The ultimate expression of the heavenly vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde region, La Vierge’s flagship Apogée Pinot Noir 2020 is one of only three South African wines to have been awarded a Trophy at the 2023 International Wine Challenge – claiming the South African Trophy for the country’s best Pinot Noir.

La Vierge Apogée Pinot Noir was one of just 15 South African wines to achieve a Gold medal, representing a score between 95 and 100 points, and one of only three to be awarded an International Trophy in one of the world’s most influential wine competitions.

La Vierge Apogée Chardonnay 2020 impressed the international panel of judges too, with a Silver medal, representing a score of 90-94 points.

Before being awarded a medal at the IWC, competing against thousands of wines from over 40 countries, each winning wine has been tasted blind by at least eight different judges, in at least three separate tasting sessions – a rigorous process that has earned the competition the respect of wine retailers and consumers globally.

The winning Apogée series wines are named for the figurative meaning of apogee – the highest point of an endeavour, the apex of artistry and expression – and they epitomize the climax of La Vierge’s efforts in the vineyards and cellar to express the quality of specific vineyard sites.

La Vierge winemaker Christo Kotze is elated at the international recognition for the two wines: “In making Apogée Pinot Noir and Apogée Chardonnay, we are aiming for the ultimate expression of a unique terroir that is ideally suited to these two varietals. To be the only South African Pinot Noir to achieve Gold is a magnificent achievement and testament to both the terroir and to the viticulture and winemaking team,” he said.

La Vierge’s Apogée Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced in limited quantities, are R305 per bottle and only available online at https://lavierge.co.za/shop/ and at their Tasting Room and Restaurant in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.