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South African chardonnay judged best in world

23 March 2015

Groot Constantia's 2013 Chardonnay has been judged as the best in the world at the recent 22nd annual Chardonnay du Monde competition, which was held from the 11 to 14 of March in the Burgundy wine region of France.

Chardonnay-du-Monde is an international wine competition that has been held every year since 1993. It focuses specifically on chardonnay wines.

Beating more than 800 other entrants from across the globe to be judged best overall, Groot Constantia's 2013 Chardonnay proudly represented South Africa as one of only two chardonnays from South Africa to feature in the top 56 and to receive a gold medal.

"Our Chardonnay has always been an over achiever," says Jean Naude, chief executive of Groot Constantia, who explains that Groot Constantia's chardonnay varietal has won a total of 16 gold medals over the past 10 vintages.

Groot Constantia is celebrating its 330th year of continuous wine production this year.

Top accolades

The 2013 chardonnay also received a trophy at the 2014 annual Taj Awards, a gold medal at the Veritas Wine Awards, a Winemakers Choice Award, as well as a Terroir Wine Award.

The estate has won 86 top accolades since 2003. At the recent 2015 Taj Awards, Groot Constantia walked away with several coveted trophies – including the "most iconic producer".

Fundamental to the success of the estate's wines is its terroir coupled with the unique climate of the Constantia region, says viticulturist Floricius Beukes. "The summer breezes from the Atlantic Ocean have a big impact on our vineyards, keeping them healthy and retaining the amazing fruit character."

Boela Gerber, Groot Constantia's awarded winemaker, says that in addition to location and climate, the new direction that was taken in the vineyards several years ago together with the hard work of the team has enabled Groot Constantia to consistently produce wines of remarkable quality.

Source: Groot Constantia