Survivor wins Chardonnay Trophy at Fine Wine Awards

Trophy tops trio of  the winery’s outstanding achievements at championship

Survivor Wines is back in the spotlight having just claimed the Trophy for Best Chardonnay at this year’s Fine Wine Awards, announced last week at a ceremony in Stellenbosch.

The winning wine was the Survivor Terroir Chardonnay 2023, which received a chart-topping rating of 96 points. Furthermore, the Survivor Terroir Syrah 2022 received Gold in a category where just four Golds were awarded while the Survivor Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022 received one of category’s only four Golds.

The competition attracted 935 entries this year, judged by a panel comprising a Wine Master, two Cape Wine Masters, winemakers, buyers, educators, sommeliers and journalists.

For Survivor Wines, the victory comes within months of being singled out back-to-back as a champion producer at South Africa’s Trophy Wine Show and the Decanter World Wine Awards in London.

At the former, Survivor was awarded no less than four titles including a 97-point Gold. The Survivor Chenin Blanc 2024 was placed 5th on the competition’s list of Top 10 white wines for the year and 6th on the Top 10 list of best value white wines. At Decanter, Gold was presented to the Survivor Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022 (95 points)  and Reserve Pinotage 2022 (96 points). 

“These latest achievements now at the Fine Wine Awards are foremost an indicator of the consistency with which our wines are highly ranked,” says Survivor Wines cellarmaster Pierre Wahl. “What sets SURVIVOR Wines apart is our ability to select distinctive parcels of grapes from the most expressive terroirs across South Africa’s top wine-producing regions. These awards are a re-affirmation of our belief in these vineyards and their potential for excellence.”

The judges at the competition described the favourite Chardonnay as exuding “exceptional complexity and finesse”.

“The nose unfolds with aromas of juicy nectarine, lemon zest, toasted almonds, and a whisper of elegant oak spice. On the palate, this Chardonnay offers a beautifully textured richness, evoking a refined, old-world charm. A lively, well-integrated acidity carries through to a lingering, beautifully rounded finish.”

The fruit that made the Survivor Chardonnay hails from Elgin, a region in which the variety thrives.

Survivor Wines are available at leading retailers and restaurants across the country. They may also be purchased via the online shop, www.survivorwines.com, which also has more information on the winery.

Stay up to date with our wine journey by following @SurvivorWines on Facebook and Instagram or sign up online to receive the Survivor Wines newsletter. For more information, call 023 615 1505.