Media Release
ALL SWEET AND NO SOUR AT 2012 INTERNATIONAL SWEET WINE CHALLENGE
On Saturday the Griffith Showground in Riverina NSW was full of sweet-talk with the 2012 International Sweet Wine Challenge announcing the winners of this year's competition and shining a light on the variety and quality of sweet and medium-sweet wines from around the world.
A record number of entries to this year's challenge highlighted the diversity of sweet wines available; wines not just for special occasions or to have with desserts but to enjoy at many different times. Riverina Winemakers' Association President Les Worland said, "Australia is the perfect location to host such a showcase of sweet wines as we are known for pushing the boundaries with wine and bending traditional drinking rules. And of course the Riverina is also well-known for its ability to produce world-class sweet wines."
The wine that claimed the ultimate title of the 2012 International Sweet Wine of the Year was the 2011 Forrest Wines Noble Semillon from New Zealand. Judge Ben Edwards (co-contributor to James Halliday's Wine Companion and President of Sommeliers Australia) said, "This year's winner showed amazing purity of expression and is a beautifully balanced wine with a long future. It is exciting to have an international winner this year as it validates the Challenge and provides a benchmark for local wines."
After claiming the top trophy last year, local Riverina winery Lillypilly Estate also gave another strong performance in 2012, taking home two Trophies, 'Best Mature Sweet, Other Varieties & Blends' and 'Best Sweet Wine from the Museum Class'.
FULL LIST OF TROPHY WINNERS:
Best Sweet Moscato styles ~ 2012 Deakin Estate Moscato
Best Medium Sweet ~ 2012 Josef Chromy SGR Riesling
Best Young Sweet, Floral styles ~ 2011 Osawa Wines Noble Gewurztraminer
Best Mature Sweet, Floral styles ~ 2010 Nepenthe Winemakers Selection Riesling
Best Young Sweet, Semillon predominant ~ 2011 Forrest Wines Noble Semillon
Best Mature Sweet, Semillon predominant ~ 2008 De Bortoli Deen Botrytis Semillon
Best Young Sweet, Other Varieties & Blends ~ 2011 The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc
Best Mature Sweet, Other Varieties & Blends ~ 2008 Lillypilly Noble Blend
Best Sweet Wine from the Museum Class ~ 2006 Lillypilly Noble Harvest
2012 International Sweet Wine of the Year ~ 2011 Forrest Wines Noble Semillon
The Riverina Winemakers Association created the International Sweet Wine Challenge seven years ago to showcase the quality of sweet wines around the world and allow Australian sweet wines to be judged alongside their international counterparts.
Judging was held at Woodside Hall, Griffith Showgrounds, overseen by Judges Ben Edwards, Jeremy Dineen and Sue Bell, and the winners were announced at the Awards Presentation luncheon on Saturday 8 September 2012.
For information on the Riverina Winemakers' Association:
www.riverinawinemakers.com.au
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
NO ARMCHAIR CRITICS AT 2012 RIVERINA WINE SHOW
This weekend was a special celebration for McWilliam’s Wines when the Riverina Winemakers Association presented two of their wines the highest awards at the show. The 2010 Zeppelin Amelie Shiraz (Eden Valley) was named ‘Best Dry Red’ of the show and the 2010 Armchair Critic Chardonnay (Tumbarumba) claimed the ‘Best Dry White’ Trophy. And it was the Chardonnay that impressed the judges the most and was awarded the ultimate title of ‘Best Still Wine of Show’.
Jim Brayne, Chief Operating Officer at McWilliam’s Wines said, “We are obviously over the moon to win these awards. Zeppelin and Armchair Critic are relatively new brands to our portfolio so to receive this recognition is a really strong endorsement of our work in these regions and with these wines. The results really reward the team’s hard work and spur us on for the future.”
The other highly anticipated Popular Premium category saw a Trophy awarded to De Bortoli Wines’ 2010 db Petite Sirah. The Riverina Wine Show is unique in its aim to specifically recognise the quality of “Popular Premium” wines - those wines which are widely available to the general public, with production runs of at least 45,000 litres (the equivalent of around 60,000 bottles). As Chair of Judges Ben Edwards (co-contributor to James Halliday’s Wine Companion and President of Sommeliers Australia) puts it, “Trophies that highlight to the consumer that big really can be beautiful!”
De Bortoli Wines not only collected the ‘Best Popular Premium red wine’ Trophy but were also awarded the title of overall ‘Most Successful Exhibitor’ (as well as ‘Most Successful Exhibitor of Still Wines made from Local Fruit’) flying the flag for local producers at the show. Full list of Trophy winners below …
Judging was held at Woodside Hall, Griffith Showgrounds on Tuesday 4th and 5th September and the winners were announced at the Awards Presentation luncheon on Saturday 8th September in conjunction with the Griffith Jockey Clubs race day.
Trophy winning wines at the 2012 Riverina Wine Show:
1] Best Semillon - sponsored by the Riverina Winemakers Association
McGuigan Vineyard Select Semillon 2005 (Hunter Valley)
2] Best Semillon Blend - sponsored by the Riverina Winemakers Association
Tempus Two Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Hunter Valley)
3] Best Dry White, Floral Styles - sponsored by Braid Logistics Australia
Dorrien Estate Bin 4 Riesling 2012 (Barossa Valley)
4] Best Dry White, Other Varieties - sponsored by Amcor
Nugan Estate Frasca’s Lane Pinot Grigio 2011 (Riverina)
5] Best Chardonnay 1yo - donated by the Griffith Show Society
Tightrope Walker 2011 Chardonnay (Yarra Valley)
6] Best Chardonnay over 1 yo - sponsored by the Riverina Winemakers Association
Armchair Critic 2010 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)
7] Best Shiraz - sponsored by Collier and Miller
Zeppelin Amelie 2010 Shiraz (Eden Valley)
8] Best Cabernet Sauvignon - sponsored by Patrick Portlink
Brand’s Laira One Seven One Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Coonawarra)
9] Best Durif - sponsored by the AEB Group
De Bortoli Wines 2010 db Petite Sirah (Riverina)
10] Best Dry Red, other varieties - sponsored by Riverina Winemakers Association
The Wine Society 2011 Society Tasmanian Pinot Noir (Tasmania)
11] Best Dry Red Blend - sponsored by Diverse Barrel Solutions
Brand’s Laira August Tide Merlot Cabernet 2010 (Coonawarra)
12] Best Fortified, Sweet Style – sponsored by Tarac Technologies
Morris Wines Old Premium Liqueur Tokay (Rutherglen)
13] Best Fortified, Australian Fortified Red Style – sponsored by Collotype Labels
Angove 2010 Vintage Fortified Shiraz (Riverland)
14] Best Still Wine from Riverina Fruit - sponsored by the Wine Grapes Marketing Board
De Bortoli Wines 2010 db Petite Sirah (Riverina)
15] Best Popular Premium red wine - sponsored by Woolworth’s Liquor Group
De Bortoli Wines 2010 db Petite Sirah (Riverina)
16] Best Dry Red - sponsored by Riverina Winemakers Association
Zeppelin Amelie 2010 Shiraz (Eden Valley)
17] Best Dry White - sponsored by the Port of Melbourne
Armchair Critic 2010 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)
18] Best Still Wine of Show - the Ian Bicego Trophy
Armchair Critic 2010 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)
19] Most Successful Exhibitor of Still Wines made from Local Fruit - sponsored by A & G
De Bortoli Wines
20] Most Successful Exhibitor - sponsored by Sydney Ports Corporation
De Bortoli Wines
STELLAR DROP FROM NSW SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Wc10Sep12
David Ellis
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| STAR stand-out with Thai dishes or a range of seafoods. |
THE Southern Highlands wine region in NSW is one to watch for its often-stellar Sauvignon Blancs off vineyards that thrive in the cool-climate conditions that suit the variety so well.
And one truly stellar performer is the small Banjo's Run at Exeter at the very southern end of the Highlands region, its 2011 Sauvignon Blanc a wonderfully fresh and aromatic wine with plenty of varietal flavour. Owner Bill Hall bought the old and somewhat rundown vineyard around three years ago and has achieved wonders in his program of rejuvenation.
The 2011 growing season was cool throughout and with record high rainfall that resulted in vigorous canopy growth and subsequent slow-ripening of fruit that developed those intense flavours. With typically Sauvignon Blanc passionfruit and tropical fruits to the fore, its one to enjoy with Thai foods, or if you are not into spiciness, with a wide range of seafoods.
Value buying at $28 from the cellar door, or $308 a case – order on 0408 228 724 or www.banjosrun.com.au. Delivery charges apply to some areas.
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| VALUE buying to enjoy with barbecued mint-marinated lamb steaks. |
But quirky-named Arrogant Frog has achieved the Old World/New World combination with its 2011 Croak Rotie Shiraz, and put it on the shelves here for just $10.99. Smooth and quite luscious in flavour, it's a great and affordable drop with barbecued mint-marinated lamb steaks.
Available only through Dan Murphy's, BWS and Woolworth's Liquor.
(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out http://www.vintnews.com )
Monday, 10 September 2012
TOP 1OO Wines Newsletter
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
Australia's International Wine Show. Founded 1982. European Union Accredited.
Only Major International Wine Show to Judge Finalists Alongside Appropriate Food.
P O Box 210, Wentworth Falls, NSW 2782, Australia
info@top100wines.com tel +61 (0)2 4757 4400
"In Australasia, in China, USA, Britain and Europe, throughout the World! Our Awards are a highly recognisable, most effective marketing tool!"
In the past twelve months 650,000 real and potential consumers visited to review and digest our website's Judges' comments on our Competition's Award winning wines.
LAST DAYS for your wine's chance to wear one of the the 2013 Competition's distinctive Bottle Medallions
ENTRIES CLOSE for the 2013 SIWC Competition next Friday, 14 September 2012
Entry Forms
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Savour a little taste of Italy at Sip Your Modo
Savour a little taste of Italy at Sip your Modo: Australian flavours, Italian Style during the Crave Sydney International Food Festival this October
Spend a Sunday afternoon sipping wine aperitivo style at the second instalment of the popular Sip your Modo: Australian flavours, Italian style event, co-hosted by online drinks publication Sip Your Style and wine/lifestyle PR specialists, White Ink. on Sunday 7 October during the Crave Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF).
Be inspired by Australian wines made from Italian grape varietals. This one is for all the Italophiles out there who like a bit of stallion on the side. It's a different style of tasting, with an opportunity to try all things Italian - with over 20 wines from around eight Australian producers including the likes of Brown Brothers, De Bortoli, Oliver's Taranga and Dal Zotto to name a few. Guests will be able to sip on sangiovese, moscato, nebbiolo, barbera, moscato, prosecco, pinot grigio and many more.
"Our first Sip Your Modo event in April proved to be a relaxed, fun and laid-back way for sippers to spend a Sunday arvo exploring some of the most stylish and exciting wines made on home soil," said Katrina Holden, editor and founder of Sip Your Style. "It was rewarding to see our guests discover these styles of wines in a chilled-out environment and be able to chat directly to the producers behind the many quirky labels," said Katrina.
Sip Your Style and White Ink. have again partnered during the popular SIFF festival in October on this event, Sip Your Modo and also Fifty Shades of Gris (Sat 13 Oct); and Sip Your Noir: Pinot Noir, the New Black (Fri 19 Oct). Highly publicised, SIFF is presented by Citibank and is a landmark on the Sydney calendar, enhancing and consolidating Sydney's status as a world-class food city and global dining destination. It's effectively Sydney's version of the month-long Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
"As I'm a Italophile myself this event is one I enjoy, in April this year it was proven to be a popular afternoon. Exploring all the different styles and varieties of Italian inspired wines is one to add to the bucket list for anyone who loves wine. We're hosting over 20 Italian inspired wines for you to try - it will be a fun relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon" said managing director of White ink, Kylie White.
Sip Your Modo (and all three events) will be hosted at a sexy and cool inner-city location setting the mood for an afternoon of aperitivo enjoyment. In addition to the wines, the event will feature musical beats creating ambience; reasonably priced and themed food; and wines enjoyed in Riedel glassware.
Tickets cost just $30 and can be purchased online through either www.sipyourstyle.com.au and www.whiteink.com.au/crave2012
Pop some New Gen into your October
It has been a very busy year for the New Generation Hunter Valley boys. What, with an epic Caravan of Courage adventure, sell out wine bar and dinner events in every town and city they pop into, a very colourful #vinointhesnow trip in Thredbo, not to mention the myriad of trophy winning wines up their sleeves – and now, this October during the Crave Sydney Morning Herald International Food Festival, these six lads who have quite successfully made a name for themselves as 'ones to watch…but keep at a safe distance' are at it again...
Back by popular demand, the next New Generation Hunter Valley Pop Up Wine Bar will be exposing the winemaking and hip-shaking talents of this #semsational sextet in a secret Sydney location on Friday 5th October. Tickets are NOW ON SALE and these events never disappoint, as for the measly price of just $30 not only do you get awesome live entertainment and fabulous food, but turns out the wines are pretty smart as well – and you can sample each and every single one of them while chatting to the maker himself (and their sexy side-kicks).
These Pop Up Wine Bars are known to get pretty… busy, so if you're after something a little more 'intimate' – then why not try a One Night Stand and get up close and personal with one of your favourites including David 'Hooky' Hook, Nick 'Dog' Paterson, Mike De Iuliius or Andrew "Thommo" Thomas. These smaller, but no less enticing tastings will give you a good feel for the individual style and personality of these iconic New Generation winemakers, and no doubt you'll learn a thing or two about what makes their 'booze' so deliciously good. Tickets for the one night stand events are also $30, including a free Riedel glass to take home and some other added surprises (including yet-to-be-released vintages, museum stock and other goodies!)
The best part of all of this is that you needn't leave Sydney to experience the best of what the Hunter Valley has to offer for little more than the price of a round at your local pub. Who knows though, once you do experience a New Generation Hunter Valley wine bar – you'll want to head north towards Wine Country and do it all again faster than we can say #semsational.
ALL TICKETS $30 NOW ON SALE VIA WWW.NEWGENERATIONHUNTERVALLEY.COM.AU
New Generation Hunter Valley Pop Up Wine Bar Friday 5 October 6-9pm
Up Close and Personal with David Hook Wines Saturday 6 October 4-7pm
Up Close and Personal with Mistletoe Wines Sunday 14 October 2-5pm
Up Close and Personal with De Iuliis Wines Thursday 18 October 6-9pm
Up Close and Personal with Thomas Wines Thursday 25 October 6-9pm
Details of the secret venue will be released in the weeks prior to the event – all ticket holders will be notified by email.
Make sure you're following @NewGenHV on Twitter and check out facebook.com/newgenerationhuntervalley for more clues and giveaways.
W www.whiteink.com.au
Monday, 3 September 2012
BOOK AND BOTTLE – TREASURES FOR WINE BUFFS
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| TREASURE-HOUSE of help for the serious collector or total wine novice. |
Wc03Sep12
ROB GEDDES' annual Australian Wine Vintages is often dubbed "The Gold Book," an apt description for what's a real treasure-house of information for everyone from the most serious collector to the total novice.
Rob brings together detailed tasting notes of 5000-plus wines that he's tasted in the past year from 320 of Australia's best wineries, indicative prices, and details about each winery's cellar door and other facilities. As well there's a quick guide to wine varieties, Australia's wine regions, and details about those wineries that make Certified Organic and Biodynamic wines.
This latest edition – the 30th – also includes a Gold Star list of what Rob considers the most-consistent producers in Australia, a list of his Top 100 wines tasted in the past year, and suggestions as to where to eat and stay in our many and diverse wine regions.
Great if you're looking for the best buy for your wine buck, and a handy pocket-size to slip in the jacket pocket, in the handbag or to have handy in the glove-box of the car; available at bookstores this month at $34.95, or order through www.thegoldbook.com.au where it's also available in App version as well.
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| SERIOUS stuff for grand celebrations, and with a pedigree going back to 1734. |
A grand special-occasion Champers made with equal parts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, its one that will give a magical sparkle to the coming Festive Season… or any other celebrations that call for something well beyond the norm from birthdays to weddings, personal achievements and goals, to new arrivals.
(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out http://www.vintnews.com )
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