Top image: Daniel Nel & friend Victoria

For many South African wine and spirits producers, winning a medal at the annual Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards represents a rare pinnacle in the craft. On Friday night, Boplaas Family Vineyards collected seven – including a sought-after Double Gold.

It was a momentous occasion for the family-owned and run farm. Compared to the industry monoliths with whom Boplaas submitted its entries, the Little Karoo operation is tiny. With the small budgets of smaller farms, there can be no margin for error. Plus, in spite of being located far from the Cape’s frontline wine regions, Boplaas has built an unrivalled reputation for tenacity and excellence.

Last week, it again showed its mettle in a way that was rare among entrants of its size: it collected a haul of medals in both wine and spirits divisions, at one of the Michelangelo’s toughest events in its 21 years. There were over 1600 entries this year, judged by panels comprising a mix of local and international wine and spirit professionals.

“We are very honoured by this result,” says Boplaas patriarch Carel Nel. “The Michelangelo Awards are internationally recognised as a measure of excellence. For a producer to make the grade in one category, is hard enough. Doing so for wines, fortified wines and spirits is off the charts.”

Undergoing one of the most comprehensive evaluations, Boplaas wines and spirits firmly stood their ground at the milestone event this year.

The Michelangelo Double Gold was awarded to Boplaas Gamka 2015, a red blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Touriga Francesa and Shiraz. This outstanding wine recently scored 91/100 by influential UK-based Master of Wine Tim Atkin; won Double Gold at the 2017 National Wine Challenge/Top 100 SA Wines; and, named a Top 10-wine at the CAPPA Challenge.

Another CAPPA Top 10-wine, the Boplaas Touriga Nacional 2015 was awarded Gold. The accolade was especially significant to Margaux Nel, co-winemaker with father Carel, because the variety had been the subject of her MSc degree.

Michelangelo Golds were also awarded to three Boplaas Port-style wines – the Cape Vintage Reserve 2013, a SA Young Wine Show Champion and favourite of the Wine of the Month Club; the Cape Vintage Reserve 2014; and the Boplaas Tawny, class winner at the CAPPA Challenge and a Platter’s Guide 4½ star wine.

Rounding off Boplaas’ achievements at the auspicious event were another two gold medals – one for the 20 Year Old Potstill Brandy; and, another for Boplaas Craft Gin. The occasion was a proud moment for a farm with a long history of distillation. From November, the distillation of Boplaas’ world-class whisky, brandy and gin falls under the care of Carel’s son Daniel, who is named after his great great, grandfather and 1880 exporter of brandy to London.

Boplaas wines and spirits are available nationwide at selected outlets due to the small volume that is produced every year. They are also available for purchase through the Boplaas website, www.boplaas.co.za, which provides more information about the Boplaas range of fine wines, fortified wines and brandy.