In the heart of South Africa’s sun-kissed vineyards, a celebration of heritage and the artistry of winemaking unfolds. Since its inception in 2011, the Perold Absa Cape Blend competition has stood as a beacon, beckoning winemakers to craft their finest Cape Blends, subjecting them to the discerning palates of experts. The competition is open to wine blends that are made up of a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 70% Pinotage. Pinotage must also have the highest total percentage in the blend.
The contest is an ode to diversity, an anthem to quality, and a testament to the country’s vibrant wine industry. Amongst the multitude, only six emerge as victors, their names etched in the chronicles of winemaking and their wines exemplifying quality and style. This category, a tribute to the visionary viticulturist behind Pinotage (Abraham Izak Perold) – unfurls a tapestry of Pinotage-centric wines, each one a creation in its own right.
The Pinotage Rosé awards debuted in 2017, igniting a fresh spark in the world of winemaking. This competition poses an exhilarating challenge to local vintners, focusing on the blushing elegance of Pinotage. It shines a spotlight on the diverse expressions of this beloved grape, amplifying its resonance in the global wine panorama. It’s a testament to the vision of the contest as a whole: to illuminate the unparalleled essence of Pinotage on the local and international stage while championing various styles.
From the Cape Blend’s 37 daring entries in its inaugural year (2011) to a crescendo of 56 in 2015, the numbers bear witness to ambition and passion. Today, with an average of 44 entries over the years, the saga continues. Meanwhile, the Rosé category, born in 2017 with 14 audacious entrants, soared to its zenith in 2021. Now, with an average of 20 entrants, this category’s ascent is unstoppable.
The chairman of the Pinotage Association attributes the Cape Blend competition’s success to the dedicated sub-committee of 2001, led by Jacques Roux as chairman, along with members Danie Steytler (SNR), Johan Malan, Jeremy Walker, and Clive Torr. Their recommendations on the name “Cape Blend” and the associated rules have become the bedrock of this category. We encourage more producers to enter, paying tribute to the heritage and progress of Pinotage. – Beyers Truter
Judges
The 2023 Perold Absa Cape Blend and Pinotage Rosé competition judged by Wilhelm Pienaar from Hermanus Pietersfontein, Lucinda Heyns from Illimis wines, Narina Cloete from Blaauwklippen, Elsa Du Plessis from Beyerskloof, and Janno Bries Louw from Eenzaamheid Wines, their palates finely attuned to crown the next maestros.
Entries
2023 Entries – 30 Cape Blends, 17 rosés, 31 producers.
These are the stories that course through the vineyards, the legacy that lingers in each bottle. The Perold Absa Cape Blend and Pinotage Rosé Awards are more than a competition; they are a testament to the steadfast spirit of South African winemaking. In every sip, a piece of history, a glimpse into the future.
Perold Absa Cape Blend Awards
Winners
Bellevue Wine Estate | Winemaker Wilhelm Kritzinger | Wine 2021 Bellevue Atticus Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 43% Cabernet Sauvignon 41% Petit Verdot 16%
Beyerskloof Wines | Winemaker Anri Truter | Wine 2021 Beyerskloof Synergy Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 45% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot 5% Shiraz 5% Pinot Noir 1% Cinsault 1%
Flagstone Winery | Winemaker Gerhard Swart | Wine 2020 Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 38% Shiraz 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 19% Mataro 8% Durif 2% Petit Verdot 2% Merlot 1%
Perdeberg Wines | Winemaker Albertus Louw | Wine 2020 Endura Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 52% Malbec 24% Cabernet Sauvignon 24%
KWV | Winemaker Izéle van Blerk | Wine 2019 KWV The Mentors Perold Tributum | Blend Pinotage 39% Cabernet Sauvignon 24% Shiraz 24% Petit Sirah 13%
Stellenbosch Hills | Winemaker Charl Myburgh | Wine 2017 Suikerboschrand Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 35% Shiraz 35% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Merlot 10% Petit Verdot 10%
Runners up
Truter Family Wines | Winemakers Hugo Truter; Celeste Truter | Wine 2021 Truter Family Wines Agaat John David Winemaker’s Selection | Blend Pinotage 38% Cabernet Sauvignon 33% Shiraz 18% Merlot 9% Petit Verdot 2%
Beyerskloof Wines | Winemaker Anri Truter | Wine 2020 Beyerskloof Faith Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 34% Cabernet Sauvignon 33% Merlot 33%
Windmeul Kelder | Winemaker Michael Kotzé; Abraham van Heerden | Wine 2019 Windmeul Reserve Cape Blend | Blend Pinotage 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot 10% Petit Verdot 10%
Blake Family Wines | Winemaker Andries Blake | Wine 2018 Blake’s Amethyst | Blend Pinotage 44% Shiraz 41% Malbec 9% Cabernet Sauvignon 6%
Pinotage Rosé Awards
Winners
Maastricht Wine Estate | Winemaker Thys Louw | 2023 Maastricht Pinotage Rosé
Landskroon Wines | Winemaker Fanie Geyser | 2023 Landskroon Pinotage Blanc de Noir Off Dry
Windmeul Kelder | Winemaker Michael Kotzé, Abraham van Heerden | 2023 Windmeul Pinotage Rosé
Rooiberg Wines | Winemaker André Scriven | 2023 Rooiberg Winery Pinotage Rosé
DTK Wines | Winemakers Shawn Thomson | 2023 Du Toitskloof Pinotage Rosé
Absa: A key patron of excellence
The Pinotage Association extend their sincere gratitude to Absa bank for their unwavering support and commitment to the South African wine industry. Their vision has played an integral role in elevating the stature of these awards and promoting the excellence that defines our nation’s winemaking prowess.
Let us raise our glasses to toast the winners of the 2023 Perold Absa Cape Blend, Rosé winners and finalists.
About the Perold Absa Cape Blend and Rosé Awards
The Perold Absa Cape Blend Awards, established in 2011, stand as a prestigious platform honouring exceptional Cape Blends. These wines, comprising 30% to 70% Pinotage, exemplify South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage. In 2017, the Pinotage Rosé Awards debuted, celebrating the delicate elegance of Pinotage in rosé form. Together, these awards showcase the versatility, artistry and innovation flourishing within the South African wine industry.
For more information on the competition, contact the Pinotage Association: