Sommeliers select Franschhoek amongst their finest

The Sommeliers Selection Wine Competition, which was conceptualized in 2015, has revolutionized local wine competitions. It is a competition with a difference, as it is judged solely by top South African Sommeliers.

With the rapid and exciting growth of both the food and wine industry in South Africa over the last 20 years, consumers are looking for experienced guidance when it comes to selecting wine. This competition does just that.

With categories such as White: Fresh & Crunchy or Red: Voluptuous & Rich or Red: Elegant & Classy, wines of different varieties, blends, and pricing, but stylistically similar can stand alongside each other. The panel of sommeliers judges and then chooses wines to match the various categories. The wines selected are also deemed exciting enough to be featured on the “ultimate” wine list.

The Sommeliers Selection panel members blind taste individually, before discussing the wines and deciding if the wine fulfills the criteria of being placed on the Sommeliers Selection wine list. At the annual feedback session with the winning list, the panel emphasised the importance of judging wines for ideal pairing with food.

The Sommeliers Selection Competition was chaired by current chairman of The South African Sommelier’s Association, Higgo Jacobs. He was joined on the panel by fellow sommeliers Ewan Mackenzie, Greg Mutambe, Kimi Blackadder, Marlvin Gwese, Neil Grant, Pearl Oliver, Spencer Fondaumiere and Tinashe Nyamudoka.

Five Franschhoek Vignerons were included on this prestigious wine list. They are listed as follows on the wine menu:

Fresh & Crunchy Whites
Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Elegant & Classy Whites
Grande Provence Chardonnay 2014

Full & Rich Whites
Rickety Bridge Semillon 2014
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2015

Pinks
Boschendal The Rose Garden Rosé 2016

Fresh & Juicy Reds
Boschendal Sommelier Selection Pinotage 2014

Elegant & Classy Reds
Rickety Bridge Foundation Stone Red 2014

Voluptuous & Rich Reds
La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2014

Fizz Rosé
Le Lude MCC Rosé NV

Various Trade and public tastings will be taking place in and around the country during the October and November.

For those in the Cape you can get the chance to sample some of Franschhoek’s finest on Thursday, 6 October at Gallery MOMO. If you’re in Pretoria diarise Wednesday, 2 November at Priva Lounge, and Gallery MOMO in Johannesburg is the venue on Thursday, 3 November for those in that area.