Boschendal has garnered three Veritas gold awards to add to an already glittering 2017 trophy cabinet. The estate’s 1685 Sauvignon Blanc 2017, 1685 Chardonnay 2016 and Grand Cuvee 2013 took home top titles, firmly entrenching the fact that this season’s colour is gold – the green-tinged-hue of a frosted bottle about to be poured on a hot summer’s day.
Winning six medals in total, the estate also took home silver medals for its Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc 2016, Playpen Riesling 2016 and Boschendal Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir MCC.
The Veritas Awards represent the pinnacle of South African wine competitions, with the country’s foremost vintages competing for top scores. The awards started in 1991 and are rigorously judged by over 120 highly qualified international and local judges who perform a blind tasting of 10 wines at a time and rate these according to a 100-point scoring scale. Double gold and gold awards go to wines scoring 86 points and above, with the whole judging process overseen by external auditors to ensure absolute fairness and integrity.
Boschendal has invested much in securing top quality vineyards to ensure we retain the same premium grapes that give our wines their superlative flavour and complexity. We have a proud heritage of winemaking balanced with modern innovation. This shines through in these vintages, which encapsulate the best of what we offer as a premium wine producer.
MORE ABOUT THE 2017 VERITAS GOLD WINNERS:
1685 Sauvignon Blanc 2017:
Hailing from: vineyards perched on high slopes in cooler coastal regions
On the nose: you’ll detect fresh tropical fruit flavours with zingy lime and green fig
On the palate: a pleasing explosion of yellow and green tropical fruits with hints of citrus delight the palate, with a zesty mineral finish and excellent acidic and structural balance
Try it with: lightly grilled asparagus, drizzled with good quality olive oil and topped with delicate parmesan shavings
1685 Chardonnay 2016:
Hailing from: Stellenbosch, Elgin and Boschendal Estate
On the nose: there’s a bold statement of cinnamon, lemon and nutmeg
On the palate: you’ll be immersed in zesty citrus and tropical fruit flavours, with barrel fermentation resulting in a soft, buttery mouth feel and complex roundness
Try it with: a summer lemon and vegetable risotto with crisp pea shoots
Grand Cuvee 2013:
Hailing from: top quality Western Cape vineyards with 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay
On the nose: you should detect bright accents of apple
On the palate: there’ll be fresh green apple and citrus notes, with a discreet almond biscotti and brioche flavours, and a full and creamy mouth feel from extended lees contact
Try it with: excellent quality smoked salmon perched atop cream cheese and chives on a freshly baked brioche roll
