Media release

For immediate release 2014.07.28

SNIFFING, TASTING AND CHOOSING YOUNG WINE EXCELLENCE


The air at Nederburg just outside of Paarl is filled with excitement as the South
African Young Wine Shows panel of judges kicks off with the tasting of young wines
from eight wine regions. For a whole week, from 28 July to 01 August, a total of
1 972 young wines will come under scrutiny in search of youthful quality and setting
benchmarks for winemaking and viticultural brilliance.

With 129 producers entering their finest fresh offerings, Sauvignon Blanc once again
leads the number of entries with 127 and wooded red blends short on its heels with
100 entries. Shiraz also came to the fore this year with 96 entries, showing that red
wine in South Africa has come a long way.

A host of winemakers and experts with specialist knowledge on specific wine styles
will sit on 16 panels, judging the 17 categories, namely Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon
Blanc, Chardonnay, Smillon, Other White Cultivars, Dry White Blends, Sweet White
Wine, Noble Late Harvest, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Red
Cultivars, Dry Red Blends, Port, Dessert Wine and Muscadel.

All eyes will be on the sought-after General Smuts trophy for the countrys best
young wine, the Pietman Hugo Trophy for the highest score in five categories, as
well as the 17 championship trophies, the gold, silver and bronze medals.

The SA Young Wine trophies main aim is to give recognition to remarkable wines in
its first year of production. By doing this, acknowledgement is given to the skills of
the viticulturist. the winemaker, as well as the proficiency of the cellar. But in the
business of wine this competition also offers winemakers the opportunity to compare
their know-how and skills to their peers in the industry and to assess wine quality at
an early stage.

Winners will be announced during a gala-dinner and wine tasting on August 22 in the
Good Hope Suites & Market Hall, Grandwest Casino. This glitzy event is hosted by
SANWSA and Agri-Expo, who has been involved in this competition since its
inception in 1833, with Sanlam recently joining as co-sponsor.

For more information, contact the SA Young Wine office at tel 021 863 1599, fax
021 863 1552 or e-mail admin@veritas.co.za.

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ENDS
Issued by
Marlene Truter Communications
tel 021 438 6836 l 083 294 6060 e-mail marlene@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of
SA Young Wine Show
tel 021 863 1599 e-mail admin@veritas.co.za