A GOOD YEAR it’s been for Domaine des Dieux up on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, between Hermanus and Caledon. 2018 began with inclusion among the Top 10 bubblies in the SA Wine Classification, then came a gold medal at the Sparkling Wine World Championships in the UK, and now No. 1 at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge with the 2012 vintage of Claudia Brut. Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the wine top-scored among 127 entries, with Franschhoek cellar Colmant winning in the Blanc de Blanc class, Simonsig of Stellenbosch fielding the judges’ favourite Rosé, and the Museum Class honours for wines over eight years old going to a Desiderius Pongrácz from the House of JC Le Roux in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch.

Panel chair Heidi Duminy CWM commented that the time on the lees after bottle-fermentation was key to distinguishing the exceptional from the good. Also among the judges were wine educator Cathy Marston, sommelier Higgo Jacobs, JC Le Roux cellarmaster Elunda Basson and Pierre de Klerk of Graham Beck Wines – the diverse expertise of the panel given as a factor ensuring due consideration of every entry. “The top wines are stunning,” said Duminy.

CHALLENGE WINNER

Des Dieux Claudia Brut 2012
R195 pb at cellar door, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

OTHER TROPHY WINNERS

Colmant Brut Chardonnay NV
R240 pb at cellar door, Franschhoek

Desiderius Pongrácz 2009
R490 pb at JC Le Roux cellar in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

Simonsig Woolworths Pinot Noir Rosé No Sulphur Added 2016
Exclusive to Woolworths stores

GOLD MEDALLISTS

Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013
R270 pb at cellar door, Robertson

Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2011
R130 at KWV cellar, Paarl

Lourensford Brut 2012
R250 pb at cellar door, Somerset West

Pierre Simond Anna Carin Blanc de Blancs 2015
Export only, Stellenbosch producer

Villiera Monro Brut 2011
R220 pb at cellar door in Koelenhof, Stellenbosch