Neovino.be

September 2007 by Peridot Communications

Spice Route Winery walked off with an International Trophy at the recently held 4th annual Decanter World Wine Awards Dinner in London's Victoria and Albert Museum. The 2004 Spice Route Malabar was awarded the sought after trophy for the best international red blend over £10.

Wine producers flew in from as far a-field as Australia, South Africa and California to collect their individually engraved Trophy decanters from awards chairman Steven Spurrier. Although the identity of regional trophy winners was already known, anticipation mounted throughout the evening as guests awaited the announcement of the 25 International Trophies.

Spice Route's trophy was one of four International Trophies awarded to South African producers. The three additional categories for which South African producers where commended, included for best Bordeaux and Rhône blends over £10 and Sauvignon Blanc over £10.

The Decanter World Wine Awards celebrate the diversity of wine by focusing on regional styles and the influence of terroir. Wines are judged in two price categories under £10 and over £10.

Decanter enlisted some of the world's most respected experts, chosen for their specialised knowledge of a specified area, to head up the regional panels of judges.

According to Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate owner, Charles Back, it is a great honour to receive such an accolade from the Decanter World Wine Awards. "I am thrilled that South African producers were awarded International Trophies for a Bordeaux Blend, Rhône Blend and Red Blend over £10 especially as the Decanter awards highlight quality and celebrate regional styles, which make us appreciate this acknowledgement even more," mentions Back.

According to Spice Route winemaker Charl du Plessis, the 2004 vintage truly reflects the terroir of the Swartland. The 2004 is the third vintage Malabar produced and is a blend of 50% Syrah, 31% Mourvèdre, 13% Petit Syrah and 6% Grenache. The total production was 16 barrels and the blend spent 22 months in 100% French oak.

Spice Route's 2004 Malabar will be available from Fairview and leading retail outlets in 2008.