Paarl Shines At Michelangelo Awards

Paarl Wine Region put in a stellar performance at the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards.

Paarl Wine Region Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards winners (L-R): Isabel Teubes (Nederburg viticulturist), Samuel Viljoen (Nederburg cellar manager), Toit Wessels (Ridgeback winemaker), Andri le Roux (Perdeberg winemaker), Abraham van Heerden (Windmeul Cellar senior winemaker), Zinaschke Steyn (Nederburg winemaker – red), Pieter Badenhorst (Nederburg winemaker).

The trophy for the top South African producer went to Paarl-based Nederburg Wine Estate. In addition, five of the Top 21 class trophies were also awarded to Paarl wines.

This year saw the 26th edition of this highly respected competition, which allows South African producers the opportunity to have their wines judged locally by an experienced panel of international experts. All entries are judged blind by panels of five judges, using the 100-point international recognised OIV judging system.

According to Luan Aucamp, chairman of the Paarl Wine Route, this has been quite a remarkable performance by their various producers. “Michelangelo presents quite an interesting perspective of how our wines are perceived globally. In total, Paarl wines received 89 awards ranging from top producer, best in class and medals. This has certainly once again established the Paarl Wine Route as a highly competitive wine region. It is particularly satisfying to see the diversity of cultivars that came out tops. This will undoubtedly cement our reputation as a prominent player in the South African wine industry. It also proofs that as a region, we can offer wine lovers a wide variety of superior wines to appeal to a range of palates.”

Nederburg Wine Estate was awarded the trophy for the top South African producer. The winning wine making team (L-R): Isabel Teubes (viticulturist), Zinaschke Steyn (winemaker - red), Samuel Viljoen (cellar manager) and Pieter Badenhorst (winemaker).

Wineries that came out as best in class with the highest scores in their respective classes or categories, included Nederburg, Anura, Perdeberg, Ridgeback and Windmeul. The medal haul for Paarl continued with a further four platinum medals, which indicate that a wine scored a commendable 96 or more points. Boland, KWV, Nederburg and Perdeberg were amongst the only 19 entries globally to achieve this incredible level of excellence in 2022. Double gold medals for scores over 93 points went to another 31 Paarl wines, including several smaller producers, who are well known in the international market. In addition, there were also 37 gold and seven silver medals handed to Paarl producers.

Go to www.maiwsa.co.za for a complete list of Paarl wineries and their award-winning wines.