“Over the past decade the coffee style pinotage has increased in popularity, both with the consumer and producer. This style now needs to be recognised, in the same sense as South Africa’s Methode Cap Classique which has shown exceptional quality over many years. These two styles offer the opportunity to showcase South Africa’s uniqueness, variety and the quality of our wines. The new trophies will add value by recognising the industry’s achievements,” says Lorraine Immelman, owner and MD of the Michelangelo Awards. Striving for world class MCC African Cellar Suppliers has been affiliated with MCC production in South Africa from the start. During the early years the founder of ACS, Antonio de Gouveia Snr, imported bottles specifically for MCC for Frans Malan from Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch. “ACS is very proud to be associated with the Michelangelo International Wine Awards and to be the sponsor of the MCC trophy. We believe this trophy will further support and reward the industry in it’s strive to deliver world class MCC,” says ACS general manager, Antonio de Gouveia. ACS has been supplying the wine industry with products including wire hoods, champagne foils, screw caps, barrels, crown caps, imported glass, chemicals, filtration aids, natural corks, technical corks and champagne corks for the past thirty years. Uniquely South African “The coffee-style pinotage is unique in that it is based on a truly South African cultivar. We could think of no better way to honour this style than to sponsor a Michelangelo Coffee/Mocha-Style Pinotage Trophy,” says Toneleria Naçional’s Commercial Manager for South Africa, Marinus Potgieter. “The coffee pinotage style was born from innovative thinking and the use of our wood. Quality is one of the cornerstones of our organisation and this trophy will reward like-minded producers and assist to establish this style.” According to Bertus Fourie the coffee style pinotage is currently the fastest growing category in the wine industry. Fourie was the first winemaker to produce this style way back in 2001 while working at Diemersfontein and studying for his Master’s Degree in Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. “I have seen it all over the world during trade shows presenting this style… people insist that they do not drink wine, or red wine, but then literally fall in love with this style. It is a consumer-friendly and generous style,’ says Fourie. Additional information Over the past 17 years of the Michelangelo CCL Label International Wine Awards’ existence, the competition continuously proved itself as a major role player in the industry, being a forerunner among competitions and adding value for the entrants. The Michelangelo was the first South African competition to accept both local and international wine and the first to honour the finest brandy. It is also the only competition which acknowledges small winemakers (Garagiste) in South Africa and awards a Garagiste Trophy. Other trophies include accolades for the Best Pinotage, the Best Dessert Wine as well as Fairtrade Red and White Trophies, an Organic Trophy and a trophy for the competition’s Top Producer. The Fairtrade trophies, awarded to Fairtrade certified wineries for the third year running, are sponsored by Pick ‘n Pay in support of the best ethically and sustainably produced wines. The international CCL Wine Group, with its head office in Canada, has also confirmed its commitment and support for the competition by extending their sponsorship until 2016. Entries for the 2013 Michelangelo CCL Label International Wine Awards open on 1 July. Follow the competition on www.facebook.com/MichelangeloAwards or via Twitter @MiwaAwards.