PRODUCERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015

We all know producing good wine is a very tough business. These Trophies recognise those producers who have truly excelled in their chosen field, whether it’s across all colours and prices, or honed in on a specific style.

EUROPEAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

A tie between a 500-year-old Loire estate pulling quality out of adversity, and a 50-year-old Puglian cooperative encompassing 1200 vine growers.

Joseph Mellot

2 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze, 1 Commended

A string of rotten vintages made this a difficult year for the Loire in SWA, so for one producer to garner six medals was superb going. In among all the Sauvignon there was even, amazingly, a Silver for a Pinot Noir and a Bronze for a ‘crowd-pleasing’ rosé.
josephmellot.com; Supplier: Hatch Mansfield

Cantine San Marzano

1 Food Match Trophy, 2 Gold, 5 Silver, 1 Bronze, 3 Commended

A significant force behind Hallgarten’s European success this year, San Marzano showed just what Puglia can do, with a range of excellent southern Italian wines nearly all under £10. The Food Match-winning Moscato in particular is an absolute steal.
cantinesanmarzano.com; Supplier: Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines

NEW WORLD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Distinctive and honed, top quality from a Tupungato winery within sight of the Andes shares the New World honours with a Stellenbosch stalwart.

Bodega Atamisque

1 Food Match Trophy, 3 Gold

A new name to this competition, Atamisque, from Mendoza, exploded on to the scene with a truly impressive range of Argentinian reds: a Bordeaux blend, a Malbec (natch) and a terrific Food Match-winning Cabernet Franc. Three entries, three Gold Medals. Job done!
bodegaatamisque.com; Supplier: Matthew Clark

Kleine Zalze

1 Food Match Trophy, 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze, 1 Commended

There’s nowhere to hide in a blind tasting, and Kleine Zalze produces the goods year after year, regularly picking up not just Golds, but Trophies as well. And it was the same this year, with a string of really well-priced, well-made, easily sellable wines that totally over-delivered. Its Chenins are always excellent, but it’s interesting to see Syrah (and Pinotage!) doing well too.
kleinezalze.co.za; Supplier: Hatch Mansfield