BOUCHARD FINLAYSON TAKES TOP PRIZE
AT PRESTIGIOUS WINE FAIR IN DIJON,
FRANCE
Issued
by FIVESTAR PR on behalf of Bouchard Finlayson
Bouchard
Finlayson’s Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2011 has
won the ‘Coup de Coeur’ award, the highest accolade, at the inaugural ‘Salon
Vinidivio’ in Dijon, France. The lauded vintage was also awarded the Gold
medal, with the Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer 2012 and Tête de Cuvée Galpin
Peak Pinot noir 2010 each taking home Silver.
Vinidivio was
part of the 83rd International & Gastronomy Fair at the
Palais des Congrès in Dijon, taking place from 31 October – 11 November 2013.
The annual fair in Burgundy attracts over 200,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors,
making it one of the top ranking gastronomy fairs in France. Each year a
foreign country is invited as host country; this year, for the first time, the
fair narrowed its focus by including the wine-growing regions of South Africa
as the guest of honour of the Fair.
The aim of introducing Vinidivio (31 October – 4 November)
for the first time was to showcase not only the gastronomic and tourism
delights of the host country during the fair but to also move the focus to its
wine offering. In total 25 South African wineries were represented under the
patronage of guest of honour and co-organiser Michael Fridjhon, giving French
exhibition visitors the chance to discover the value and quality of wine
products from South Africa.
One of the highlights of Vinidivio was the ‘La Paulée de
Dijon’ event on Sunday 3 November, held in the ‘Cellier de Clairvaux’, a
historical cellar in Dijon. For this wine connoisseurs’ networking opportunity
producers from different vineyards in Burgundy presented two or more of their
bestselling vintages. Bouchard Finlayson Global Ambassador Lia Poveda, who is
originally from France, attended the event and was able to share the Bouchard
Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2012 and Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2011 with a
table of 10 top French wine producers to much acclaim.
The day culminated in the presentation of the awards. A
panel of judges made up of renowned French sommeliers, winemakers and
journalists and led by France’s top Sommelier Eric Goettelmann (Head Sommelier
and wine buyer for the three Michelin-starred restaurant Bernard Loiseau) blind
tasted wines from 25 South African wineries.
Feedback at the fair for the Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak
Pinot noir 2011 has been overwhelmingly positive, resulting in the vintage
taking top honours on the night.
Bouchard Finlayson Global Ambassador Lia Poveda is delighted
with the trip: ‘Representing Bouchard Finlayson in my own country, in Burgundy
where I spent two years during my wine studies and fell in love with Pinot Noir
and Chardonnay, was an absolute honour. The masters and producers of my beloved
grapes have recognised the quality and the passion put into Bouchard Finlayson
wines, which to me is a superb accolade in a region where some of the most
famous wines in the world are produced.’
Tasting Notes, Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot noir
2011
Typically Pinot noir-like in flavour compared to previous
vintages, 2011 is deftly balanced with lots of red berry fruit character and
pretty floral aromas. Excellent small French oak barrel maturation contribution
has assisted in achieving a super core strength. Its inherent balance and
fruity personality promises the development of added flavour dimensions over a
period of ageing.
ABOUT BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
Established in 1989 in the temperate
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 125 hectares (312 acres) of Walker Bay's prime
viticultural land, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard and Winery is a small cellar
dedicated to the quality production of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon
blanc. Ever since releasing their first vintages, the name Bouchard Finlayson
has been internationally synonymous with excellence. Today, owned
by the Red Carnation Hotels’ Tollman family and under the leadership of
Victoria Tollman and winemaker Peter Finlayson, 22 hectares (54 acres) of the
estate are currently under vine with 50% devoted to the varietal for which
Peter is most acclaimed – Pinot noir. Other cultivars under production include
Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Sangiovese, as well as a handful under
exploration. Bouchard Finlayson is an accredited Championship member of the
Biodiversity and Wine initiative (BWI).
Situated on the R320 near Hermanus, Bouchard Finlayson vineyard and winery is open for tastings and sales Monday to Friday from 09h30 to 17h00 and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 13h00. For further information, call +27 28 312 3515; email info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za; or visit www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.
