Groot Constantia’s Shiraz 2016 took a coveted gold medal at the 12th annual Syrah du Monde® international competition which took place recently in the village of Ampuis in France’s Northern Rhone Valley.
Syrah du Monde® 2018 brought together 24 countries, making this one of the world’s top events for Syrah/Shiraz wines. Over the course of two days, 100 international expert judges tasted 347 Syrah/Shiraz wines – awarding only 30 gold medals overall.
“Shiraz is increasing in popularity in South Africa and Groot Constantia’s Shiraz 2016 shows textbook black pepper spice and violets on the nose, with hints of Cape fynbos and black currant. The intense fruit flavours follow on the palate with firm tannin and a fresh acidity that promises great ageing potential,” explains Boela Gerba, winemaker for Groot Constantia.
This latest gold award for Groot Constantia comes close on the back of seven Top 100 Double Platinum awards received at this year’s prestigious Top 100 SA Wines awards held in May, as well as a Gold Award achieved at the 2018 Monde Selection International Wine Contest which took place at the end of April.
“These awards are the result of years of hard work and we are extremely pleased to consistently bring awards home which represent a wide spectrum of varietals – underlining the versatility of Groot Constantia as a precious and unique estate with an exceptional South African terroir,” says Gerber. “The winning Shiraz 2016 comes from a block that varies around 80m above sea level. The slopes are south to south east facing and enjoy a Mediterranean climate with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.”
Groot Constantia celebrates its 333rd birthday
The winning of these recent awards are a fitting accolade to celebrate and acknowledge Groot Constantia’s momentous 333rd birthday. Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, with an uninterrupted history of wine production that stretches back over three centuries.
333 years later and the Groot Constantia wines continue to move from strength to strength – having collectively won well over 100 gold awards in the past decade alone.
“The Groot Constantia trademark has become a mark of consistency and quality – as it was hundreds of years ago. Credit must go to the vineyard team, who remain consistent in their dedication – from pruning to canopy management and harvest,” says Floricius Beukes, Estate Manager and Viticulturist at Groot Constantia.
“Our efforts in the vineyards have also led to Groot Constantia being named a World Wide Fund for Nature Conservation Champion, and we have been acknowledged as an environmental leader in the industry for our commitment to conservation, responsible production practices, integrated environmental management systems, and spearheading innovations in water, energy efficiency and climate adaptation.”
“Regardless of development pressures on land in the heart of a prosperous city, Groot Constantia has stood the test of time and is a conservation miracle,” concludes Beukes.
For more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za or connect with Groot Constantia via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GrootConstantia.
