Merlot takes the spotlight once again in South Africa as the Taransaud Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition returns for its second year. The event, organised by Hallo Merlot, aims to celebrate the exceptional quality of the local wine grape variety and recognises the dedication of the country’s winemakers to this grape variety.
Organisers say by showcasing the best merlot wines, the competition provides consumers with valuable insights into the calibre of wines produced from this varietal.
Established in 2014 by a group of passionate winemakers and enthusiasts, Hallo Merlot has grown into a thriving community movement that fosters a deeper appreciation for merlot among Mzansi wine consumers and producers.
The stage is set
Dawie Botha, the chairperson of Hallo Merlot, emphasises the significance of the competition in elevating merlot’s reputation, stating, “Our aim is to influence a sense of pride within the winemaking community for a varietal that may not be as widely produced as other wines.”
Merlot represents only 5.9% of the total vineyard area in the country, making it a relatively scarce grape in the industry. Its unpredictability presents a challenge for winemakers, but the competition aims to change the narrative surrounding merlot and showcase its remarkable range of wines.
Taransaud, a French cooperage, has been a longstanding supporter of Hallo Merlot and will provide the producer of the top-scoring merlot with a new 225l Taransaud barrel, further contributing to the development and prominence of merlot.
ALSO READ: Water into wine: Cathedral harvest triumphs
What does 2023 have in store?
Last year’s competition attracted nearly 100 national and internationally recognised South African merlot producers, and this year promises to be equally exciting. The judging panel consists of esteemed industry professionals, including Cathy van Zyl, Malu Lambert, Spencer Fondaumiere, Raymond Noppé, Francois van Zyl, and Matthew Copeland. The panel eagerly awaits this year’s submissions and the opportunity to discover the outcomes of the entries.
The winners of the Merlot Top 10 Competition will be announced on 21 June 2023, with late entries accepted until 19 May 2023. In addition to the competition, Hallo Merlot is a catalyst for educational gatherings and opportunities for wine enthusiasts to share their opinions and knowledge. They have also designated 8 September as South Africa’s National Merlot Day, further cementing merlot’s importance in the country’s wine culture.
Keep your finger on the pulse
Wine producers interested in participating in the competition can enter their merlot wines through the Hallo Merlot website. To stay updated on the competition’s progress, follow Hallo Merlot on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Organisers say the Taransaud Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition not only showcases the excellence of South African merlot but also highlights the passion and dedication of winemakers in crafting outstanding wines from this varietal. As the competition grows in prominence, it promises to further enhance the reputation of merlot and solidify its place among South Africa’s finest wines.
READ NEXT: Grab indaba tickets before they’re gone!
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
