Two wines from the Stellenbosch region have been named winners in the 2022 Perold Absa Cape Blend Competition.
The Beyerskloof Faith Cape Blend 2019 by Beyerskloof winemaker Anri Truter and Spier Creative Block 8 2017 by Spier winemaker Johan Jordaan are among the top six wines to feature as winners of the prestigious competition. Furthermore, the Beyerskloof Faith Cape Blend 2020 by Truter and Lyngrove Platinum Latitude 2020 by Danie van Tonder have been named runners up in this year’s competition.
The first Perold Absa Cape Blend competition was launched with 37 entries in 2011, identifying six wines that demonstrate quality and style.
Today the competition has evolved, rules have expanded, and winemakers can now use any varietal with a major component of the blend still more than 30% Pinotage to qualify as a Cape Blend.
This year’s entries are from a wide array of SA wine regions in various styles and blend combinations, with a total of 33 entries received. The 2022 winners showcase the excellent vintages 2018 and 2020 are proving to be.
“There is a big improvement from South African Cape Blends, it is good to see how it interacts with other grape varieties,” said Cape Wine Master Winnie Bowman, who was also a judge in this year’s competition.
“The 2022 judging panel was after balance, fruitfulness and all the wines must have the expression of pinotage in the glass.”
The judging panel also included Wilhelm Pienaar, Cloete Narina, Elsa du Plessis and Charles Hopkins.
Said Pinotage Association chairperson Beyers Truter: “The intention of this competition is to use the legacy of Abraham Izak Perold to unite, constantly improve the quality and market the South African wine industry.
“We thank KWV for the use of the name ‘Perold’ and Absa for its support in promoting pinotage. We celebrate 2022’s competition winners, a current generation of winemakers who can be exceptionally proud of the legacy they are leaving.”
