Kanonkop Estate Earns Prestigious Title of World’s Top Red Wine Producer at Prominent International Wine Competition
Kanonkop Estate, nestled in Stellenbosch, once again solidified its status as a global wine powerhouse by clinching the esteemed title of Red Wine Producer of the Year at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), the world’s premier wine and spirits contest. Impressively, the team of international judges awarded medals to ten of Kanonkop’s wines out of the staggering 12,000 submissions by producers from around the globe.
Johann Krige, Co-Proprietor of Kanonkop, who was present at the gala-dinner awards ceremony in London as the IWSC President for 2022, expressed his complete surprise upon receiving the Red Wine Producer of the Year trophy.
“During the evening’s whirlwind of activities, I was primarily focused on preparing and delivering the official address in my capacity as IWSC President for the year,” Krige revealed. “Almost forgotten was the fact that we were also in the running. Thus, it was an immense surprise to be crowned Red Wine Producer of the Year in a yearly competition that attracts entries from the world’s finest wine producers.”
Krige emphasized that this year’s recognition holds special significance, underscoring Kanonkop’s enduring consistency in amassing accolades at the IWSC over the years.
“Our deep-rooted connection with this prestigious international wine competition includes winning the coveted Best Winemaker trophy four times,” Krige stated. “The Red Wine Producer of the Year title further builds upon our consistent performance at the event, reaffirming Kanonkop’s unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional red wines from our terroir-rich estate. This estate-specific approach allows us to produce distinctively exceptional wines that showcase class, identity, and excellence.”
Situated on the Simonsberg slopes near Stellenbosch, Kanonkop’s 95 hectares of vineyards thrive on ancient decomposed granite soils, influenced by microclimates from both the northwest Atlantic Ocean and the southeastern regions. Kanonkop introduced its inaugural estate label in 1973 and has been under the Krige family’s stewardship since 1929 when Paul Sauer, the grandfather of Johann and his co-owner brother Paul, inherited the property from his mother.
“Throughout our storied history, Kanonkop has remained steadfast in upholding traditional winemaking practices, including manual punch-downs and maturation in small oak casks,” Johann elaborated. “By meticulously tending to our vineyards, allowing the soil, climate, and aspect to harmonize, our dedication to authentic, classic, and unadulterated winemaking captures the quintessence of our estate. Accepting the distinction of Best Red Wine Producer is a true honor, representing the dedication of both our cellar and vineyard teams. It also signifies the contribution of the South African wine industry, which is steadily gaining recognition worldwide as a leading purveyor of quality wines.”
Krige also commended the IWSC for its role in Kanonkop’s triumphs. “The outstanding reputation and professionalism of this competition resonate throughout the global wine community,” he acknowledged. “The accolades Kanonkop has been privileged to receive at this event over the years have significantly contributed to our success.”
