The Grande Provence Restaurant[/caption]
The winners of the 2013 Michelangelo International Wine Awards were announced on Friday 6 September, and a number of Dining-OUT’s listed wine estates have come up trumps.
The competition, which was established in 1997, is unique in South Africa for bringing in a decidedly international element to the contest. Over the years, competing wines have been judged by over 160 wine experts from 37 different countries. This year’s entrants were judged by a panel of 16 experts, from sommeliers to wine writers, representing countries as diverse as Australia, the Philippines, England and Finland.
Having a judging panel comprising of unbiased, international wine experts and allowing South African wines to enter into competition against international wines from Chile, Italy, New Zealand and France among others, on home soil, gives the Michelangelo International Wine Awards a notable edge.
It was generally agreed by the judges that the local Chennin Blancs, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs were impressive and the Shirazes once again inspiring.
Rhebok Restaurant
Winners in the Dining-OUT stable included Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Lanzerac Estate and Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate.
Rhebokskloof was awarded three gold medals for the Rhebokskloof Estate Chardonnay 2012, Rhebokskloof Sandstone Grove Chardonnay 2012 and their new, yet to be released, 2012 red blend consisting of Shiraz, Pinotage & Mourvédre, respectively. The Rhebokskloof wine maker Rolanie Lotz has some great suggestions for pairing the award winning wines with the right dish, an experience you are invited to have at the Rhebok restaurant.
The Grande Provence Restaurant
Lanzerac’s Pionier Pinotage came away with a gold medal, something the estate’s wine maker Wynand Lategan is exceedingly proud of. The 2010 wine is described as having a big mouth feel with a velvety palate and lingering aftertaste. Maturation brings out hints of chocolate and caramel.
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley has come away with 4 Gold medals! One each for their Pinot Noir 2012 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, and a double gold for The Grande Provence 2009, which won the TM Mercury Best Bordeaux Style red blend trophy – impressive accolades by anyone’s standards!
The Restaurants:
The Rhebok Restaurant, Paarl
The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Franschhoek
Lanzerac Hotel and Spa, Stellenbosch
