De Wetshof Estate, located in Robertson, has secured its position as arguably the most distinguished producer of unwooded Chardonnay in South Africa by attaining one of the highest ratings for this category at this year’s Veritas Wine Awards. The De Wetshof Danie de Wet Matured on Lees Chardonnay 2022 clinched a coveted Veritas Double Gold medal, following in the footsteps of its 2021 vintage which also secured a Double Gold at the previous year’s awards.
De Wetshof further earned sought-after Veritas Gold medals for their Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – marking a consecutive Veritas Gold for the estate’s Sauvignon Blanc – as well as for the Lilya Dry Rosé 2022.
The Double Gold achievement in 2022 firmly establishes De Wetshof as one of the leading performers in the unwooded Chardonnay category of the Veritas Awards. In 2020, De Wetshof claimed two prestigious accolades in the same category: a Double Gold medal for De Wetshof Bon Vallon 2020 and a Gold Medal for Limestone Hill 2020. Furthermore, in 2019, De Wetshof Bon Vallon 2019 earned a Double Gold.
Johann de Wet, CEO of De Wetshof, emphasizes the significance of consistency in the realm of awards and wine competitions. He notes that while many producers might achieve a single standout award, the ongoing recognition of De Wetshof’s unwooded Chardonnays, particularly the Danie de Wet Matured on Lees, Limestone Hill, and Bon Vallon, underscores their commitment to crafting wines that are truly reflective of their specific sites and terroir. This dedication to excellence extends to their winemaking practices.
He expresses particular satisfaction with this recognition, as the unwooded Chardonnay category is proving to be captivating for both South African and international consumers. Johann highlights that these Chardonnays originate from vineyards specifically matched to the desired wine style, with limestone-rich soils featuring a clay component that ensures a cool environment and excellent water retention.
The resulting wines exhibit freshness and accessibility, accompanied by structural complexity and a pleasing mouthfeel that lingers on the palate. Johann emphasizes that their broad appeal lies in their ability to complement a wide array of dishes while offering wine enthusiasts the delightful experience of an unwooded Chardonnay.
Johann expresses particular pride in the Gold medal bestowed upon the De Wetshof Lilya Rosé 2022. He commends the cellar team’s dedicated efforts in creating a classic Provençal-style rosé, an enchanting and invigorating style that has garnered a strong following globally. Characterized by its delicate onion-skin hue and vibrant berry notes enveloped in a dry, refreshing zest, Lilya has become a beloved wine at De Wetshof. Johann looks forward to contributing to the expanding realm of South African rosé, a category that is attracting an increasing number of enthusiasts year after year.
