Of the 18 gold medals awarded at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), Perdeberg Cellar’s The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2022 was not only included in this line-up, but also recognised as one of the stand-out Chenin Blancs at the 2023 competition.
A total of 570 medals were awarded to South African wines at the results announced in Stellenbosch on Monday, 7 August.
Established in 1969, the IWSC is more than a competition. Its a global wine and spirits community, focused on people and expertise, whereby their mission is to champion the best wine and spirits from around the world. This year their international judging team was overseen by IWSC Judging Committee Member, Master of Wine Dirceu Vianna Junior. Vianna was joined on the panel by leading industry experts, which included Maggie Macpherson, Colin Thorne, Samantha Glanfield, Sophia Longhi and Luke Harbor. Local South African wine experts also took part in the judging, bringing their invaluable insight and knowledge of local terroirs and styles. The judges tasted more than 560 South African entries over three days. “Hard work, without a doubt, pays off,” said Perdeberg Wines cellar master Albertus Louw, “not to mention the passion and commitment the Perdeberg team dedicates to producing premium-quality wines. It is an honour to be recognised yet again by the IWSC.
Created from grapes of a Certified Heritage Vineyard planted in 1985 in the Paarl area, The Dry Land Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2022 showcases aromas of citrus, pear, peach and pineapple. The palate boasts hints of citrus, litchi and vanilla, while the finish is crisp with well-defined acidity, perfect to enjoy on its own or served with seafood dishes, fragrant chicken curry and rich cheeses.
Hot on its heels, The Dry Land Collection Rossouw’s Heritage 2021 won silver, with The Vineyard Collection Grenache Blanc 2023 and The Vineyard Collection Cinsault 2022 jointly taking bronze.
