Fairview Solitude Shiraz 2004 is the only South African wine to be bestowed a Grand Gold medal at this year’s contest. In addition Fairview clinched 2 Gold medals for the Fairview Shiraz 2005 and the Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2004 and 7 Silver medals for Viognier 2006, Goat Roti 2006, La Beryl Blanc 2006, The Beacon Shiraz 2003 and Jakkalsfontein Shiraz 2003 as well as Spice Route Viognier 2006 and Spice Route Malabar 2004.

La Motte Estate of Franschhoek also excelled with their 5 Gold medals (Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Chardonnay 2005, Millenium 2004, Shiraz 2005 and Pierneef Collection Shiraz Viognier 2005). Spier followed with 3 Gold medals for Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004; Private Collection Shiraz 2004 and Vintage Selection Malbec/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot 2005.
 
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2007, with 5,750 wine samples entered, is beyond doubt the largest of Europe’s and possibly the world’s wine competitions. Based in the heart of Europe and at the centre of one of the healthiest and most knowledgeable wine and spirit markets, a competition medal represents a unique opportunity to not only gain recognition among trade buyers and distributors, but also the public for whom the Concours is a reliable and trusted seal of approval.

The competition’s continued growth is illustrated by a comparison of the entries in some of the past years. In 1998 it attracted a total of 1,941 entries from 30 countries. This figure increased to 2,800 from 30 countries in 2000 and 4,666 in 2005. In 2007 participating wineries were from 47 producing countries, from some 'exotic' destination such as Bolivia, Phillipines, Barbados and the Netherlands, to mention only a few.

It was pleasing to see that South Africa’s number of entries also shows a considerable increase from previous years - a record 162 wines and 19 brandies and spirits were submitted this year. Bearing in mind that a maximum of 30% of wines may receive medals, South Africa’s 72 medals (1 Grand Gold, 21 Gold and 39 Silver for wine and 6 Gold and 5 Silver for brandy and other spirits) is a most commendable achievement! 39% of wines entered, received medals.

Interestingly, Shiraz wines were awarded the most of South Africa’s medals in contrast to a couple of years ago when Pinotage accounted for 50% of the medals. Much to my dismay there were no medals awarded to Pinotage this year (the number of Pinotage entries however, is not known).

By way of comparison Switzerland had 174 entries with 2 Grand Gold, 9 Gold and 35 Silver: a total of 26% medals whilst Australia entered 75 wines and received 9 Grand Gold, 7 Gold and 22 Silver medals – a 50% success rate.

Gold Medals were awarded to:
Avontuur Shiraz 2004
Boland Reserve No 1 Shiraz 2005
DeWaal Merlot 2003
Drostdyhof Chardonnay 2006
Drostdyhof Shiraz 2005
Fairview Shiraz 2005
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Kumkani Chardonnay Viognier 2005
La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
La Motte Chardonnay 2005
La Motte Millenium 2004
La Motte Shiraz 2005
La Motte Pierneef Collection Shiraz Viognier 2005
Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2004
Spier Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Spier Private Collection Shiraz 2004
Spier Vintage Selection Malbec/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot 2005
Tokara Zondernaam Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Swartland Vintage Port 2004
Warwick Estate Chardonnay 2006
Zandberg Cabernet Sauvignon Golf 2003

And
Laborie Alambic Brandy
Oude Meester 12 year old Brandy
Van Ryn 12 year Distillers Reserve
Amarula Cream
Oude Meester Peppermint
3 Ships Premium Select Whisky 5 year old