Franschhoek’s picturesque wine valley has always been the pinnacle of success when it comes to wine. So, it should come as no surprise that it’s set to host the first Concours Mondial du Sauvignon competition outside of Europe!
The event is set to take place from Monday,13 March to Friday, 17 March 2023 amidst the beauty of the Cape Winelands. the prestigious event has also made South Africa one of the first countries outside of Europe to be named host.
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So, just what is the competition and why should we be excited?
If you love sipping on a crisp glass of Sauvignon, then the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is basically your Olympics. It provides an annual “updated snapshot of the global Sauvignon blanc wine industry,” and is a celebration of this varietal. It also offers wine lovers a chance to try some ludicrously delicious wines.
Over the last decade, competition has taken place everywhere but Africa, mainly sticking to ‘old-world’ wine countries all over Europe, including Bordeaux, Touraine, Styria, Rueda, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Torres Vedras. However, as Sauvignon Blanc becomes a popular choice amongst international wine drinkers, the competition seems to be expanding.
“Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s top-selling cultivar and our most exported varietal,” says Sauvignon Blanc SA Chairman RJ Botha.
“South African Sauvignon Blanc is a unique asset which help build and maintain a strong brand reputation for the country. It makes perfect sense to host this competition, the largest and most significant international competition entirely dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, in the Cape Winelands. To be the first host ever outside of Europe is an amazing accomplishment for our country and our wine industry.”
While wine drinkers may get a kick out of enjoying this competition, it’s a big deal amongst industry experts.
“The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is more than just a competition between producers and appellations. It is aimed at fostering dialogue and creating a meeting point for industry specialists. In 2022, a total of 1 120 entries from 23 producer countries were evaluated by over 70 judges representing 20 nationalities, guaranteeing the outstanding diversity that sets the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon apart from other wine competitions.”
The competition will be hosted by the cultivar association Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in partnership with national, as well as international partners.
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