Le Grand Vin De Stellenbosch triumphs at International Wine Challenge
Le Grande Vin De Stellenbosch was awarded both the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and the South African Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for its Le Grand Vin de Stellenbosch “La Grande Sélection” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vintage at the 2025 International Wine Challenge.
With this award South Africa has once again proven its strength on the global wine stage.
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is one of the most rigorous and respected wine competitions worldwide.
The wine was placed ahead of international contenders from renowned regions including Bordeaux, Napa, and Coonawarra. Judges described it as: “Dense, youthful colour. cassis, blackcurrant, leafy black pepper, and bouquet garni. Savoury, graphite lead, dark fruits with tar and mulberries over a tight, restrained, dry, lightly spiced finish.”
“The IWC award is a powerful endorsement of what we’re quietly accomplishing at Le Grand Domaine,” says winemaker Debbie Thompson, who joined the winery in 2020.
“This wine speaks of place, patience and the work that happens every day in the vineyard and cellar. It’s a proud moment, not just for us, our team but for the broader South African wine community.”
“We are very pleased, indeed, with this outstanding result, stated Bernard Fontannaz, owner and founder of Le Grand Domaine, as we, it includes Deon Joubert who cultivates our vineyards, where everything starts, with an exceptional care to detail, as well as, our “Women Power Team” in the cellar – Debbie, Yolande and Mosima who work their daily magic with a smile!
“I am pleased with what we have been developing at Le Grand Domaine. Beside our sauvignon blanc wines, which have received good recognition to date, as Top 10 SA sauvignon blanc, under our experimental brand, The Pledge, I aim to develop a unique, terroir-driven, Stellenbosch, outstanding red blend. To achieve this, we embarked on a full replanting of Le Grand Domaine, with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot, in the same way and thinking done, very successfully, over the years in well-known Bordeaux Chateaux, an excellent model and source of inspiration being my favourite of all time, Chateau Margaux.
“Having a young cabernet sauvignon vine delivering this level of quality is auguring well for what will come down the line, a truly magnificent Grand Vin under an ultimate brand still to be revealed.”
About Le Grand Domaine Wines
Perched at the top of Devon Valley, Le Grand Domaine overlooks the Stellenbosch mountains and benefits from the region’s distinct soils and rare microclimate. Though often less publicised than other Stellenbosch wards, Devon Valley has long been known for its potential, with vines cultivated here since the 18th century.
Le Grand Domaine holds 10.69 hectares under vine, planted in 2016 to cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, and cabernet franc.
Emphasis has been on terroir studies to match the different clones, a precise selection for each varietal, with some specific suitable areas of Le Domaine.
Viticulture is focused on soil health, minimal intervention with organic practices, as a base, and an aim to become biodynamic with time.. The valley’s varying slopes, elevations, and soils, ranging from Hutton and Oakleaf to decomposed granite, allow for nuanced expressions of classic red varieties.
With the 2025 IWC trophies, Le Grand Domaine joins the ranks of the world’s leading cabernet sauvignon producers, a reflection of both the site, the vineyards, and terroir, as well as, the team behind the wine.
Characteristics
Le Grand Vin de Stellenbosch La Grande Sélection
Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Style of Wine: Dry, full-bodied red
Tasting notes
Displays a vibrant ruby red colour. A bouquet of violets is complemented with vibrant notes of opulent cassis and cranberries, followed by undertones of pencil shavings. The palate is coated with structured tannins, executing a powerful finish. Lingering flavours of blackcurrant, black cherries, and oak nuances. This wine is accessible now, but will age another 10 years from vintage.
Vineyards
100% of the grapes are from 9-year-old vines on the Le Grand Domaine property, in the Upper Devon Valley. These trellised vines are planted in iron-rich soils and well-decomposed shale, with 15-20% clay content. The vineyard blocks are planted in a N/E to S/W row direction, utilizing the contours. Within this block, 5 different clones were planted, hence the multiple layers of red and black fruit.
Winemaking
Grapes were crushed, destemmed, and cold-soaked for two days prior to inoculation. Fermentation peaked at 28°C. With regular and controlled pump overs. Sufficient colour and tannin structure were extracted. After extended maceration, the skins were gently pressed, and malolactic conversion was completed in the tank and barrels. It was matured for 13 months in 100% French Oak, of which was 16% first fill, 61% second fill and 23% third fill.
Alc: 14.0 % / RS:3.9 g/l / pH:3.45 / TA:6.0 g/l