Diemersdal Estate clinched a coveted spot among only nine South African wineries to strike gold at the esteemed international Sauvignon Selection by CMB competition, formerly known as Concours Mondial du Sauvignon. Their prized creation, the Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2022, distinguished by its wild fermentation process, skin-contact, and oak ageing, claimed a prestigious Gold medal at this year’s Sauvignon Selection by CMB event, hosted in Steiermark, Austria.
Amidst stiff competition, with 1,285 Sauvignon Blanc entries from across the globe, evaluated by a panel of 56 esteemed international judges representing 27 countries, Diemersdal’s triumph underscores their unwavering commitment to winemaking excellence.
Reflecting on the competition’s transition to Sauvignon Selection by CMB, Diemersdal’s owner-winemaker, Thys Louw, emphasized its continued tradition of rigorous wine evaluation. “This platform remains the pinnacle for assessing Sauvignon Blanc,” stated Louw. “Securing another Gold medal amidst such esteemed company is a profound honour for our team and reinforces Diemersdal’s rich winemaking heritage.”
Crafted from grapes cultivated in Diemersdal’s dryland vineyards, nestled in decomposed granite soils, the Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2022 undergoes a meticulous production process. Following harvest and gentle processing, the juice undergoes a 96-hour skin contact period, enhancing its texture and flavour complexity. Fermented with natural yeasts in seasoned French oak barrels, the wine matures for an additional 11 months, imparting further depth and character.
This accolade further solidifies Diemersdal’s commitment to showcasing distinctive expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Their dedication to crafting such unique styles has garnered increasing recognition from both wine enthusiasts and critics alike, as evidenced by the wine’s recent 5-star rating in the renowned Platter’s South African Wine Guide.
