Boland Cellar Wines Glitter at Michelangelo Awards

Two of Boland Cellar’s new star-performing wines shone brightly and won gold at the 21st annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards on Friday 29 September in Cape Town.

The Boland wines which received the prestigious awards were the 2015 One Formation Pinotage Shiraz Grenache and 2017 Talent and Terroir Chenin blanc. Approximately 1 600 wines were judged at this year’s competition.

Started two decades ago, the Michelangelo International Wine Awards was recognised as the country’s first independent international wine awards ceremony. Incorporating a meticulous blind judging process, with the insights of approximately 28 wine experts from across the globe, the Michelangelo’s has earned its colours as South Africa’s largest wine competition to date.

“The Boland Cellar team is immensely grateful and humble to be recognised at an acclaimed global competition such as the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, says Maraleze Knoetze, Boland Cellar marketing. “We certainly also want to give our local community, partners and staff credit for their continued support, all fundamental to Boland Cellar’s ‘Pioneers of Collaboration’ ethos and the team’s work ethic”. Bernard Smuts, Boland Cellar winemaker, adds to Knoetze's comments and highlights that it’s thanks to the winemakers' teamwork and attention to detail, from the vineyards to the bottle, that have been vital roleplayers in wines’ production and success. “During the last few years, we wanted to focus closely on the One Formation and Talent & Terroir ranges, and to win an international award for what we set out to achieve is a great honour”, says Smuts.

2015 One Formation Pinotage Shiraz Grenache

The One Formation wine range, which includes the Michelangelo’s gold medal winner, the Pinotage Shiraz Grenache blend, aptly reflects the cellar's key goals, to 'collaborate' and combine different elements – in this case, three varietals – to form a singular blend. The One Formation series was inspired by experimenting with lesser-known varietals to result in a range of authentic regional blends. The 2017 Pinotage blend provides layers of dark, and ripe fruit, and has a juicy and approachable taste profile – all harmonising in a smooth, lingering taste. The Pinotage was cold-fermented and then blended with the Shiraz and Grenache to ensure the long, clean finish. The wine can be enjoyed with grilled beef rump or braised pork.

2017 Talent and Terroir Chenin blanc

“Boland Cellar’s second gold medal winner, the 2017 Talent and Terroir Chenin blanc, certainly shows the winemaking team’s dedication to producing a great, signature wine”, says Smuts. “The 2017 vintage’s harvest comes from a very dry, yet cool season, which allowed us to create a versatile wine with beautiful tropical and litchy taste profile”.

Adding to the winning wines, is Boland Cellar’s newest release in the Talent and Terroir range, the 2017 Sauvignon blanc, which took a silver medal.

The One Formation Pinotage blend sells at approximately R79 per bottle, while the Talent and Terroir Chenin blanc and Sauvignon blanc are available at around R55,50 per bottle. The wines can be purchased at selected liquor outlets and the tasting room in Paarl.

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For more information on Boland Cellar’s ranges, visit www.bolandcellar.co.za

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Issued by: HATCH COMMUNICATION

Pictures: SUPPLIED