Old is Gold for Newstead at IWSC
Newstead Wine has done it again! Their 2017 Newstead Blanc de Blanc MCC Brut was awarded a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London with a score of 96.
Out of more than 500 South African wines entered, only 36 were gold medalists. Of those, only 14 scored higher than 95, which puts Newstead in some very special company.
In this case, old has most certainly proved to be gold for the wine estate: in a post on social media, Newstead acknowledged that they had decided to hold their MCCs back and keep them on the lees for several years before releasing them: “It’s another affirmation that our decision has made it worth the wait. Our aged wines have received consistent recognition over the last few years, both locally and abroad. This is our best result at the IWSC, beating the 95 we scored with our 2015 Brut. The 2017 Brut has maturity, intensity, elegance and depth.”
The tasting notes below for those who are interested: “Aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits intertwine with a nutty richness, exuding amazing depth. The palate reveals light creamy characters with an incisive lacy texture, balanced by fresh, chalky acids and creamy berry notes. The finish is rich, rounded, and impressively persistent.”
Newstead congratulated fellow South Africans: “We’re chuffed for all the South African gold medal winners – congratulations! – and we’re celebrating the country’s wins with some of our bubbly.”
The news is fabulous for Newstead and fabulous for Plettenberg Bay – it’s a bubbly region and we’re proud of it!
View full tasting notes and results here.
ABOUT NEWSTEAD LUND FAMILY VINEYARDS
Newstead has been described as the best-kept secret inside the South African wine industry’s best kept secret. Visit them in the Plettenberg Bay Winelands to taste, buy, explore or linger. While the fanfare around the country’s wines is almost always focused on the Cape, Newstead has believed from the start that the young Plettenberg Bay Winelands had something special. Time, hard work and accolades have proven this to be true.
Doug and Sue Lund brought their own young family to The Crags and in 2006 when the Plettenberg Bay Wine of Origin region was in its infancy. Buying 11.5 hectares of fallow land, they planted Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. They built their home and they built their cellar. From the vine to the wine, there’s potential, growth, change, and ultimately, hopefully, something very special.
And even then, there’s a sense of mystery and possibility, depending on when and how you enjoy it, and who with.
