Plett vineyards shine with the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Kay Monty

Bitou Vineyards and Kay & Monty Vineyards are both recipients of awards with the Gilbert & Galliard International Challenge.

The Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge provides recognition to vineyards and wineries that set an international benchmark.

The Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge is used as a marketing tool to increase sales in both local and international markets. For 30 years, the group have been publishing their printed and online wine guide and have been conducting more than 10,000 wine tastings per year with a French tasting panel. South African wineries can take part in the challenge.

Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism, notes that the awards are a result of the efforts of many individuals. “We are proud that two of our vineyards have received this honor given the number of growers in South Africa that focus on international standards. This recognition belongs to the teams, which for many years, have successfully woven such high standard practices into everything they do.”

One individual that stands out, in particular, is Plett winemaker Anton Smal. He is the winemaker at both Bitou and Kay & Monty.

‘Smallie’ is a pedigreed winemaker. He began his career at the well-known Villeria wine farm in Stellenbosh, Cape Town between 1991 – 2010. After gaining vast experience in a variety of cultivars, in particular Cap Classiques (MCC or traditional Champagne method of producing), he moved to Plett’s founding wine farm Bramon.

With the sun, sand, and surf at his reach, he has dug his heels in and now calls Plett home. He continues to work for several wine farms in the area, including Bitou Vineyards and Kay & Monty Vineyards.

Bitou Vineyards

Bitou Vineyards Awards

Bitou Vineyards Méthod Cap Classique Sauvignon Blanc – 2017

MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) – Plettenberg Bay

Rating 91/100

Dégustation: année 2021

Attractive first impression. Green apple, pretty lees notes from yeast. Unexpected well integrated acidity, good mousse and palate weight with long finish.

Bitou Vineyards Sassy Sauvignon Blanc Off-Dry – 2020

Sweet white wine – Plettenberg Bay

Rating 90/100

Dégustation: année 2021

Light yellow. Gooseberry and granadilla nose. Light-to-medium palate with a fruit-forward aroma. Apple, gooseberry and fresh peach follow from the nose. A fragrant and layered wine.

Bitou Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc – 2019 (silver)

Dry white wine – Plettenberg Bay

Rating 84/100

Dégustation: année 2021

Light yellow. Subdued nose with some fruit salad notes. Medium palate with fresh fruit-salad and quince. Pithy on the finish. Drink now.

Kay & Monty Vineyards Awards

Gold – Kay & Monty MCC Champu Chardonnay – 2016

MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) – Plettenberg Bay

Rating 89/100

Dégustation: année 2021

Straw yellow. Freshly baked bread, yellow apple and pear notes carries to taste. Medium to light palate but shows a good return on the aftertaste.

Gold – Kay & Monty SAV Sauvignon Blanc – 2020

Dry white wine – Plettenberg Bay

Rating 87/100

Dégustation : année 2021

Very light yellow. Subdued nose with hints of capsicum and green apple. Medium-to-light on the palate with a crisp finish. Fruit-salad and fig. A great summer-sipper.

Kay & Monty SAV Sauvignon Blanc – 2019

Dry white wine – Plettenberg Bay

Rating 90/100

Dégustation : année 2021

Light yellow. Tropical nose with hints of white pepper. Fruit-forward palate with canned peas and capsicum. Full and rich on the finish. Drink through 2025.