The 2016 Veritas Awards attracted 1 760 entrants to this year’s competition, and from all these hopefuls, only 30 double gold and 130 gold medals were awarded.
Vondeling’s flagship, Shiraz based blend, Erica 2013 was amongst the 30 wines that achieved double gold medals in what was arguably one of the most fiercely contended categories. The Red Blends category attracted the highest number of entries (227) and only three double golds were awarded.
Five renowned palates from around the globe joined the Veritas jury this year.
Joe Wadsack, UK-based wine speaker and consultant, co-host of the British TV series BBC Food & Drink, International Wines and Spirit Competition Communicator of the Year title holder (2005 and 2016) and winner of International Wine Challenge’s Personality of the Year award; German Thomas Lüber, an independent wine consultant and importer of South African wines; food and beverage industry stalwart and co-founder of the Flemish sommelier organisation Guido Francque from Belgium; expert taster and seasoned judge, Janåke Johansson, a renowned importer of South African wines in Sweden; Cognac expert, Denis Lahouratate, Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) for the renowned Chateau Bisquit in Cognac, France.
The entire judging process is independently audited by Deloitte.
Wine lovers have the opportunity to sample the top-performing double gold and gold medal winning wines and brandies at country-wide tastings sponsored by Deloitte.
The Veritas showcase tastings will take place in Cape Town (18 October), Johannesburg (25 October), Durban (10 November), Port Elizabeth (16 November) and Knysna (17 and 18 November).
For more information, visit www.veritas.co.za or contact the Veritas office on 021 863 1599 or email [email protected].
