Bringing together a diverse panel of experts from across the international wine sector, nearly 7,500 wines from 42 countries were blind-tasted by the judges. Only 30% of the wines presented were awarded medals. South African was a region that showed it’s consistency and improvement, with a significant increase in Grand Gold Medals (6) and Gold Medals (35) awarded to the country’s producers.
Spier Wine Farm was once again recognised on the global stage. The establishment secured six Gold Medals and one Grand Gold Medal, showcasing the farm’s dedication to quality across style and price point. Their collection of this year’s award-winning wines at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2024 included a Grand Gold Medal for Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 and Gold Medals for Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2021, Spier 21 Gables Sauvignon Blanc 2023, and Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc 2023 amongst others.
Cape Coast Goodness Spier’s 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 marked the third consecutive year this wine has received top honours at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This impressive streak began in 2022 when the 2018 vintage secured Grand Gold, followed by a Gold Medal for the 2019 vintage in 2023. Sourced from the Helderberg area, these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefit from both the region’s ideal growing conditions and the subtle coastal influence.
Johan Jordaan, Cellar Master at Spier, expressed his excitement about the results: “We’re thrilled to see our Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon continuing to impress on the world stage. But what’s particularly heartening is the success of our Seaward range. The coastal influence clearly brings something special to these wines, offering fantastic quality and value. This is definitely a range to watch.”
Kleine Zalze Wines also put in an impressive performance at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles by winning a Grand Gold and three Gold medals. The Grand Gold went to their newly released Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022, while Gold medals went to the Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2023, Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and Vineyard Selection Syrah 2021.
Located on a variety of slopes, soils and aspects, the vineyards that bear the fruit for the Kleine Zalze range of wines are exposed to fresh ocean breezes from the Atlantic coast, which lies a mere 15km away. This cool climate yields delicate flavours whilst at the same time providing optimal growing and ripening conditions for fruit.
Fruit is sourced from the 120ha of vines planted on the Kleine Zalze estate, with the remainder coming from long term contracts, giving control from vine to bottle. Viticulturist Henning Retief provides the foundation for their prize-winning wine portfolio, ensuring grapes of exceptional quality by employing viticultural techniques that focus on sustainability.
