False Bay Chenin Blanc wins
29 September 2010
False Bay Chenin Blanc wins ‘By the Glass’ award at UK Sommelier Awards 2009.
A fusion of New World and classic winemaking styles, False Bay Chenin Blanc, which stems from a humble bush vine vineyard in the Swartland region, soared to international acclaim as overall winner in its category at the 2009 Sommelier Wine Awards – Britain’s only competition dedicated to the restaurant and broader on-consumption trade.
The boldly flavoured, yet elegant, the 2008 vintage took top honours in the House White Wine (under £5) category by clinching a ‘Gold List’ medal, as well as a prestigious ‘By the Glass’ award – the only South African wine to be awarded this sought-after accolade.
The False Bay Chenin Blanc 2008 is also making strides in Canada, where it has been chosen as the Top Scoring White Grape (in the ‘other white grape’ category), from 12 different countries, to be showcased at the 2009 Port of Wines Festival in October this year.
Now in its third year, the Sommelier Wine Awards has gained a reputation as a definitive competition aimed solely at the needs of the on-consumption trade and showcases a stellar collection of wines that are available in the United Kingdom exclusively to restaurants, hotels and bars.
The 2009 contest saw 1000 international entries of which 300 wines were shortlisted and re-tasted to make up the 100-strong Gold List. In addition, all gold medallists were tasted with food, after which a mere 11 wines were selected as ‘By the Glass’ winners. The competition also rewarded six truly outstanding wines with the highest honour of being a ‘Critics Choice’ wine.
This year’s judging panel included prominent sommeliers and on-consumption trade buyers, who reviewed each wine for its food-friendliness, versatility, character and value for money.
