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Franschhoek producers triumph at International Wine Challenge 2018

Franschhoek Vignernons have reaffirmed their position as one of SA’s leading wine producing regions at this year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2018. The IWC is regarded as one of the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competitions, which follows a rigorous judging process. Every wine is blind tasted and judged based on its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10 judges.
This year the Franschhoek Wine Valley came out tops with two producers shining in their respective categories. Boschendal’s Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2016 was awarded an impressive 96 points, which saw the wine secure the title of top South African Chardonnay and Best Elgin Chardonnay for the second year in a row. Sharing the spotlight with Boschendal was La Couronne, securing Gold and a Trophy Award (95 points scored) for their Chardonnay 2016. In addition the La Couronne Malbec 2015 received a Commendation for its superb quality.
Boschendal was also awarded Silver for their Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2017, Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Merlot 2015 and Boschendal Appellation Series Sauvignon Blanc 2017, respectively. Other Franschhoek producers who also earned Silver were GlenWood (Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2016 and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Grand Duc 2016, respectively) and Franschhoek Cellar (La Cotte Mill Chenin Blanc 2017). Producers receiving Bronze included Franschhoek Cellar (Baker Station Shiraz 2016), La Couronne (Merlot Rosé 2017), La Motte (Syrah 2015 and Chardonnay 2016, respectively) and GlenWood (Chardonnay Grand Duc 2015).

‘Another fantastic year for South Africa at the International Wine Challenge where we saw lots of class across a range of styles. South Africa already has a fantastic reputation for its output of quality wines of great value. Increasingly we’re also seeing new and established winemakers excel with great classic varieties as well as with more unusual grapes,’ comments leading industry influencer and IWC’s co-chair, Oz Clark.
For the full results visit https://www.internationalwinechallenge.com/press-releases.html.