Wednesday, 20 October, 2004
Winecorp
Winecorp has scooped its first awards at the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage Competition, claiming trophies for its Longridge Bayview Pinotage 2003 and Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2002. Interestingly, the winning wines represent a production dichotomy, with the former produced for wide appeal, and the latter a premium brand.
The Bayview Pinotage 2003 was produced at the Longridge cellar by winemaker Kobie Viljoen. The grapes were sourced from eight-year-old trellised vines planted on east-facing slopes. Described as showing sweet cherry aromas, hints of mulberry and whiffs of leather and spice, with a creamy palate of luscious fruit, the wine was matured in a combination of American and French oak barrels.
Spier's Private Collection Pinotage 2002 is described as showing ripe berry flavours with vanilla and coffee undertones. Produced by winemaker Frans Smit from 12-year-old bush- and trellised vines, the wine has a small component of Cabernet Sauvignon, and was matured in French and American Oak for 14 months.
Winecorp has already claimed three Gold Medals in international competitions for its Longridge and Spier Private Collection Pinotages this year, claiming a total of more than 60 medals at prominent local and international competitions, including:
Double Gold Medals at the Veritas Awards for the Longridge Merlot 2001 and Spier Private Collection Merlot 2002,
The General Smuts Trophy at the SA Young Wine Show for the Spier Shiraz,
The Grand d'Or Double Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards for the Spier Private Collection Merlot 2002,
Two Gold Medals at the International Wine Challenge in the United Kingdom for the Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2001 and 2002,
Five Gold Medals at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for Longridge Chardonnay 2002, Pinotage 2002 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2001; and Spier Private Collection Viognier 2003 and Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, and
A Gold Medal at Chardonnay du Monde in France for the Longridge Chardonnay 2002, attaining second place in the competition overall.
The winning vintages of the ABSA Top Ten Winecorp pinotages are yet to be released; however the Longridge Bayview Pinotage 2002 is currently available at a recommended retail price of R47, and the Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2001 is available at R95.
Winecorp
Contact: Linda-Louise Roosenschoon
Tel 021 881 3690
Cell 082 820 3349
E-mail linda@winecorp.co.za