valley Region - Worcester District – Aan-de-Doorns Wards


Breede River Valley Region - Worcester District - Scherpenheuvel Wards

Main soil: Sandstone, fertile red shale, boulders bed and alluvial with bleached sand
100 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Muscat de Frontignan, Pinotage

Vineyards scattered alongside the Breede River bank for over 8 km, home to very old trellised Chenin vines as well as Muscat of over 35 years old, have forged a reputation for some of the very best Muscat de Frontignan fortified style wines as well as goood value Chenin Blanc

Breede River Valley Region - Worcester District - Nuy Wards

Main soil: Sandstone, fertile red shale, boulders bed and alluvial with bleached sand
195 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Muscat de Frontignan

A hot inland wine regions where all else fail, Muscat is the one who seem to have adapted to the harsh climatic condition, un official capital of the best and longest lived red muscadels, a firm South African favourites.

Breede River Valley Region - Worcester District – Hex River Valley Wards

Main soil: Sandstone, fertile red shale, boulders bed and alluvial with bleached sand
195 km East of Cape Town –
Wine strength: Muscat de Frontignan


Breede River Valley Region - Breedekloof District

Main soil: Sandstone, fertile red shale, boulders bed and alluvial with bleached sand
96 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Muscat de Frontignan, Pinotage

Enclosed valley, and unknown to most wine fundis, Breedekloof is actually 5 degrees Celsius cooler than the highest Stellenbosch vineyard in summer, white pebbles and boulders are the main characteristic of the vineyards, underrated district for Riesling and Pinotage

Breede River Valley Region - Breedekloof District – Goudini Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Breedekloof District – Slanghoek Wards

Main soil: Sandstone, fertile red shale, boulders bed and alluvial with bleached sand, decomposed granite
110 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Cape Bordeaux Style blends & Wooded Chenin Blanc

Situated on the other side of Breedekloof, on the east facing slopes of Du Toitskloof mountain, second highest rainfall area after Constantia Valley, mainly the territory of bulk production, but of late focus is on reducing yields and converting to biodynamic and organic farming.

Breede River Valley Region - Swellendam District – Buffeljags Wards

Breede River Valley Region - Swellendam District – Stormsvlei Wards


Klein Karoo Region

Klein Karoo Region - Calitzdorp District

Main soil: Textured alluvial, Sandstone, Shale and poor Clay soil
402 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Muscat d’Alexandrie, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Touriga National, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barocca, Pinot Noir

This area use to be a pre-historic sea, 2 million years ago, now a semi arid dessert with a climate more akin to the dry lands of Portugal, hence the inspiration by local farmer to grow Portuguese vines and they were right.
Known as the Port capital of South Africa the very best rival’s the best of Portugal, however it ‘s the dry red from the same Portuguese variety that’s the most exciting.

Klein Karoo Region – Montagu Wards

Klein Karoo Region – Tradouw Wards

Klein Karoo Region – Tradouw Highlands Wards

Klein Karoo Region – Langeberg - Garcia District

Klein Karoo Region – Upper Langkloof Wards

Main soil: Textured alluvial, Sandstone, Shale and poor Clay soil, Loam
338 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Highly promising new wards pioneered by world famous golfer Retief Goosen, on a high plateau, with similar growing condition as Outeniqua. The wines to date are a very promising Sauvignon Blanc as well as a great Cabernet / Syrah blend.


Klein Karoo Region - Outeniqua Wards

Main soil: Textured alluvial, Sandstone, Shale and poor Clay soil, Loam
318 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir

No district demarcated yet for this highly promising area, 40 km outside George at 600 metres above sea level, though no accurate date available as yet, it is flagged as one of the most moderate region for grape growing with harvest only starting mid march, a good 7 weeks later than any other wine regions of South Africa, classic New World Sauvignon Blanc, more akin to New Zealand’s in style and gorgeous Pinot Noir

Coastal Region

Coastal Region - Cape Point District


Main soil: Sandstone on bleached granite – 21 km South of Cape Town
Wine strength : Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Chardonnay

One of the most watch new wine region of the world for producing world class Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay as can be confirm from the leading wine Shows of the world.
Purity of fruit, minerality akin to some of the best Sancerre and Pouilly Fume and palate weight are the key characteristics with the bonus of longevity, much higher than most white wine made in South Africa.


Coastal Region - Constantia Wards

Main soil: Table Mountain Sandstone, red brown Sandstone on granite , decomposed granite
14 km South South West of Cape Town
Wine strength: Muscat d’Alexandrie, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot.

South Africa’s oldest Wine regions with international following since Napoléon time, renown for it’s legendary Natural Sweet style Wines as well as one of the longest lived Sauvignon Blanc.
The reds are delicate and fine structure and of late Méthode Cap Classique are making a stir in the Wine lands with a style more remisnescent of top quality Crémant


Coastal Region - Hout Bay Wards

Main soil: Table Mountain Sandstone, red brown Sandstone on Granite
14 km South South West of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot

Recognised in 2008 as a new viticultural area, on the Western slopes of Constantiaberg mountain, to date only 1 winery producing a very promising Old World style Merlot with moderate alcohol, as well as a delicate Sauvignon Blanc, without a doubt a wards to watch as the vines ages will results in more complex wines.


Coastal Region - Tygerberg District

Coastal Region - Tygerberg District - Durbanville Wards
Main soil: Phyllite & Greywacke formation, Shale, Red Granite, Schist
20 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir

What used to be once a rolling wheat fields, is today a prime vineyards, with direct influence of the West Coast and the Atlantic seaboard, racy Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz are the most promising varieties, the wines are direct in style with fine purity.

Coastal Region - Tygerberg District - Philadelphia Wards

Main soil: Phyllite & Greywacke formation, Shale, Red Granite, Schist
30 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Tiny wards on the Western side of Durbanville Wards, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to date only 1 winery founded by Baron Alexander Von Essen, a powerful wine baron in Germany.
High potential for complex Bordeaux style blends as well as a mineral driven Sauvignon Blanc.

Coastal Region - Tygerberg District - Wellington Wards

Main soil: Shale, granite, sandstone, alluvial – 65 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Viognier, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinotage

Known as the vine nursery capital of South Africa, a warm to hot inland region, better known for it’s Pinotage, but of late shows a promising potential for Viognier as well as niche varieties such as Malbec and Petit Verdot. Expect rich, ripe fruited and full bodied wines from this ward.

Coastal Region - Paarl District

Main soil: Sandstone, Granite, Weathered Shale– 59 km North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage,Shiraz, Pinot Noir

Second most important district after Stellenbosch with a diversity of terroir and micro climate, this is Shiraz country by excellence as well as home to fragrant and fruit driven Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay’s are upfront with rich character.

Coastal Region - Paarl District - Franschhoek Valley Wards

Main soil: Sandstone with shale, granite sites, sandy and alluvial with yellow brown at the bottom of the valley
68 km North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir

More famous as the food capital of the Western Cape than for it’s wine, as most of the famous wineries brought in grape rather than have the Franschhoek origin on the label......... some very fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have emerged in the last 10 years, akin to good Burgundies, the rest Caveat emptor.

Coastal Region - Paarl District - Simonsberg-Paarl Wards

Main soil: Reddish-brown, medium textured, sandy well drained soil derived from the Granite base
49 km North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

A very special wards as it is divided in 2, on the South Eastern side with greater Stellenbosch District and on the North West side with the greater Paarl District, prime micro climate with rolling hills, consistent Chardonnay’s, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir since late 1990’s.
Production Areas Overview, main soils and wine strenght

Coastal Region - Paarl District - Voor-Paardeberg Wards

Main soil: Pure granite and granite formation mixed with clay
59 km North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette Blanc, Bukettraube, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Carignan, Sangiovese

The holy grail of non interventionist winemakers, with the bonus of 98% of the vineyard are bush vines of over 30 years old, dry land farming in a relatively hot area, however the wines produce are succulent with delicate acidity and restraint, driven by granite minerality.

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District

Main soil: Granitic foothills, exposed Granite outcrops, Shale– 50 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage,Shiraz, Pinot Noir

The district that put South African wines on the international scene after 1994, by far the largest in terms of wineries with 196 registered producers, unofficial wine capital of South Africa and home to the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Bordeaux style blends as well as some very fine off dry Chenin Blanc and wooded Sauvignon Blanc.

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District - Jonkershoek Valley Wards

Main soil: Granitic soil, exposed granite outcrop, weathered shale– 55 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

This is Cabernet Sauvignon territory by excellence, one of the very best wards in South Africa for this noble variety, with opulent cassis driven with earthy complexity, on a par with world’s best, of late Sauvignon Blanc is making a comeback.
Production Areas Overview, main soils and wine strenght

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District - Papegaaiberg Wards

Main soil: Sandy, gravely material on clay derived from granitic and shale– 48 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Sangiovese

Very small wards on the crest of the university area, producing rustic style of reds with Sangiovese flagged as the most potential

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District - Bottelary Wards

Main soil: Granite, shale, stony and gravely
43 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, Pinotage, Shiraz, Malbec

One of the very few wards of South Africa that consistently produces good uncomplicated and fresh Merlot, that’s fruity and delicate, renown for Methode Cap Classique, Shiraz and Bordeaux style blends.

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District - Devon Valley Wards

Main soil: Granite– 46 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot

Tiny valley between Polkadraai Hills and Papegaaiberg, famous for its old Pinotage bush vines and Chenin Blanc vines, delicate wines with restraint, it’s a ward to watch.


Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District - Banghoek Wards

Main soil: Almost exclusively Granite with some sandstone
65 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir

Pretty green valley at the top of Helshoogte Pass, making some of the country best Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir in a ripe New World style, for fans of full bodied wines.

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District - Polkadraai Hills Wards

Main soil: Granite based, sandy soils– 44 km East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage, Shiraz

Home to some of the most decorated Stellenbosch wineries are such as Jordan and De Toren, this is fine wine territory when the winemaker makes the effort and keeps their hand off, purity, intensity, longevity is how best describe this ward.

Coastal Region - Stellenbosch District – Simonsberg Stellenbosch Wards

Main soil: Reddish-brown, medium textured, sandy well drained soil derived from the Granite base
42 km North East of Cape Town

Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot

Sharing the border with the Paarl side on the South West, this is South Africa’s golden road with wineries such as Warwick, Laibach, L’Avenir and Kanonkop, have consistently produce some of the Cape and the world’s best wines.

Coastal Region - Darling District

Main soil: Granite
55 km North North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir

The closest West Coast vineyards to Cape Town, influence by fog due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills a feature with vineyards intersperse with wheat fields and sheep farming, white wines are far superior than most reds, however Pinot Noir is developing an identity of it’s own.

Coastal Region - Darling District - Groenekloof Wards

Main soil: Weathered Granite reddish brown soils
65 km North North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc

Pioneered by visionary Neil Ellis in the early 1990’s, Groenekloof have to date produce some of the best and most consistent Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, with powerful minerality texture, a food wine by excellence.

Coastal Region Swartland District

Main soil: Sandstone remnant, with Shale and weathered red and brown Granite
60 km North North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Roussane, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz,
Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsaut, Carignan

The holy grail of South Africa’s oldest bush vines averaging 60 years, dry land farming on slate soil, made world famous by Eben Sadie, surprisingly it was the first and still the most consistent district to have produce a 95 point in Wine Spectator ratings.
Expect delicate terroir driven wines with fine acidity and old world restraint and purity

Coastal Region Swartland District - Malmesbury Ward

Main soil: Sandstone remnant, with Shale and weathered red and brown Granite– 60 km North North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Tinta Amarela, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan

Coastal Region Swartland District - Riebeekberg Ward

Main soil: Sandstone remnant, with Shale and weathered red and brown Granite
63 km North North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz,
Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsaut, Carignan, Tinta Amarela

With similar climatic and soil condition to Swartland district, with a high percentage of bush vines, Shiraz territory by any standards, the wines are overtly opulent with upfront New World fruit vibrancy

Coastal Region Tulbagh District

Main soil: Boulder bed soils, Shale, Sandstone Colluvium and Scree - 98 km North East of Cape Town

Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinotage, Shiraz, Mourvedre & Cinsaut

Hot inland valley with a strong Organic and Biodynamic movement and home to some of the oldest bush vines, Shiraz country and for a high octane fruit driven red, long known for producing some of the best Estate Methode Cap Classique.


Olifants River Region

Olifants River Region – Lutzville Valley District

Olifants River Region – Lutzville Valley District – Koekenaap Wards

Olifants River Region– Spruitdrif Wards

Olifants River Region –Vredendal Wards

Olifants River Region - Citrusdal Mountain District

Main soil: Dark and alluvial, Calcareous and red sandy soils – 120 km North of Cape Town
Wine strength: Grenache Noir

Olifants River Region - Citrusdal Mountain District – Piekenierskloof Wards

Main soil: Dark and alluvial, Calcareous and red sandy soils
120 km North of Cape Town
Wine strength: Grenache Noir

On the North West facing slopes of Citrusdal Mountain at 700 meters above sea level is the lonely Piekenierskloof Wards, home to the oldest Grenache Noir vines in South Africa, averaging 60 years old, they are the remnants of the co-op industry of the late 40’s, rediscovered in the last 10 years, they are producing some of the most individual red wine akin to a full bodied Pinot Noir

Olifants River Region - Citrusdal Valley

Olifants River Region - Citrusdal Mountain District Bamboes Bay Wards

Main soil: Dark and alluvial, Calcareous and red sandy soils
120 km North of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

3 km from the cold Atlantic ocean of the West Coast, a tiny 6 ha vineyard producing one of the most powerful Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, the Pinot Noir is equally impressive.

Olifants River Region - Citrusdal Valley

Overberg District

Main soil: Sandstone with Granite and Shale Gravelly– 90 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Pinot Noir

Moderate size district in the highlands above Franschhoek with rolling hills creating the perfect micro climate for the production of fine wine with freshness and delicate fruit, home to some of the most European in style wine

Overberg District - Elgin Wards

Main soil: Sandstone with Granite and Shale Gravelly– 73 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz

Apple country turned into one of the most exciting new wine regions of the world with world class potential for varieties outline above. Freshness, minerality and delicate purity of fruit is the hallmark of Elgin terroir, food wine by excellence.

Overberg District - Theewater Wards

Overberg District – Klein River Wards

Main soil: Granite boulders with Shale and Gravel– 125 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sangiovese, Shiraz

High potential for very fine Sangiovese and Shiraz, expect full bodied and rich fruit driven wines.

Overberg District - Greyton Wards

Cape Agulhas District


Main soil: Clay, decomposed granite – 175 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Nouvelle, Shiraz, Pinot Noir

Amongst the Southern Most vineyard at the real confluence of the Two Oceans, battered by either South Easter or South Wester, the wines are minerally driven with bright acidity, unshowy when young, however turn out well after 2 to 3 years of bottle maturation

Cape Agulhas District - Elim Wards

Main soil: Sandstone, gravel and decomposed granite
198 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir

The first vineyard were established in 1999 and since the first harvest in 2002, it’s been highly acclaimed as producing intense Sauvignon and Sauvignon / Semillon blend with high acid and delicate sandy minerality, the first Pinot Noir are equally fine with a spicy edge profile

Walker Bay Districts

Main soil: Sandstone with Granite and Shale, gravely – 100 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Nebbiolo

Moderate climate highly influence by the proximity of the sea, delicate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinotage, medium bodied at their fullest, expresses best with food.

Walker Bay Districts – Sunday’s Glen Wards

Walker Bay Districts – Bot River Wards
Main soil: Gravely Stony soils weathered Granite and Shale. Calcareous, solidified quartenary sand dunes
100 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Mourvedre, Pinotage, Shiraz

Officially demarcated in 2008, a tiny enclave of Walker Bay, battered by wind, is now home to some world class Chenin Blanc.
The wards was the first to grow Verdelho as well as Mourvedre in South Africa, expect delicate red with fruit driven aromatics, whereas the whites are more restraint with high acid.

Walker Bay Districts Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wards

Main soil: Sandstone, with Granite and Shale, Gravely– 100 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Roobernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre

Slightly flatter ground than upper and less ridges, producing mineral Sauvignon Blanc with impressive purity and longevity.
Pinotage is in a lighter style more Pinot Noir driven in texture and profile with bright acidity, making them perfect food wine
Production Areas Overview, main soils and wine strenght

Walker Bay Districts Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wards

Main soil: Gravely Stony soils weathered Granite and Shale. Calcareous, solidified quartenary sand dunes
100 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

An area pioneered by Tim Hamilton Russell in the early 70’s, one of the finest site for Puligny style Chardonnay and richly fruited Pinot Noir, without sacrificing finesse and restraint.

Walker Bay Districts – Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Main soil: Gravely Stony soils weathered Granite and Shale. Calcareous, solidified quartenary sand dunes

112 km South East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rhone red varieties & Pinot Noir

Exciting new development at the upper reaches of the Hemel en Aarde Valley, closer to Caledon than Hermanus, wineries to watch closely are certainly Creation as well as Babylon's Peak, both producing cutting edge wines with impressive purity and freshness
Douglas Districts

Plettenberg Bay Districts

Hartswater Wards

Lower Orange Wards

Cederberg Wards

Main soil: Dark and alluvial, calcareous and red sandy soils
200 km North North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Bukketraube, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Amongst South Africa’s highest lying vineyards at 1069 above sea level.
The wines are fruit driven with high concentration, pungent where applicable, one of the few places where tannin can ripened properly without having to deal with blowsy and high alcohol wine.

Ceres Wards

Main soil: Sandy, decompose granite and clay - 105 km North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Chardonnay

One of the smallest wards, besides Hout Bay, Ceres has a particularity to have a fair amount of ungrafted vines, this mainly possible due to the sandy soil. Chardonnay to date have been excellent, expect a richness and almost candied tropical fruit to them with livening acidity.

Prince Albert Valley Wards

Herbertsdale Wards

Rietvallei FS Wards

Swartberg Wards


Main soil: Slate, 320 km East North East of Cape Town
Wine strength: Riesling

Near the Garden Route a lonesome vineyard pioneered by Bruce Jack in the late 90’s, extreme viticulture is how best describe this isolated place which has the particularity of having Slate as terroir, a rare facet outside Mosel, Douro and Priorat, the one and only Riesling produce is introvert in style with bright freshness and delicacy with slate minerals for complexity.


Lamberts Bay Wards
Main soil: Calcareous, Red sandy soil
200 km North of Cape Town
Wine strength: Sauvignon Blanc

The first wine of origin Lamberts Bay was release in 2006, to immediate acclaim and curiosity.
Exuberant gooseberry and lime profile seem to be the common trait with mineral restraint and salty notes, fresh and zesty is how best describe the texture, to date only Sauvignon Blanc produce, however 2010 yielded the first Shiraz, time will tell

Boberg Fortified wines from Paarl and Tulbagh
3 Geographical units exists
Northern Cape – Hartswater, Douglas, Lower Orange & Rietvallei FS
Western Cape – includes all regions excepts those under 1 and 3
KZN – No production areas

Western Cape Geographical Units

Wines certified as such are made from grapes grown between the 4 Region, 20 District and 64 Wards of the Western Cape areas except Northern Cape and Kwazulu Natal, they are well made wines, but obscure, with no identity of origin as no reference is given as to where the grapes come from.

Coastal Region Blends
Wines certified as such are made from grapes grown between the 7 District and 18 Wards of the Coastal Region, they are wellmade wines, but obscure, with no identity of origin as no reference is given as to where the grapes come from, in many respect they are highly commercial wines, for uncomplicated everyday drinking

Markex media launch – 11 February 2010

Markex media launch – 11 February 2010

The media launch of Markex World of Events 2010 was a veritable feast, with Sandton Sun’s executive chef Garth Shnier, pulling out all the stops to create a menu of true distinction.

The event was attended by a select group of media in the advertising, marketing and events sector, along with representatives of Markex and its holding company, Specialised Exhibitions.

The unsuspecting media were treated to a birds-eye view of Sandton from the presidential suite of the Sandton Sun, with apple martinis and canapés, before they were whisked to the kitchen of one of the oldest hotels in Sandton. Course after delectable course followed, with each dish surpassing the last, and impeccable wine pairing by sommelier Miguel Chan, who gave the guests a riveting explanation of serving a sparkling wine three different ways, with three of the courses.

Markex World of Events takes place from 24 to 26 August 2010 at Sandton Convention Centre.

For more info go to www.markex.co.za

Markex, SandtonConventionCentre, Gauteng, expo, august, 2010

AMERICAN WINS FIRST-EVER WOSA SOMMELIER WORLD CUP HELD IN SOUTH AFRICA

The inaugural winner of the Wines Of South Africa Sommelier World Cup is Christopher Bates from the US, who came away with the top overall score after a rigorous series of theoretical and practical examinations in the knowledge of South African wine.

He/she was up against 11 other professional specialists in wine service, all chosen as their national representatives in the challenge conceived and arranged by the industry organisation, Wines of South Africa.

The first runner up is Stefaan Camerlinck of Belgium and second runner up Veronique Rivest of Canada.

A sommelier is a professionally trained wine steward, specialising in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching.

The 12 finalists were examined by a seven-member panel of internationally trained and certified sommeliers and wine educators. Competitors came from the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, the US, Canada and South Korea, all countries which import South African wines and that enjoy an established culture of professional wine service.

Just four competitors, from the US, Belgium, UK and Germany have visited the country before. For all the others, it was a first.

The idea for the competition, said WOSA CEO Su Birch, came about in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “We wanted to capitalise on the international focus on South Africa and the soccer tournament in the lead-up to the games by creating a contest for professionals to test their understanding of South African wines.

“Contestants, all of whom had to be full-time employees of restaurants or hotels, were put through a series of examinations in their home countries to assess their understanding of our wine styles and what makes our offerings distinctive and unique.

The national winner of each country was then flown to South Africa and spent a week visiting the Winelands, meeting winemakers and dining in some of the Cape’s most exciting restaurants.”


She added that the opportunity for local wine service staff to meet some of the world’s best sommeliers was an important source of motivation for aspirant sommeliers. “South Africa has a few internationally trained sommeliers and there is expanding interest in the profession as a dynamic career with huge scope for personal growth.


“However, it is still an untapped area with enormous potential, particularly as our wine tourism industry continues to grow. When local people in the wine service industry meet trained sommeliers they get a glimpse of what they can achieve one day.”


The competition culminated in a multi-part examination held at the Grande Roche in Paarl.

The first part involved a written test and was followed by a blind tasting in which participants had to accurately identify a selection of wines made locally.

The top four scorers also took part in a live “restaurant” contest on stage with the judges acting as restaurant patrons.

There was a large audience present of wine producers and members of the local hospitality industry.

Said Birch: “The week-long visit, culminating in Saturday’s contest, created a great opportunity to expose an important group of opinion leaders to the diversity and excellence of South African wines. Many sommeliers play a key role in compiling wine lists for restaurants and hotels, and are in this respect, ideal ambassadors for us.

“There has been huge interest from the international wine fraternity and judging by the level and extent of support, there is definitely the appetite to continue the competition.

We hope to involve a broader spectrum of countries in future, particularly from Africa, where the profession is still in its infancy.”


Note to the editor

The members of the judging panel were:

Miguel Chan, Mauritius-born and certified by internationally recognised industry body, the Court of Master Sommeliers, he is the group sommelier of Southern Suns Hotels

Marilyn Cooper, MD of the Cape Wine Academy that educates the public and hospitality in wine, is a Cape Master of Wine (CWM).

Neil Grant, also certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, worked in the hospitality industry in the US for seven years and is now the sommelier at Rust en Vrede Restaurant.

Åsa W Karlsson, one of Sweden’s best- known wine personalities with over 14 years of experience. In 2002 she won Sweden’s Female Sommelier of the Year title. She served on the panels of the World Championship for Sommeliers in 2004 and the European Championship in 2003.

Mia Mårtensson, born in Sweden but living in South Africa, is a graduate of the Restaurant Academy in Stockholm and holds a sommelier certificate from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She has worked in a two-star Guide Michelin restaurant in Stockholm.

Hans-Jürgen Podzun, CEO of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Koblenz (IHK) and president of the German Wine School and a contributor to Germany’s respected GaultMillau wine guide since 2001, is a member of numerous national and international juries.

Jörg Pfützner, who worked as a sommelier in his native Germany before coming to South Africa, is the sommelier of the Aubergine Restaurant, consistently awarded by Diners Club for the excellence of its wine lists. He is consulting wine editor to G&W magazine (formerly Golf und Wein) and is a taster for the Platter South African Wine Guide.

Contestants

UK Alan Holmes
Holland Jurgen Luppes
Belgium Stefaan Camerlinck (final round finalist)
Germany Sebastian Wilkens
Sweden Marie Dahlgren
Denmark Asbjørn May
Norway Francesco Azzarone (final round finalist)
Finland Caroline Gullström
Russia Leonid Sternik
US Christopher Bates (final round finalist)
Canada Veronique Rivest (final round finalist)
Korea Seung-Hoon Lee



DATE October 2010
ISSUED BY DKC (De Kock Communications)
ON BEHALF OF Wines of South Africa (WOSA)
QUERIES Su Birch, CEO, WOSA (021) 883 3860, 082 563 0677
Tessa de Kock / Marlise Potgieter, DKC (021) 422 2690,
082 579 235

South Africa’s Stacey-Lee Chan wins best young chef in the world

Stacey-Lee Chan is a keen competitions chef and has just won the international Jeunes Commis Rotisseurs competition in Helsinki. She is pictured here at one of the Hostex competitions held earlier this year, which she also won.





Takes international title in Jeunes Commis Rôtisseurs competition in Helsinki




The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs showcases the skills of young chefs through the Jeunes Commis Rôtisseurs or Young Chefs Competition. The international finals took place in Helsinki last week and South African finalist, chef Stacey-Lee Chan from The Food Design Agency, took first place.

Chan has competed in and won many competitions, proving her ability to stay calm under pressure and produce best in class and creative dishes from a mystery basket of ingredients.

This particular competition was first organised in 1977 in Switzerland to support and promote young, aspirant chefs by giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Competitions are held at regional, national and international levels in countries that have a strong Chaîne presence, which includes South Africa.

This year, in what is considered a huge achievement, South Africa took first place. Germany came second and Canada came in third.

Chan says of the competition: “This past week in Helsinki has been an experience of a life time and something I wouldn’t trade for the world. We had a jam-packed agenda everyday ranging from eating traditional Finnish food, to sightseeing, factory tours, meeting competitors from all around the world and of course the competition.

“There were 23 competitors from all over, four girls and 19 guys. The competition was held on the Friday and set out over a morning and afternoon session as the number of competitors was huge.

“I pulled the morning session out of the hat so at 5am we left the hotel to go and compete. The black box consisted of beef sirloin, perch fish, fresh chanterelle mushrooms and chocolate. The common table was amazing with all fresh produce from Finland,” she says.

Her winning menu consisted of:

Starter – Pan fried perch with a gremolata dressing, on a marinated cucumber and tomato salad with a crayfish and dill tortellini and a Pernod cream sauce.

Main course – Oven roasted sirloin, potato and thyme rosti, chanterelle savoury custard topped with sautéed chanterelles, baby broccoli and glazed shallots and a port jus.

Dessert – Chocolate tart with a vanilla, crème fraiche and cloudberry frozen mousse, fresh berry salad and a Cointreau syrup.

Jodi-Ann Pearton, also a keen competitions chef who has won numerous local and international competitions, was actively involved in Chan’s training.

She says, “Training Stacey was an interesting experience for me. I have trained a few young chefs but none who really wanted to win like Stacey did. Stacey started with me knowing basic skills but it has taken a year of intense training and sharing of every bit of my competition experience and knowledge with her to place her in a position to win this competition.

“I spent many evenings and off days working with her in preparation for this and would expect nothing less than first from any employee of The Food Design Agency. We strive for excellence and persevere to be the best that each and every one of us is capable of being.”

Chef Stacey Lee Chan won Gold for South Africa at Concours Internationale des Jeunes Commis Rotisseurs wolrd final in Helsinski

Just the last bit of press releases about Stacey Achievement


Posted on the 21st September 2010, two days after her HUGE championship that she won Gold for our Country is an article on The Hotel and Restaurant Guide for South Africa (www.hotelandrestaurant.co.za) was part of the story.

We are only looking for 10 more members to blog their gratitude and she and her story will live on the e-pages of this industry magazine. Please support her.

Now and live on the South African Chaine site www.chaine.co.za is the full story – under the drop down banner for Young Chefs Competition and also on the front page – just click on the congratulations banner and it will take you to Stacey’s food, menu and all




Stacey Lee Young Chef Chan took over the race-
News | STU | 09/20/1910

Tilaa uutiskirje Subscribe to the newsletter
Talleta pdf Save the pdf

Paistinkääntäjien Young Cook Cup victory this year went to South Africa Stacey Lee Chan. Germany took the second mode, represented by Daniel Schoefish and climbed to third place Canada's Stephanie Schnepf. Competition, the other participants in Finland Lasse Haapaniemi, was placed tied for fourth place.
Paistinkääntäjien International Young Chef Competition held in Helsinki on Friday, 17 service institute September. Participated in the contest the top 23 young chefs from around the world.

<






The website link for the photos is here:

http://hummeri.net/rotisseurs/


The website to the national news TV report is here, beginning about 7 minutes into the broadcast:

http://areena.yle.fi/video/1287087


http://www.hotelandrestaurant.co.za/new_site/content/tourism/singlepage.asp?id=1229