A record number of 1 210 Sauvignon wines across the globe this year competed for the highly coveted Concours Mondial du Sauvignon medals.
Fifty international judges awarded silver and gold medals to wines from 20 countries, announced on Monday 20 March at ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany.
South Africa ratified its ranking as a major Sauvignon Blanc producer country, winning 56 medals – 26 gold, medals and 30 silver medals – along with an international trophy.
The Villiera Bush Vine 2022, by Villiera Wines, was awarded the Tonnellerie Sylvain trophy, which rewards the best wine matured in oak casks. Darling Cellars’ Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 received the Revelation South Africa trophy for the best performing SA wine at the show.
South Africa was well represented with a record number of nearly 13% of entries.
France continued to dominate, with 40% of wines entered, also winning the International Trophy for the Best Blend of Gascon wine for the Saint-Lannes Sauvignon Chardonnay by Duffour Père & Fils. It was followed by Austria with 225 wines entered (18,6%), with the Dubourdieu Trophy for the top Sauvignon in the competition coming from Steiermark, awarded to Sauvignon Blanc Sieme Eichberg by the Adam-Lieleg winery.
Italy and New Zealand complete the top five line-up of participating countries.
In addition to the tastings, the 50 judges from across four continents and 19 nationalities, including journalists, winemakers and buyers, discovered the diversity of South Africa’s wine regions through conferences, visits and opportunities for engagement with the local wine industry.
According to RJ Botha, chair of Sauvignon Blanc SA, the competition was a huge success.
“We are extremely proud of all the compliments that continue to pour in for our country, people, and wines,” Botha says.
