Franschhoek gains international recognition on '2014 top 50 list'

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Boekenhoutskloof won for its Semillon 2010 and Chamonix for its Chardonnay Reserve 2012.

Marc Kent, chief winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof, describes the Semillon 2010 as displaying aromas of spiced orange peel, peach blossom, cut straw and lemon marmalade with undertones of vanilla pod and hints of beeswax starting to develop. The wine shows extraordinary structure and tight mineral acidity underneath its weighty texture, which is accentuated by the extended lees contact; a vibrant and fresh wine with substantial citrus concentration.

Winemaker Gottfried Mocke, one of the youngest winemakers to be honoured as a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, describes the Chamonix Chardonnay Reserve as a Burgundian style classic old world Chardonnay austere wine with great natural acidity, yet graceful and elegant with poise and balance. Released in the second year after harvest the wine is a bright straw yellow colour with golden highlights and exquisite aroma, with scents reminiscent of tropical fruit, ginger, spice and oatmeal. A well-structured and minerally wine with flavours of lime and toasted almonds on the palate, its will reach optimal drinking with at three to four years after bottling, although top vintages remain impressive for up to 10 years.

For more information, go to www.franschhoek.org.za.