Durbanville Hills shone brightly at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition, winning the title of Top Producer and several prestigious awards, including the FlySafair Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for their Collectors Reserve The Castle of Good Hope 2022. With a rich history of excellence and a deep connection to their unique land, the winery dazzled judges from around the world with their outstanding wines. Their success showcases not only their skill in crafting delicious blends but also pays tribute to the legacy of the late Martin Moore, whose passion for winemaking still inspires the team today. This victory marks a bright future for Durbanville Hills, proving they are a true leader in the world of wine.
What are the highlights of Durbanville Hills’ success at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition?
Durbanville Hills triumphed at the 2024 Michelangelo Competition, earning Top Producer and multiple accolades, including the FlySafair Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for their Collectors Reserve The Castle of Good Hope 2022. Their commitment to excellence and unique terroir underpin this remarkable achievement.
A Storied Tradition of Excellence
The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition has carved a niche for itself in the annals of wine and spirits contests. Celebrating its 28th year in 2024, it has established itself as the preeminent arena for Africa’s vintners and distillers to exhibit their craftsmanship. This year, the competition saw an impressive 1,555 entries, comprising 1,388 wines and 167 spirits from seven different countries, all vying for the coveted recognition. Amidst such stiff competition, Durbanville Hills stood out, clinching the prestigious title of Top Producer.
A Global Panel of Judges
What sets the Michelangelo competition apart is its truly international scope. It’s not confined to regional tastes and preferences; instead, it enlists an array of judges from five continents, ensuring a global perspective. Seventeen international judges, alongside seven South African experts, use a meticulous 100-point scale to assess the entries. This diverse panel brings a variety of palates and expertise to the table, making the accolades awarded even more meaningful and significant.
Durbanville Hills’ Unwavering Dedication
Durbanville Hills’ triumph in 2024 wasn’t a fluke but the result of years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and a deep understanding of their terroir. The winery made a clean sweep, earning top awards in several categories. Their Collectors Reserve The Castle of Good Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 particularly shone, winning the FlySafair Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy. This achievement not only cements their expertise in Bordeaux varietals but also highlights the adaptability of these grapes to South African soils.
Their prowess in Bordeaux blends did not stop there. The Tangram Red Blend 2020 won the Kuehne & Nagel Bordeaux Blend Trophy, while the Tangram White Blend 2022 took home the FlySafair White Blend Trophy. These accolades underscore the winery’s ability to produce harmonious blends that marry tradition with modern winemaking techniques.
Accolades Across the Board
The accolades didn’t stop at trophies. Durbanville Hills also received double gold awards for their Collectors Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot 2021 and Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2023. The Merlot was praised for its velvety tannins and rich berry notes, showcasing the winery’s capability to create complex yet approachable wines. The Sauvignon Blanc, a varietal close to the heart of the late Martin Moore, stood out for its vibrant acidity and aromatic profile, serving as a fitting tribute to Moore’s legacy.
Adding to their haul, several other wines and spirits from Durbanville Hills secured gold awards. Among them were the Barrel Finished Merlot Potstill Brandy 2012, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, and entries from the Collectors Reserve range, such as The Cableway Chardonnay 2023 and The Cape Garden Chenin Blanc 2022 and 2023. These accolades highlight the winery’s versatility and unwavering commitment to producing high-quality products.
The Unique Terroir of Durbanville Hills
Durbanville Hills’ success is deeply rooted in its unique location. Situated just ten kilometers from the ocean, the vineyards benefit immensely from the cooling breezes of False Bay and Table Bay. This cool climate is particularly advantageous for cultivating Sauvignon Blanc, a varietal known for its lively acidity and aromatic complexity. The rolling hills and valleys of the Durbanville ward create an ideal environment for growing grapes that yield wines of exceptional character and elegance.
Pieter-Niel Rossouw, the Cellar Master, and Winemaker Tammy Claasen have continued the legacy of innovation and excellence at Durbanville Hills. Their collective efforts, coupled with the rich heritage of member farms, ensure the winery remains at the forefront of South African winemaking. These farms, steeped in history, contribute to crafting terroir-specific wines, a hallmark of Durbanville Hills.
The Legacy of Martin Moore
The late Martin Moore, a pivotal figure in the history of Durbanville Hills, left an indelible mark on the winery. His profound understanding of local terroir and his passion for Sauvignon Blanc have shaped the winery’s trajectory. Alongside his trusted winemakers Kobus Gerber and Wilhelm Coetzee, Moore laid the groundwork for the winery’s current success. The recent accolades serve as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
Albert Gerber, Managing Director of Durbanville Hills, emphasized the importance of honoring Moore’s legacy while celebrating the contributions of the new generation of winemakers. The synergy between the experienced and the new team members ensures that Durbanville Hills continues to innovate while respecting the traditions that have defined it.
Celebrating a Dynamic Future
The 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition not only highlighted the exceptional quality of Durbanville Hills’ wines but also celebrated the collaborative effort of its team and the unique environment of the Durbanville ward. The winery’s victory is a testament to its rich past, dynamic present, and promising future, illustrating the ever-evolving nature of winemaking.
From its inception to its current status as a leading producer, Durbanville Hills has shown that dedication, innovation, and a profound understanding of terroir can lead to exceptional results. As they continue to push the boundaries of winemaking, their story serves as an inspiration to vintners and wine enthusiasts around the world.
FAQ about Durbanville Hills’ Success at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition
What awards did Durbanville Hills win at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition?
Durbanville Hills was awarded the title of Top Producer and received several prestigious accolades, including the FlySafair Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for their Collectors Reserve The Castle of Good Hope 2022. They also won the Kuehne & Nagel Bordeaux Blend Trophy for the Tangram Red Blend 2020 and the FlySafair White Blend Trophy for the Tangram White Blend 2022.
How does the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition stand out?
The Michelangelo competition is known for its international scope and high standards. In its 28th year, it featured 1,555 entries from seven different countries, evaluated by a global panel of judges from five continents using a meticulous 100-point scale. This diverse judging panel ensures that the awarded wines are recognized for their quality on a global scale.
Why is the terroir important for Durbanville Hills’ wine production?
The unique terroir of Durbanville Hills plays a crucial role in the quality of their wines. The vineyards are situated just ten kilometers from the ocean, benefiting from cooling breezes that create an ideal climate for grape cultivation, particularly for Sauvignon Blanc. This environment contributes to the production of wines with exceptional character and elegance.
Who was Martin Moore and what is his significance to Durbanville Hills?
Martin Moore was a pivotal figure in the history of Durbanville Hills, known for his deep understanding of local terroir and his passion for winemaking, particularly with Sauvignon Blanc. His legacy continues to inspire the current team at the winery, and the recent accolades serve as a tribute to his contributions and vision.
What are some notable wines produced by Durbanville Hills?
Durbanville Hills has produced several noteworthy wines that have received acclaim at the competition, including the Collectors Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot 2021, which earned double gold, and the Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Other award-winning wines include the Barrel Finished Merlot Potstill Brandy 2012 and various entries from their Collectors Reserve range.
What does the future look like for Durbanville Hills following this success?
The triumph at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition marks a promising future for Durbanville Hills. With a strong commitment to innovation and the legacy of their terroir, they are well-positioned to continue leading in the South African wine industry and inspire both vintners and wine enthusiasts worldwide.
