Ideal Micro-Climate Regions Garner Young Wines Success
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MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release 2014.09.01 IDEAL MICRO-CLIMATE REGIONS GARNER YOUNG WINE SUCCESS Decades of sourcing the ideal micro-climate regions for the production of quality vineyards with unique character is paying off and was evident at the annual SA Young Wine Show, the oldest wine competition in South Africa giving recognition to remarkable wines in its first year of production. This year Boland Cellarimpressed with a Chenin Blanc by walking off with the coveted General Smuts trophy for SA Champion Young Wine and the prestigious Les Tastevins Du Cap Trophy for the Champion Chenin Blanc for the sixth time. Chenin Blanc was crowned the national champion for this cellar in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2009–logging the most wins for a single cellar. “Paarl is undoubtedly the top Chenin Blanc producing region in South Africa and Boland Cellar one of the leading producers of this variety,”commented a proud wine maker, Bernard Smuts. “This, combined with a Loire style of winemaking, extended fermentation and longer lees contact, resulted in an elegant and award-winning wine.”Looking more closely, Smuts believes the success ascribed to this Chenin is because of the diverse micro-climate of the Paarl region, which combined with the cool Atlantic breeze, granite outcroppings and shale soils, all contribute to intense and beautifully balanced Chenin Blanc characteristics. “That and our ethos of working hand in hand with our dedicated producers and applying stringent scientific principles throughout the grape growing and winemaking process has lead to this successful wine. “Thisparticular block was planted in 2002 and selected due to its unique micro-climate and location. Cool sea breezes funnel through the natural trough formed by the slopes of the Paarl and Paardeberg mountains in the late afternoon, ensuring moderate night temperatures. Exceptional vineyard management long before harvesting resulted in top quality grapes being produced and night harvesting contributed to fresh fruit flavours. ”“Chenin Blanc is one of the oldest white grape varietals in South Africa and has certainly become one of the most popular white w ine choices among consumers. Winning the General Smuts Trophy
