KWV achieves all-time best at Decanter World Wines Awards

KWV achieves all-time best at Decanter World Wines Awards

KWV is back in the international limelight having delivered another glittering performance – its all-time best at the auspicious Decanter World Wine Awards in London this week.

Among the 18 medals and commendations handed to the Paarl-based wine and spirits producer, were no less than three trophies and six gold medals. Responsible for the trophy haul was the Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2012, which was named Best South African Sauvignon Blanc under £15; KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2010 – Best South African Bordeaux varietal under £15; and KWV The Mentors Chardonnay 2012 – Best South African Chardonnay under £15. “This result, our best ever, is also most likely the best ever achieved by a South African wine producer.  We are again delighted with the performance of our KWV The Mentors wines”, said outgoing KWV Chief Winemaker Richard Rowe. The premium range, established in 2006 to showcase excellence of select vineyards, was responsible for a total of 14 of the accolades collected by KWV at the Decanter Awards, including Gold for the KWV The Mentors Shiraz 2011 and the KWV The Mentors Grenache Blanc 2011. “Our KWV The Mentors wines are a shining example of the stylistic evolution that has taken place across our portfolio. Arguably the most awarded range in the country, the KWV The Mentors range has consistently ranked as a favourite among expert judging panels and wine lovers, both locally and internationally. It is a proud testament to the hard work of a dedicated group of people, from the growers through to our winemaking team,” Rowe said. Also among the gold medallists was the Classic Cape Tawny, which Rowe said was very satisfying as it wins awards whenever entered, including prestigious accolades such as Double Gold at Veritas Wine Awards, Gold at the Michelangelo CCL Label International Wine Awards and Diamond status at the Winemakers’ Choice Awards. The Decanter World Wine Awards, now in its 10th year, is widely regarded as the world’s leading wine competition. Its rigorous judging process has led to the event becoming an authoritative source for wine enthusiasts worldwide. This year, just over 200 judges from around the world assessed some 14 300 wines from 52 countries.    Making KWV’s performance even more significant is the very limited number of awards that are made annually at the event. Only around 1% of wines received a Regional Trophy. • KWV announced this week the appointment of Johann Fourie as Chief Winemaker. Fourie has worked closely with Richard Rowe as KWV Senior Winemaker for the past eight years. Rowe stays on as a consultant with particular focus on developing KWV’s international markets.