Eight international wine experts – the largest group in the Awards’ 15 year existence – are helping to evaluate the wines.
Judging is taking place at Nederburg in Paarl this week (5 – 8 September) where 16 expert panels of seven judges each have been appointed for the various categories.
The Shiraz category attracted most entries (224) this year, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (194) and Sauvignon Blanc (157).
The seasoned Brian Walsh, director of winemaking at Yalumba Wine Company in Australia, is among the overseas adjudicators who will be taking a closer look at their South African contenders. Walsh has been judging wine for 25 years and is currently involved in administration of the Australian Wine Show.
The international team also includes Angela Reddin and Lynne Sheriff (UK), Janaka Johanssen and Madelein Stenwerth (Sweden), John Buechsenstein (USA) Tihong Poh (Singapore) and Thomas Luber (Germany). The well-known South African wine writer and specialist Dave Hughes acts as Veritas consultant.
The Veritas Awards are presented by the South African National Wine Show Association (SANW) and is South Africa’s leading contest for wines currently on the market. Results are viewed as the most authoritative guideline to quality.
Veritas double gold and gold medals will be awarded to this year’s top achievers during a gala dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday 1 October.
Contact Elsabé Ferreira at SANW, tel (021) 807 3104, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.veritas.co.za for further information.
