South African Sauvignon Blancs are among the best in the world, as judged by the 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, the biggest international Sauvignon Blanc competition recently hosted in Franschhoek.
Information by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, reveals that a record number of 1,210 Sauvignon wines across the globe this year competed for the highly coveted Concours Mondial du Sauvignon medals.
Fifty international judges awarded silver and gold medals to wines from 20 countries, with winners announced on Monday March 20, at ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany.
South Africa ratified its ranking as a major Sauvignon Blanc producer country, winning 56 medals, including 26 gold medals and 30 silver medals along with an international trophy.
The Villiera Bush Vine 2022 by Villiera wines, near Stellenbosch, was awarded the Tonnellerie Sylvain trophy which rewards the best wine matured in oak casks. Darling Cellars’ Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 received the Revelation South Africa trophy for the best performing South African wine at the show.
South Africa was well represented with a record number of nearly 13% of entries. France continues to dominate with 40% of wines entered, also winning the International Trophy for the Best Blend of Gascon wine for the Saint-Lannes Sauvignon Chardonnay by Duffour Père & Fils.
It is followed by Austria with 225 wines entered (18.6%), with the Dubourdieu Trophy for the top Sauvignon in the competition coming from Steiermark, awarded to Sauvignon Blanc Sieme Eichberg by the Adam-Lieleg winery. Italy and New Zealand complete the top five line-up of participating countries.
This 14th edition of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, the first outside of Europe, was hosted by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, together with the international organisers, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
In addition to the tastings, the judges from across 4 continents and 19 nationalities, including journalists, winemakers and buyers, discovered the diversity of South Africa’s wine regions through conferences, visits and opportunities for engagement with the local wine industry.
According to RJ Botha, Chairman of Sauvignon Blanc SA, the competition was a huge success. “We are extremely proud of all the compliments that continue to pour in for our country, people, and wines,” Mr Botha said.
“We are confident that this is only the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, and it was a pleasure to collaborate with the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles organising team.”
“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone for their support in hosting the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in South Africa, including our platinum partners, Vinventions, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the National Convention Bureau and WESGRO, our bronze partners Boutes, Tonnellerie Garonnaise, Tonnellerie Sylvain, Enartis, Beveratech, FNB, Porex, Hillebrand GORI, and Anchor Oenology, as well as Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and all other partners.”
To view the full list of South African gold medal winners visit, www.sauvignonblanc.com