In the heart of South Africa’s sun-kissed vineyards a celebration of heritage and the artistry of winemaking unfolds. Since its inception in 2011, the Perold Absa Cape Blend competition has stood as a beacon, beckoning winemakers to craft their finest Cape Blends, subjecting them to the discerning palates of experts. The competition is open to wine blends that are made up of a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 70% Pinotage. Pinotage must also have the highest total percentage in the blend.
The contest is an ode to diversity, an anthem to quality, and a testament to the country’s vibrant wine industry. Among the multitude, only six emerge as victors, their names etched in the chronicles of winemaking and their wines exemplifying quality and style.
This category, a tribute to the visionary viticulturist behind Pinotage (Abraham Izak Perold), unfurls a tapestry of Pinotage-centric wines, each one a creation in its own right.
The Pinotage Rosé awards debuted in 2017, igniting a fresh spark in the world of winemaking. This competition poses an exhilarating challenge to local vintners, focusing on the blushing elegance of Pinotage. It shines a spotlight on the diverse expressions of this beloved grape, amplifying its resonance in the global wine panorama. It’s a testament to the vision of the contest as a whole: to illuminate the unparalleled essence of Pinotage on the local and international stage while championing various styles.
From the Cape Blend’s 37 daring entries in its inaugural year (2011) to a crescendo of 56 in 2015, the numbers bear witness to ambition and passion. Today, with an average of 44 entries over the years, the saga continues. Meanwhile, the Rosé category, born in 2017 with 14 audacious entrants, soared to its zenith in 2021. Now, with an average of 20 entrants, this category’s ascent is unstoppable.
The 2023 Perold Absa Cape Blend and Pinotage Rosé competition judged by Wilhelm Pienaar of Hermanus Pietersfontein, Lucinda Heyns of Illimis Wines, Narina Cloete of Blaauwklippen, Elsa du Plessis of Beyerskloof and Janno Bries Louw of Eenzaamheid Wines, their palates finely attuned to crown the next maestros.
This year saw 31 producers enter 30 Cape Blends and 17 Rosés,
Among the Cape Blend winners were local wineries: Perdeberg Wines 2020 Endura Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend and KWV 2019 The Mentors Perold Tributum with runner-up Windmeul Kelder 2019 Windmeul Reserve Cape Blend. Windmeul Kelder also walked away as one of the Rosé winners with their 2023 Windmeul Pinotage Rosé.
