SASA was started in 2010 when a group of like-minded individuals joined forces in the hope of forming an association which would aim to uplift and promote the service of wine in South Africa. A non-profit organization, SASA’s goal is to offer its services to local and international Sommeliers, in being the contact and network portal for sommeliers based locally and abroad. In doing so they are able to provide training and mentorships which contribute to the ongoing development of professional standards of the highest level.
"The judging and awards format of The Sommeliers Selection has been developed in order to be more aligned to consumer expectation and culinary reference, as too much emphasis is often placed on grape varieties in the South African wine industry. The Sommeliers Selection applies innovation in this respect of judging wines grouped together by style (for example fresh and fruity or rich and opulent) rather than by varietal, and by also taking price point into consideration. We believe these are factors that resonate more strongly with consumers," says SASA Chairman, Higgo Jacobs.
SASA’s support is the perfect fit for The Sommeliers Selection as it is a competition judged solely by a panel of South Africa’s top sommeliers, in categories molded around those of a ‘wine list’. The South African Sommeliers on the judging panel all have extensive local and international judging and work experience. Their in-depth knowledge of international and local markets and what the public is looking for in their drinking wines, or pairing wines with food is unparalleled.
Winning wines, referred to as ‘Listed Wines’, are listed on the sought-after Sommeliers Selection wine list. This wine list is distributed countrywide to trade and restaurants. All listed wines carry The Sommeliers Selection seal of approval, which is identified as a gold sticker and necktag. These eye-catching stickers and necktags will stand out on retail shelves, thereby guiding the everyday consumer with their wine purchases.
Entries are judged for their food appropriateness and their gastronomical relevance. The judging panel, look at the stylistic approach to wines, regionality and price points. All wines are tasted ‘blind’ by the panel.
This is a wine competition you don’t want to miss out on. If you haven’t entered you need to hurry as entries close on Wednesday, 24 May 2017, and judging will take place in early June. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 26 July where after the public will get an opportunity to taste the winning wines in Johannesburg (21 September) and Cape Town (5 October).
For more information on how to enter visit www.thesommeliersselection.co.za.