AUSTRIA, host of Concours Mondial du Sauvignon 2018, scooped the second-most number of medals at the competition behind France: 78 to 126. In third place, South Africa achieved 22 medals (11 gold and 11 silver) ahead of Italy (21) and New Zealand (16). Although when it came to the trophy laureates, New Zealand’s Clos Henri (Marlborough) was the only producer outside France and Austria to be called to the podium – the French champions including Domaine Baron (Touraine), Domaine Haut Marin (Côtes de Gascogne) and Fournier Père et Fils (Pouilly-Fumé), the Austrians Ewald Zweytick (Styria) and Weingut Kodolitsch (Styria).

There were 950 entries from 26 countries. 113 gold medals, 176 silvers. 70 judges from 18 countries (including South Africa’s Christian Eedes of Winemag.co.za). Acknowledged as the top areas overall for Sauvignon Blanc production: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in the upper Loire Valley of France, New Zealand, South Africa, Alto Adige in South Tyrol, Italy, and, more recently, Styria, the mountainous state in southern Austria. Full results here.

SA GOLD MEDALLISTS AT MONDIAL DU SAUVIGNON 2018

Bellingham Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Franschhoek Cellar Door – R80 pb

D’Aria The Following Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Durbanville Cellar – R220 pb

Diemersdal Eight Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Durbanville Cellar – R145 pb

Diemersdal MM Louw Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Durbanville Cellar – R180 pb

Ghost Corner The Bowline 2016
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Blend, Cederberg Cellar – R210 pb

Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Cederberg Cellar – R220 pb

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sur Lie Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Stellenbosch Cellar – R194 pb

Nitida Wild Child 2017
Durbanville Cellar – R150 pb

Ondine Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Ormonde Cellar, Darling – R95 pb

Talent & Terroir Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Boland Cellar, Paarl – R56 pb

Uva Mira The Mira Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Helderberg Cellar, Stellenbosch – R150 pb