Monis, the oldest producer of fortified wines in the country, has been awarded a gold medal for its 2004 Muscadel at the Muscats du Monde held recently in France. This follows the recent platinum award earned at South Africa’s 2010 Muscadel Association Awards achieving gold for both the product itself, as well as its unique packaging.
With over 206 wine samples tasted from 23 countries the Monis Muscadel took gold, only one of three South African producers to do so, making the achievement of winemaker Dirkie Christowitz all the more impressive.
Christowitz says, “Our Muscadel has been performing well in the international market given its exceptional taste profile. We select our wines from the best Muscadel-growing areas of South Africa for their capacity to show their best after barrel maturation.”
The wine was matured for five years in 500-litre French oak barrels resulting in a delicious combination of raisins, Christmas cake, cinnamon and subtle citrus, culminating in a velvety smooth and lingering mocha aftertaste.
Christowitz suggests serving the Muscadel as a welcome drink or as a substitute for dessert in a chilled martini glass on crushed ice.
