Kanonkop, situated in the Simonsberg region of Stellenbosch, is the first winery in the world to win the prestigious Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London for three times in the history of the IWSC.
The trophy is annually awarded to the Best Blended Red Wine on the show, and this year Kanonkop‘s Paul Sauer 2003 was the winner. Kanonkop won the trophy previously in 1994 with the Paul Sauer 1991, and again in 1999 with the Paul Sauer 1995.
“Since our first harvest in 1973, Kanonkop has been committed to producing wines to a classical and elegant style, whilst maintaining the integrity of our unique soils and climatic conditions at the foot of the Simonsberg,” says Kanonkop co-owner Johann Krige.
“Having won this award for the third time is not only a great moment for Kanonkop, but one we would like to share with the whole South African wine industry by vindicating the industry’s belief that South Africa is one of the world’s top wine producers in terms of quality.”
The Paul Sauer is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and is made using traditional techniques – such as open-tank fermenters and manual punch-downs. It is matured for two years in new wood.
In addition South Africa won six other trophies at the IWSC:
- The IWSC Trophy for Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine went to Bon Courage’s Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve 2004
- The Mission Hill Family Estate Trophy for Chardonnay was won by Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie 2007
- The IWSC Trophy for Chenin Blanc was received by Bellingham’s The Maverick Winemaker Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2007
- The Spier Trophy for Merlot was bagged by Hartenberg Merlot 2005
- The KWV Trophy for Pinotage went to Tesco Finest Beyers Truter Pinotage 2006
- And finally the Distell Trophy for Grape Brandy was won by Van Ryn‘s 20 YO Collector’s Reserve Brandy, produced by Distell.
These international awards come hot on the heels of South Africa’s sterling performance at the Decanter World Wine Awards in September.
We won 12 regional trophies and an amazing six international trophies. Only 26 international trophies are awarded in total.
- International Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy Under £10 – Amani Vineyards Amani Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2006
- International Red Rhone Varietal Trophy Over £10 – Cederberg Shiraz 2006
- International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy Under £10 – Lomond Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Pincushion 2007
- International Chardonnay Trophy Under £10 – Paul Cluver Wines Chardonnay 2007
- International Chardonnay Trophy Over £10 – Rustenberg Wines Five Soldiers 2006
- International White Blend Trophy Over £10 – Tokara White 2006
Congratulations to all the winners performing so well on the world wine stage. Wine lovers keep an eye out for the awards stickers that will no doubt be adorning these wines soon – and see what you think of them.
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