Stellenbosch Vineyards Southern View Sauvignon Blanc 2020 has been announced as a Top 10 winner in the annual FNB Sauvignon Blanc 10 competition. This premier wine competition is the only one in South Africa exclusively devoted to Sauvignon Blanc. “To have your Sauvignon Blanc recognised at this prestigious competition is nothing short of spectacular. From the first tasting, I knew this wine had the potential to be special and, I feel honored to receive this award”, smiles winemaker Bernard Claassen.

Stellenbosch Vineyards is privileged to produce wine in the prestigious grape-growing region of Stellenbosch. The grapes for the awarded Southern View Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from three Southern facing vineyard blocks, as the name suggests. The individual wines produced from the three vineyard blocks are then carefully blended to create the 2020 vintage.

The Southern View Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is a fresh, modern-styled, and, unwooded Sauvignon Blanc. The nose shows a cascade of gooseberries, lemongrass, and asparagus, complimented by juicy fruits. It promises a well-balanced and full palate with a rich lingering finish, to make for an uncomplicated, clean wine. The line of acidity in this wine makes it ideal for enjoying seafood, white meats, or goat’s cheese.

This year, the Top 10 were selected from a broad collection of entries, as 96 producers submitted just under 150 wines. According to Sauvignon Blanc SA, a good balance was accomplished with six winning wines from the 2019 vintages, three from the 2020 vintage, and one wine from 2018.

Our award-winning Sauvignon Blanc can be purchased via our online shop or at our cellar door.

Stellenbosch Vineyards is a leading Stellenbosch wine producer and is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa. More than 80% of Stellenbosch Vineyards’ wines are exported to over 40 countries, while the winery’s local and African footprint is growing rapidly. Stellenbosch Vineyards offers a diverse wine range, including unique varietals, limited release parcels, international commercial brands, and customized smart solutions.

For more information, contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator – Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za

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The finest achievement for the winemaking trio was the Grand Cru National champion Best in Class received for the Flagship Petit Verdot 2015 and the Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Grenache 2019. “We are extremely honoured with this great achievement of two Grand Cru Awards. These awards can only be a result of years of hard work, dedication, and passion from our winemaking team. This truly is a sign that our continuous determination to produce respectable quality wines is paying off,” exclaims Bernard Claassen, senior winemaker.

The Limited Release Grenache has sentimental value for the winemaking team as one of our unique varietals released under the company’s ultra-premium range. The inspiration for this variety in Stellenbosch came from its suitability to warmer and dryer climates with the success of the origin of this red grape from Northern Spain. The Stellenbosch Vineyards Flagship Petit Verdot 2015 has been perfectly aged and oaked for the past four years and has shown its excellence with intense dark cherry and juicy blackcurrant flavours.

For the fourth consecutive year, the judging panel selected the Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho and the Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Grenache to receive Top 100 status and Double Platinum awards. Joining them with such high accolades is the Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo SMV, an elegant red blend of Shiraz, Merlot, and Viognier.

The Stellenbosch team was thrilled to have seen the Stellenbosch Vineyards Pinotage 2018 receiving Top 100 status as well as a Double Platinum award. This modern-styled Pinotage from our signature range shows the winemaker’s experience and finesse to create such high-quality wines across various ranges and price points. “What an achievement to have five of our wines selected into the Top 100, I am very proud of our Stellenbosch Vineyards Pinotage 2018 cracking the Top 100 for the first time. It is an honour and great motivation for the future,”  explains Abraham de Villiers, Senior Winemaker.

Stellenbosch Vineyards also achieved success in other categories of the NWC/Top 100 South African Wine Awards, including four Double Gold and two Double Silver medals for wines across different ranges.

For more information, visit Stellenbosch Vineyards at www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za or email info@stellvine.co.za.

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The Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019

The Stellenbosch Vineyards winemakers are passionate when it comes to showing the versatility of Sauvignon Blanc. The new Credo Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2019 received a silver medal by the panel of 75 international experts in Brussels.

This year marks the year that South Africa received its highest number of medals since the competition began in 2009 with a remarkable 71 percent increase in medals from 2019. A total of 24 medals were brought home and the well-renowned panel raved about the standard and caliber of the South Africans wines.

“This is a big moment for Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking team to receive two of the 24 medals awarded to South Africa. We knew from the beginning that the Stellenbosch Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019 wine had enormous potential and are by humbled the recognition that it received,” explains winemakers Abraham de Villiers and Bernard Claassen.

Stellenbosch Vineyards is a leading Stellenbosch wine producer and is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa. More than 80% of Stellenbosch Vineyards’ wines are exported to over 40 countries, while the winery’s local and African footprint is growing rapidly. Stellenbosch Vineyards offers a diverse wine range, including unique varietals, limited release parcels, international commercial brands and customized smart solutions.

For more information contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator, Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za

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AWARDS:

National Wine Challenge (NWC)/TOP 100:

• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018 – DOUBLE PLATINUM – TOP 100
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Cinsault 2018 – DOUBLE PLATINUM – TOP 100
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Therona 2018 – DOUBLE GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Grenache 2018 – DOUBLE GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo SMV 2017 – DOUBLE PLATINUM

Gold Wine Awards:

• Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – GOLD
• Welmoed Pinotage 2019 – GOLD
• Welmoed Shiraz 2018 – GOLD

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC):

• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018 – GOLD (96 points)
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Single Block Vineyard 2017 – BRONZE (86 points)
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc 2017 – SILVER (92 points)
• Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 – BRONZE (89 points)

Michelangelo Awards:

• Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – DOUBLE GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc 2017 – GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chardonnay 2018 – GOLD
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz 2018 – GOLD

Ultra-Value Wine Awards:

• Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – DOUBLE GOLD
• Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 – DOUBLE GOLD
• Welmoed Merlot 2018 – GOLD
• Welmoed Shiraz 2018 – GOLD
• Welmoed Chenin Blanc 2019 – GOLD

Prescient Chardonnay Awards 2019:

• Stellenbosch Vineyards Unwooded Chardonnay 2018 – TOP PERFORMER – TOP 10 (94 POINTS)
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chardonnay 2018 – 92 POINTS

Platters Wine Guide 2020:

4½ star rated wines:

• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc 2017
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz 2017
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Cinsault 2018
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Grenache 2018
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018
• The Flagship Petit Verdot 2012
• The Flagship Right Bank 2015

4 star rated wines:

• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chardonnay 2018
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo SMV 2017
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Therona 2018
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Single Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2017
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage 2017

Our winemaking trio chat about their 2019 highlights below:

“We are very privileged to have had a successful award season after we suffered a great loss with our warehouse at the end of 2018 and this did not stop us from receiving high praise. My highlights are most definitely the Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018 performing exceptionally well and receiving 96 points at the International Wine & Spirit Competition as well as being a part of the Top 100 at the National Wine Competition. I am also thrilled with the performance of our Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019 earning a Double Gold at the Michelangelo awards!”– Bernard Claassen

“This year has had many challenges which we are proud to have overcome. After having lost the majority of our wines in our tragic warehouse fire, it was an achievement to have been able to submit wines to the Platter’s Wine Guide for 2020 and have received such spectacular results. As I look back, our award-winning Credo Shiraz 2018 and Unwooded Chardonnay 2018 were most definitely my biggest highlights!” – Abraham de Villiers

“It was a special moment for us when our Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019 received an outstanding Double Gold at the Michelangelo Awards. This is testament to our ability to produce wine on a large scale, at a fantastic price point, while maintaining the highest quality. I am proud to be a part of this winemaking trio!”– Petri de Beer

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Known for its innovative wines, superior sourcing capabilities and technical expertise, Stellenbosch Vineyards was awarded a gold medal for the Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018 and Silver medal for the Credo Chenin Blanc 2017. “The Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking team is encouraged to forever push boundaries. The niche Limited Release Verdelho is a good example of this coming to fruition. We are also in the fortunate position to have access to some incredible old bushvines – especially in terms of Chenin Blanc,” explains winemaker Bernard Claassen.

The most commendable accolade was, however, a Bronze medal that was awarded to the Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2019. “Arniston Bay is a global brand that offers remarkable value for money for thousands of wine drinkers. To be able to produce a wine of exceptional quality at significant volumes is our team’s strongest attribute and biggest passion,” explains Abraham De Villiers, who has been part of the Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking team for the past fourteen years.

This accolade comes at an important time for the Arniston Bay brand, with the packaging being revived to emphasise a sense of place and authenticity. Situated close to the most Southern Tip of Africa, Arniston Bay is a traditional fishing village, which was the inspiration for the creation of this refreshing and invigorating wine brand in 1996.

The new packaging will be revealed at a launch in April at Arniston Bay.

Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2019 – Bronze (89 points)

Stellenbosch Vineyards Single Block Chenin 2017 – Bronze (86 points)

Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc 2017 – Silver (92 points)

Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018 – Gold (96 points)

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According to the awards panel, more than 90% of wines produced in South Africa are priced in this category. As many South African wine consumers may be unsure of the best value-for-money wines, Gold Wine Awards assists in identifying these wines and allowing consumers to make more informed buying decisions.

The Welmoed farm, where Stellenbosch Vineyards is based, has a strong history and tradition that has been celebrated over centuries.Welmoed senior winemaker, Bernard Classen, continues to maintain its proud winemaking traditions and carefully crafts premium wines for every occasion.

The three Welmoed wines, whicheach received a Gold award was the Welmoed Shiraz 2018, Welmoed Pinotage 2018 and Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019.

The judging panel were intrigued by the amount of diversity brought by the second largest red class, namely Shiraz. The light oaked Welmoed Shiraz 2018 has a nose brimming with raspberry and blackcurrant, with a hint of spice. The Welmoed Pinotage 2018, is firm with juicy dark plum flavours and offers lovely notes of raspberries, black berries and vanilla.

The Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2019 showed its true quality and uniqueness by earning a Gold award in the most competed varietal category to be entered. The panel raved about the amazing fruitiness of the entered wines as well as the well-balanced acidity levels. While the prolonged drought and water shortages may of had an effect on the 2019 harvest season a truly well balanced Sauvignon Blanc was created. This wine boasts with an exquisite balance of tropical fruit flavours that offers a lingering, zesty finish.

“In the Welmoed Cellar, all wines are made with tradition and passion and these awards are truly a showcase that quality wines can be created at a price for all wine-loving South African consumers to enjoy. We will continue to produce premium Welmoed wines in this cellar for many more years to come, ” says Senior Winemaker, Bernard Classen.

To all wine lovers and consumers in South Africa, if you are looking for quality wine at affordable prices, try the Welmoed wine range.

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The Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018 is an example of the winemaking’s team innovative spirit, with the first Verdelho vintage launched in 2015.

The grapes for the Limited Release Verdelho 2018 were sourced from a single vineyard close to the cellar. The inspiration to plant this variety in Stellenbosch came from its suitability in warmer climates and the success in the Duoro as well as the Swan Valley (Australia).

Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Cinsault 2018 was the second release of a wine which has already achieved notable recognition since its inception into the range. As a cultivar with great historical significance of the Cape, being planted since the 19th century, Cinsault has regained favour and status as a single varietal wine in Stellenbosch.

The Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo SMV 2017 carries a story of triumphing chance. A bold blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Viognier, the winemakers decided to replace the more traditional blending component, Mourvèdre, with Merlot and have not looked back since.

Stellenbosch Vineyards also achieved success in other categories of the NWC/Top 100 South African Wine Awards, including five Double Gold and four Double Silver medals for wines in the Credo and Signature ranges.

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Awarded to Credo Shiraz Merlot Viognier 2016, Credo Chenin Blanc 2016, Stellenbosch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2018 and Infiniti MCC 2014, proves that the wines produced by Stellenbosch Vineyards are truly comparable with the world’s best. Additionally, two silver medals were also bestowed upon Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage 2016 and Stellenbosch Vineyards Shiraz 2016.

In one of the most competitive line-ups in the history of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, more than 2200 wines were entered for the competition which is judged by a panel of 30 international wine and spirit experts from 16 countries.

Assistant winemaker, Petri de Beer who attended the award ceremony comments, “It is a great honour to be acknowledged with these prestigious awards as it reinforces that our methods to produce premium wines deliver a rewarding experience and is satisfactory to consumers globally.”

Make use of the opportunity to experience these award-winning wines at the Stellenbosch Vineyards tasting room situated on the historic Welmoed Farm in Stellenbosch, on our online shop and at selected retailers.

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