KWV Classic NV Tawny wins Best of Show at CAPPA Port & Wine Challenge

1. KWV Chief Winemaker, Richard Rowe

With the changing of legislation, which came into effect on 1 January 2012 and the current interest in alternative varietals, CAPPA, formerly known as the South African Port Producers' Association (SAPPA), has for the first time incorporated table wines, containing a minimum of 30% Portuguese varietals in the competition.

Dave Hughes, international wine judge and honorary Cape Wine Master, chaired a judging panel of Cape Wine Masters consisting of with Christine Rudman, Cathy van Zyl, Meryl Weaver and Colin Frith.

KWV accolades

The accolade adds to the list of awards collected by KWV fortified wines over the past 12 months. The Tawny also won Double Gold at Veritas and is available for less than R100. Others include the trophy won by the 1929 Reserve Port, as Best Fortified Wine in the museum class at this year's Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show; a double gold medal for the 1930 Muscadel LBV at Veritas 2011; and the Best Dessert Wine trophy awarded to the KWV 1937 Heritage.

"We exhibit these wines to promote the fortified category, to provide awareness and provide people with the chance to enjoy them," says KWV chief winemaker Richard Rowe. "For competitions, they are entered into museum classes and the majority of people are amazed that wines of this age exist, let alone have the opportunity to taste them."

"South Africa has a relevant and proud heritage of producing outstanding fortifieds, and it is a pity that with fortified wines representing more of a niche market, they often don't receive the acknowledgement they should," says Rowe. "These wines however, stand tall with the best fortifieds from around the world."

Awards collected by KWV's fortified wines include:

• Silver for the KWV Classic NV Tawny at both the 2012 Decanter International Wine Challenge and International Wine Challenge
  
• Bronze at the International Wine Challenge for the KWV Classic NV Cape Full Cream
  
• Silver medals for the KWV Classic NV Medium Cream, KWV Classic NV Full Cream, KWV 1969 Hanepoot Jerepigo and KWV 1973 Hanepoot Jerepigo at the 2012 Old Mutual

Trophy Wine Show:

• Bronze for the KWV Classic NV Tawny at the 2012 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show
  
• Platinum awards for the KWV Classic NV Muscadel, the 2005 KWV Classic White Muscadel and the 1930 KWV Muscadel LBV at the 2012 SA Muscadel Awards.

Top ten

The inaugural CAPPA 'Top 10' wines, from the 21 wines entered are:

1. Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2011 (Tinta Barocca)
   
2. Overgaauw Touriga Nacional/Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
   
3. Boplaas Tinta Barocca 2009
   
4. Allesverloren Tinta Barocca 2009
   
5. De Krans Tinta Mocha 2011 (Tinta Barocca)
   
6. Vergenoegd Runner Duck Red 2009
   
7. Allesverloren Touriga Nacional 2009
   
8. Axe Hill Mochado 2011
   
9. Calitzdorp Touriga Nacional 2010
   
10. Woolworths' Boplaas Portuguese Connection 2011