Entries for South Africa’s best Shiraz and Shiraz blend as judged by top judges, sourced by Shiraz SA, are now open. 

The closing date for entries in both categories is Thursday, 17 April 2014 while late entries must be received by Monday, 5 May 2014.

The judging for the second annual Shiraz SA Wine Challenge takes place at Nederburg from 13 – 15 May 2014. After selecting 20 semi-finalists wines, they will be ranked to determine the 12 winning wines.

This year a category for Shiraz blends is included in the competition. The decision to incorporate Shiraz blends was taken because of the enormous popularity these wines enjoy and also the vast number of blends available. “The main objective of Shiraz SA is to promote the image of South African Shiraz and it just made sense to enhance the variety’s blending potential,” said Edmund Terblanche, chairman of Shiraz SA.

As with last year’s competition, wines entered in the category for Shiraz should be certified by the Wine & Spirits Board asShiraz, i.e. 85% minimum Shiraz. Wines entered in the category for Shiraz blends can be blended with any other cultivar(s) provided that Shiraz forms the dominant percentage.

Two panels will judge the entries simultaneously and the results will be announced at an awards function that will take place on Wednesday, 20 June 2014 at The Vineyard Hotel, Claremont.

For further details contact Sandra Lotz on 082 924 7254 or send an e-mail to [email protected]