Absa and Pinotage Association Top 10 for 2011

It is a wonder that the Pinotage variety was created all those years ago, in the 1920’s, by the well-known Professor Abraham Perold who crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Many years later, in 1995, the Pinotage Association was established by a number of enthusiastic producers dedicated to improving and promoting this unique South African cultivar. The Top 10 Pinotage competition was then launched in 1997 with Absa’s support and has done wonders for the variety not only in our country but also abroad.

This year's Top 10 winners

 

Now in its fifteenth year, the Absa and Pinotage Association Top 10 competition has become one of South Africa’s most prestigious wine competitions, showcasing the countries best Pinotage.

The announcement of this year’s winners was made at a glamorous luncheon held at the Webersburg Wine Estate, just outside Stellenbosch. At the function, Absa was shown gratitude for the confidence they have displayed in the variety over the past fifteen years. Announcing this year’s winners was Bobby Malabie, Chief Executive of Absa Business Bank, who expressed that “Absa is again honoured to be the main sponsor of the Top 10 Pinotage competition, in partnership with the Pinotage Association, to promote uniquely South African wine made from Pinotage grapes.”

The winners of the 2011 competition, in alphabetical order, are:

Beyerskloof Reserve 2008
Diemersdal Reserve 2010
Fairview Primo 2009
Kanonkop Pinotage 2006
KWV The Mentor’s Pinotage 2009
Laibach 2010
Rijk’s Private Cellar 2007
Schalk Burger and Sons Meerkat 2009
Naledi 2009
Windmeul Reserve 2010

For previous year’s results, click here.