The closing date for the second Cabernet Franc Challenge is coming up this week with an increased number of wines entered compared the inaugural competition last year and there is still nearly a week to go. The new Vintage category has seven wines entered, with quite few more promised.
A sadly missed entry is that of Druk-my-Niet Winery who had to cancel their participation due to the devasting losses incurred at their farm to a fire recently.
Cape Wine Master and Judging Panel Convenor Christine Rudman had this to say about this year’s Challenge: “We all know and appreciate Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends in South Africa, for providing a quality range from everyday drinking wines to award-winning beauties. It is only relatively recently that Cabernet Franc has emerged from being a blending partner and begun appearing on its own, showing us what it’s capable of.”
She referred back to last year’s judges’ comments about the wines entered; “There are diverse styles from all over the wine lands and at an astonishingly high quality level. This Cabernet Franc Challenge allows the producers to showcase their wines, and get them better known amongst wine lovers. Each year there are more of these individual bottlings – a 38% growth in numbers in the past five years alone – and it seems South Africa has discovered yet another variety that does well here.”
The judging takes place on February 15th by an experienced 5-person panel, for the first time using the OIV 100-point system in order to fine-tune the nuances and differences in the wines.
Ms Rudman will also be presenting the three tutored tasting sessions of the Top 6 wines at the Cab Franc Carnival which takes place at Avontuur Estate between Stellenbosch and Somerset West on Saturday, 20 May from 11h00-17h00. Her comments post-judging will be interesting to hear!
To find out more and get hold of an entry form, contact Challenge Coordinator Celia Gilloway at celia@eventsbycelia.com or 082-782-1977.