The Rosé Wine and Spirit Challenge seeking the best pink drinks.

Stellenbosch, 24 August 2024 – The third annual Rosé Wine and Spirit Challenge, held on Thursday, 22 August 2024, at the Lanzerac Hotel, Stellenbosch, once again set the stage for pink drinks to shine.

The prestigious panel of judges included Clive Torr, Dr Jonathan Steyn, Cape Wine Masters (CWM) Renee Groenewald, Marlee Malan, and Brendan Butler, along with renowned sommelier Joseph Tongai Dhafana. Together, they evaluated an impressive array of rosé wines and pink spirits, bringing their extensive expertise to this unique and growing category.

The Rosé Wine and Spirit Challenge was established to dispel the lingering bias in wine circles that rosé wines are inferior to other categories. In this event, rosé wines compete solely against other rosé wines, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. Furthermore, the challenge stands as the only competition that pits pink spirits against each other, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of these beverages.

Cap Classique: The judges were enthralled by the complexity, elegance, and vibrant character of this category. The array of flavours in this category is diverse and enchanting, reflecting the intricacies of the winemaking process and the varietals used. Among the sparkling wines, the Allée Bleue Brut Rosé 2021 emerged as the standout, capturing the coveted Trophy Award. The Lynx Brut Cap Classique 2021 also received high praise for its quality, showcasing the strength of the Cap Classique category.

Rosé and Blanc de Noir Wines: The general quality of the Rosé and Blanc de noir wines was commendable, with the 2024 vintages particularly standing out for their fresh fruitiness and balanced acidity. One judge noted a desire to see more regional typicity in the entries, while another remarked on the significant increase in quality over the past decade. Clearly, South African Rosé and Blanc de noir wines could hold their own internationally. Notable examples included the Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Rosé 2024, Allée Bleue Shiraz Rosé 2024, Koelenbosch Dry Pinotage Rosé 2024, and Stellenzicht’s Thunderstone Rosé 2024. However, the Lynx Blanc de Noir 2024 ultimately claimed the top honours, earning a well-deserved Trophy Award.

Pink Spirits: As always, the pink spirits category presented diverse entries. The gins that stood out were those with a strong botanical and juniper-led character. Time Anchor Distillery’s Mirari Damask Rose Gin was a particular highlight. Still, Deuce Gin RTD Premix ultimately secured the Trophy Award, showcasing the innovation and creativity within the pink spirits category.

The 2024 Rosé Wine and Spirit Challenge once again underscored the growing significance and quality of pink drinks, positioning them as a formidable and respected category in the wine and spirits world. We look forward to witnessing the continued rise of these exceptional beverages in the years to come.

Details about the 2025 Rosé Wine and Spirit Challenge will be announced in the last week of January 2025.

For inquiries, visit https://rosechallenge.co.za, or e-mail info@rosechallenge.co.za