Not only did the De Krans Tritonia Calitzdorp (Red) Blend 2023 earn a spot on the Top 100 list as well as a Platinum Award, but this stellar wine was also named the Champion Best in Class in the Grand Cru National category. Also securing Top 100 and Platinum honours were the De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2021 and De Krans Cape Tawny NV. Double Gold was awarded to the De Krans Tritonia Verdelho 2023.
Furthermore, De Krans also earned a Wine Consistency Award in the Special Award Winners category. This distinction is one of four special awards tracked by the NWC, serving as key benchmarks that set exceptional wines apart. Each category validates essential aspects of fine wine performance, collectively forming the foundation of a reputable fine wine brand. These qualities transcend wine style, origin, and region, defining the hallmarks of recognizable fine wine status.
In the Wine Consistency Award category, the panel recognizes wines that consistently deliver top-notch performance. De Krans Wines is one of only a few wines to have secured numerous Top 100 wins in South Africa over 15 years. Notably, it's among the top three wines with the most podium positions, showcasing its enduring excellence.
De Krans Wines continued its winning streak with the Tritonia Verdelho 2023 taking home the Investec Trophy for Best Niche White Wine with an impressive score of 97/100. This prestigious award, now in its 24th year, showcases South Africa's finest wines. Out of 650 entries, the wine stood out among 303 bronze, 133 silver, and 40 gold medal winners, as well as 23 trophy winners.
The fact that two of the wines receiving top praise in both these competitions are made from Portuguese varietals, reaffirms De Krans’ position as one SA’s leading wine producers. Celebrating the core of what sets their port-style wines apart from the rest the Tritonia Verdelho, is a white grape wine varietal most associated with the island of Madeira, and also gives its name to one of the four main types of Madeira wine. At the turn of the 20th century it was the most widely planted white grape in Madeira.
The Tritonia Calitzdorp (Red) Blend, made from a blend of the Portuguese grape varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barocca. Since introducing South Africa's first Touriga Nacional single variety in 2000, De Krans has pioneered the cultivation of these grapes in the Klein Karoo region, leveraging its similarities to Portugal's Douro Valley. By innovating and presenting these varieties authentically, they've highlighted the versatility of Portuguese grapes, which can seamlessly transition from full-bodied dry reds to rich, complex port-style wines.
With roots in Calitzdorp dating back to the 1890s, De Krans Wines has cemented the reputation of Portuguese grape varieties in the region. These varietals have proven their staying power, solidifying their place in the industry.
For more information on these superb wines, visit www.dekrans.co.za or contact the farm on 044 2133 314.