Orange River Cellars celebrate two top achievements at the 11th Muskadel SA awards, sponsored by Enartis SA, and hosted on 23 May at Noop Restaurant, Paarl. Of the 26 entrants, Orange River Cellars’ 2012 Rooi Muskadel was the only wine to be awarded a Platinum award at this year’s competition, while their White Muscadel 2012 was awarded Gold. Other winners The Breede River Valley proved their worth as Muscadel region with three Gold medals; Rooiberg Winery Red Muscadel 2012, Mooiuitsig Winery Oude Rust Rooi Muskadel 2012 and Du Toitskloof Winery Red Muscadel 2012. According to Henri Swiegers, chairperson of Muskadel SA and winemaker in the Breede River Valley, a Muscadel wine prefers dry, warm weather conditions, with enough water to irrigate the vineyards proficiently. “This results in high sugar content and acidic pH levels that are the key to a successful Muscadel. South African producers are very committed and always strive to deliver the best quality product.” Judging Tasted blind, the wines are judged and scored according to a tried and tested points system. The uniqueness of the packaging also contributes to the final points tally. Consumers can identify winning Muscats by the Gold or Platinum Muskadel SA stickers on the bottle. “I think this year’s entries were better than ever before. The Muscats have a good complexity and depth in flavour,” says Dave Biggs, respected judge and wine fundi, about this year’s entries. Sponsor Enartis SA has been involved with the Muscadel association for the past six years. “Muscadel is one of the best wines produced by the South African wine industry each year, and the best worldwide. The stigma that Muscats are only a dessert and winter wine is long gone. Enartis SA in association with Muskadel SA has changed this and will build on this reputation for years to come.” Enartis SA also delivers a service in the form of professional, technical advice in all forms of wine producing techniques. “We are proud to associate our name with this unique wine and we carry their interest at heart,” says Steven Baard, Sales Manager at Enartis SA. For more information contact Henri Swiegers at 082 829 6010 or winemaker@badsberg.co.za *Front l to r: Murray Giggins (Enartis SA), Jim de Kock (Orange River Cellars), Paul de Villiers (Mooiuitsig Winery), Andrè Scriven (Rooiberg Winery). Back l to r: Steven Baard (Enartis SA), Henri Swiegers (Muskadel SA), Shawn Thomson (DuToitskloof Winery)