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Absa Top 10 Pinotage winners announced
Despite the challenges faced due the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year's Absa Top 10 Pinotage awards saw 149 entries received. The partnership between Absa and the Pinotage Association has, especially, seen the progress the industry has made over the years and is testament to the success of wine being synonymous with the country.
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South Africa produces some of the best wines in the world and it gets the necessary publicity on the international front, which helps with the brand of South Africa. To appreciate the evolution of wine styles in terms of wines that conform to the classics of the world and to make this possible, it is about partnerships and consistency of an association that has a vision.
Beyers Truter, chairman of the Pinotage Association says: "The Pinotage Association’s Vision2025 endeavours to get all stakeholders in sync with regards to pinotage research, knowledge transfer and marketing. We want to double pinotage’s contribution to the economy in the period ending in 2025, when pinotage will be celebrating its centenary. This will be possible with the commitment from our partner Absa and their continued support to the wine industry."
He also stressed on the improved quality of pinotage and winemakers greater understanding their terroir, these being the fundamental ingredients of the success recipe.
SA wine a catalyst for economic, community growth
Absa, managing executive Western Cape, John Tshabalala expressed that the bank is proud to be partnering with the Pinotage Association to present the 24th Top 10 Pinotage Awards. "The local wine industry is not only synonymous with South African excellence but supports thousands of jobs while making a meaningful contribution to the economy and communities," stated Tshabalala.
A nurtured relationship between Absa and the Pinotage Association has made the Absa Top 10 competition one of the sought-after South African wine accolades. The expert judging panel comprised Cape Wine Master and panel convenor Winnie Bowman, Tsogo Sun sommelier Georgio Meletiou, Spier cellarmaster Frans Smit, wine writer Fiona McDonald and viticulturist Solly Monyanane, a protégé judge in 2019.
The winner’s representation includes three from Stellenbosch, two from Durbanville, two from Paarl, one from Western Cape, one from Swartland, and one Worcester. Five of the Top 10 winners are from the 2018 vintage, 2019 (one), 2017 (three) and 2016 (one).
Whereas in the growing Icon Vintage Class for wines at least 10 years old – testimony to the good ageing potential of top Pinotage – the winners are from the Stellenbosch (2) and Tulbagh (1).
