2013 FNB Top 10 aims at identifying the Superstars of Sauvignon Blanc

Now in its seventh year the annual Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc Competition, presented under the auspices of the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group (SBIG), will once again be identifying the most exciting examples of South Africa’s favourite white grape variety.

In 2011, the first year of the FNB sponsorship, a total of 169 entries were received, in 2012 this increased to 195, and this year the aim is to reach 200 entries. Entries are arriving at a steady pace, and a very encouraging sign is that quite a number of entries have been received from producers who are participating for the first time.

The key to the success of the FNB Top 10 Competition is the fact that the judges are drawn from a broad background, including journalism, retail, education and winemaking. “Our aim is not to reward a single style of Sauvignon Blanc, but rather to identify 10 excellent examples that can set a benchmark for quality in a global context” according to Pieter de Waal, Secretary of SBIG and organiser of the competition.

The panel chairperson for the sixth consecutive year, Christian Eedes, will be assisted by a hugely talented and qualified panel of four judges, being:

Cathy Marston (wine educator and journalist)
Carrie Adams (Norman Goodfellows, Hook & Lambert, Panniers)
Elzette du Preez (winemaker: De Grendel)
Richard Kershaw (MW & winemaker: Kershaw Wines)

Closing date for the competition is Friday, 23 August 2013, with the last date to deliver samples a week later, Friday 30 August 2013.

Judging will take place at The Wine Cellar, Observatory, from 3 to 6 September 2013, with the Top 20 announced on Monday 9 September 2013.

The awards ceremony will presented at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on Friday 27 September 2013, and the first public tasting of the FNB Top 10 will be at the FNB Fine Wine & Dine to be held at the V & A Waterfront on Thursday 3 & Friday 4 October 2013.

To participate in the competition, or for any other enquiries, please contact Pieter de Waal on 083 357 3864 or [email protected]