Pongrácz Blanc de Blancs limited edition packaging celebrates 50th anniversary of IWSC

Leading South African Méthode Cap Classique producer Pongrácz was established in 1990 in the Western Cape of South Africa. 

Pongrácz is named after Hungarian count and refugee Desiderius Pongrácz, who relocated to Stellenbosch in 1958. He is known for his pioneering impact on the South African wine industry, shaping new viticulture practices and influencing the introduction and propagation of premium grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Today, Pongrácz produces some of South Africa’s finest sparkling wines, made from the classic Champagne varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines have won countless awards across the globe, including a gold medal at IWSC 2019.

Pongrácz MCC Blanc de Blancs NV scored 97 points this year; IWSC experts rated the wine for its “fine intense mousse and citrus-flavoured, toast-and-biscuit-sweet palate”, and it was presented at the IWSC awards gala in special limited edition packaging to mark the IWSC’s 50^th anniversary. 

“We are thrilled with the generous collaboration with Pongrácz to celebrate 50 years of the IWSC,” said IWSC head of tastings Pip Mortimer.

“The greatest of the South African sparkling wines is a fitting way to celebrate this long-standing relationship with one of the world’s great wine producing regions.”

Pongrácz is part of a portfolio of premium South African wine brands, Libertas Vineyard and Estates, which also includes Alto, Nederburg, and Plaisir de Merle.

“We are extremely honoured to collaborate with IWSC, with its reputation as a leading global competition,” said Robyn Bradshaw, brand development manager of Libertas Vineyard and Estates.

“Pongrácz Blanc de Blancs has an outstanding quality reputation, having been recognised in South Africa’s local Veritas awards with the Vertex 2018 best wine of the show; to now have it recognised with a gold award, 97 points, by an international competition with the reputation and credibility of IWSC makes us extremely proud and honoured.”