JUST weeks after its release, the Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2015 received one of the very few gold medals awarded at this year’s highly rated Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. Remarkably, the wine is made from vineyards that are 37 years old and it is only the second time the Stellenbosch wine estate has released a single varietal Chenin Blanc since 2012.
“The fact that both vintages received good recognition, is proof that this is a vineyard and wine with outstanding qualities,” says Uitkyk winemaker Estelle Lourens. “The latest achievement is again a credit to our entire team. No winemaker does it alone.”
The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show is South Africa’s premier wine competition that recognises the top local wines and winemakers, and honours excellence in the wine industry. The judging panel has been chaired by leading wine authority Michael Fridjhon since the inception of the show in 2002 while the panel itself comprises three international judges and six local judges covering a broad range of expertise.
“The OMTWS is renowned as being a strict championship with an excellent panel, which is why it’s one of the most renowned and recognised competitions for wine quality in South Africa,” says Lourens. “Considering that even fewer golds were awarded this year serves in particular to highlight the achievements of top performers.”
The Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2015 was among 960 wines from 198 producers judged this year. Its gold medal was a triumph for the wine as much as it was for the variety. “Chenin blanc has become a great passion of mine,” says Lourens. “Awards like these underline its excellence and premium status.”
The Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2015 is a wine rich in character, structure and personality, and a fine rendition of the wine making philosophy of the Uitkyk wine estate, which dates back to 1712. The 600ha farm is situated on a shoulder of the Simonsberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch wine region.
The grapes for this wooded Chenin Blanc were hand harvested from a certified single vineyard block which is 37 years old. Although trellised, the vines simulate bush vines due to their age. Leaf breaks on a small part of the block encourage the formation of raisins, enhancing the flavour profile with an elegant richness.
While Uitkyk is famous for its exceptional portfolio of wines, it embarked on production of a single vineyard Chenin Blanc just five years ago; only in years when deemed exceptional and in limited quantities.
The Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2015 is available for R75 and can be delivered to your door when purchased online through the Vinotèque at www.vinoteque.co.za/collections/uitkyk
Uitkyk is part of LUSAN, a collection of superlative wines from boutique estates of the Cape winelands. For more information about Uitkyk and its wines, go to www.uitkyk.co.za, call 021 884 4416 or make contact on www.facebook.com/UitkykWines (or via Twitter @uitkykwinemaker).
