According to MD and owner of the Michelangelo Awards, Lorraine Immelman, entries are currently received at a steady pace: “We are receiving entries earlier than in previous years. It is also pleasing to see producers entering the competition for the first time.” This year sees the introduction of a platinum tier and two new trophies. The platinum tier is positioned above the Gran d’Or (double gold) tier and will honour products with a score of 98 and above. African Cellar Suppliers has come on board as sponsor for the Best Method Cap Classique Trophy and ToneleriaNaçional with the Best Coffee/Mocha-Style Pinotage Trophy. The Michelangelo International Wine Awards was the first South African competition to accept local and international brandies and the first to honour the finest with a Brandy Trophy. It is also the only competition which acknowledges small winemakers (Garagiste) in South Africa and awards a Garagiste Trophy. In total fifteen trophies will be awarded this year. 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 judges All entries are judged blind using the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) 100-point system. The judging process and all results are audited by DDI Financial Solutions. As in the past the competition boasts an impressive international judging panel. Since the competition’s inception in 1997, more than 160 international wine experts from 37 countries served on the panels. Industry support The Michelangelo International Wine Awards is seen as one of the most influential and reputable competitions in the industry. For the last four consecutive years the competition annually received in the region of 1,500 entries. The previous sponsor, CCL Wine Group, was bought over by Bidvest Rotolabel earlier in the year. Rotolabel will honour the involvement and sponsorship. An agreement effective till 2018 is in place. The trophy and medal winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 6 September. For more information contact Lorraine Immelman on lorraine@michelangeloawards.com or on 082 556 8679. (416)