Vinitaly awards Gran Cavalier Sauvignon Blanc

The 2013 vintage Gran Cavalier Sauvignon Blanc D.O.K. Malta, produced under the watchful eye of the Delicata winery’s 4th generation family winemaker Matthew Delicata, has been awarded a special mention diploma at the 21st Vinitaly International Wine Competition held at Veronafiere.

Quoting Giovanni Mantovani, CEO & Director General of Veronafiere: “the competition is an important marketing lever, not only for medal winners – less than 3% of total entries – but also for winemakers awarded Special Mention Diplomas”.

Almost 3000 wines from all over the world entered the competition and were judged by 21 juries. At the end of the 5 day tasting sessions 73 medals (17 Grand Gold Medals, 16 Gold, 18 Silver, 22 Bronze) and 715 special mention diplomas were awarded whilst over 2200 wines were left empty-handed.

The International Wine Competition is organised by Veronafiere with the patronage of the Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament, the Union Internationale des Oenologues, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry for Economic Development.

Delicata’s Gran Cavalier Sauvignon Blanc D.O.K. Malta is made using the maceration pelliculaire or cold maceration method. This involves allowing contact between the skins and the free-run juice (juice that is obtained without pressing) before the start of the fermentation process to improve the flavour and varietal characteristics of the wine.

Not only is Delicata’s Gran Cavalier Malta’s first Sauvignon Blanc. For lovers of this racy variety, the 2013 vintage is an absolute must offering crisp fruit flavours reminiscent of pink grapefruit and lychees. Chilled down well before serving, it makes the perfect  aperitif or accompaniment to fresh fish dishes, seafood platters, shellfish, salads, asparagus and seafood or poultry based pasta dishes. It also goes particularly well with some oriental dishes, especially Thai and Sushi.