New award to raise the bar for local Shiraz
Friday, 30 April, 2004
Fiona McDonald
Encouraging the development of superlative South African Syrah
There’s an unmistakable buzz around Shiraz, an enthusiasm among wine lovers and winemakers alike, leading to this red variety garnering more devotees year after year. In recognition of this growing popularity, WINE magazine and Tops at SPAR have launched a new initiative, the Shiraz Challenge, to encourage the development of superlative South African Syrah.
'Shiraz has captured the public’s interest and tastebuds big time,' explained WINE’s editor, Fiona McDonald. 'Its appeal is universal and the fact that producers are planting and making more of it speaks volumes.'
As with the hugely successful Chenin Blanc Challenge (also sponsored by WINE and SPAR) which has contributed to setting benchmarks in the largest South African white wine class, the Shiraz Challenge will raise the bar for top-class examples of what has become the most exciting category among the country’s reds.
The new award will focus on recent releases, with as many producers as possible represented in a two-day tasting. Judging is to take place in June, audited results will be published in the August issue of WINE and the winning winemaker will claim R10 000 in prize money plus a return air ticket to France, home of some of the world’s finest Syrah (a la Rhône).
The Shiraz Challenge is WINE magazine’s latest initiative in promoting categories most important to the SA wine industry, others being Chenin Blanc, Méthode Cap Classique and Pinotage – these in addition to its involvement in identifying top-quality South African wines across the board though the Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show and outstanding value-for-money wines priced at under R40 a bottle as assessed in WINE’s annual Best Value Wine Guide.
The latest news from WINE comes after a repositioning of its accolades for South Africa’s indigenous red. The May issue of the magazine includes a review of Pinotage from the 2002 vintage, still applauding the top class wines but shifting the focus in showcasing top performers on the best value front.
Replacing the Pinotage Champion of the Year award presented purely on the basis of quality for the past seven years, the 2004 WINE magazine Tops at SPAR Value for Money Pinotage Awards for wines under R40 per bottle went to three exceptional buys: Du Toitskloof Pinotage 2002 at R28 a bottle (rated 3-stars), McGregor Pinotage 2002 at R24 a bottle (rated 2½-stars) and Lutzville Most Westerly Pinotage 2002 at R18.40 a bottle (rated 2-stars).
Issued by: Fiona McDonald, WINE magazine
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