Simonsig’s Redhill Pinotage 2014 is vying for a coveted Absa Top 10 Pinotage Trophy. The Annual Absa Top 10 awards South Afica’s finest Pinotage wines and a Top 10 Trophy is every Pinotage makers dream.
Beyers Truter, chairman of the SA Pinotage Association says: “Together with this mix of new and established, it is fantastic to see quality Pinotages originating from nearly all of South Africa’s diverse regions – from Stellenbosch and Paarl, to Walker Bay, Durbanville and Robertson. For quality Pinotage wines to be produced from such a diverse spectrum of terroirs not only underscores the versatility of the grape; it is also testimony of the producers’ love for fine winemaking, their commitment and insight of the region’s climates and terrains.”
Doug Walker, Provincial General Manager, Absa, Western Cape says the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition represents one of the longest-running corporate wine sponsorships in South Africa and Absa. “From day one, Absa has been extremely proud to be associated with this locally produced wine through its sponsorship of the annual Top 10 Pinotage Competition,” he says. “This year, the bank recognises 20 years since it first entered into a partnership with the Pinotage Association. Over the years, the Absa Top 10 Competition has become the benchmark for the best Pinotage wines in South Africa with local sales increasing by 10% annually, and exports more than doubling.”
Walker says the positive effects of the sponsorship have not been limited to increased brand awareness and sales of the Pinotage variety. “With the increasing popularity that Pinotage has attracted over the years, it has translated into increased activity among industry suppliers and farming communities,” he says.
“We are delighted with the advancements in the sector, but are especially proud of the greater ripple effect that the sponsorship has had on driving development in the sector, allowing the community at large to benefit and prosper. The bank is led by the principle of conducting business in a way that promotes positive outcomes for society.”
Absa recently further affirmed its direct economic and social contribution with a commitment of R1.4 billion in skills and education development across the continent.
“Together with the Pinotage Association, Absa wishes to continue to grow awareness and popularity of the Pinotage variety in order to develop local wine industries even further,” adds Walker.
“We are looking forward to the announcement of the winning wines for 2016, and thank the Pinotage Association, who has worked tirelessly and remained committed to this uniquely South African cultivar.”