More entries and more medals in Easter Wine Awards

More entries and more medals in 2009 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards

A marked increase in medals awarded in New Zealand’s oldest wine competition, the 56th Royal Easter Show Wine Awards judged at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland last weekend is attributed by the director, Terry Dunleavy, to the continued development of quality in New Zealand wines.

“Across all the classes, apart perhaps from rosé, the gold medal winners were outstanding examples of world class winemaking skill applied to grapes grown to the highest international standards of viticulture. It’s no wonder that New Zealand wines are in such high demand in overseas markets. It’s heartening to know that in these current times of doom and gloom, at least we can celebrate the fact that our people are producing wines of which all New Zealanders can be proud,” said Dunleavy.

Total entries were 1562, a 17% increase on last year’s 1334, and total medals were a record 952, representing 60.9% of total entries.

Gold medals were 93 well up on last year’s 76, for a tally of 5.9%. Silver medals rose slightly to 211 from 200 last year and bronzes were 648, up from 576.

The country’s largest wine region, Marlborough, contributed the most medals (37 gold, 73 silver, 248 bronze) ahead of Hawkes Bay (29 gold, 64 silver, 164 bronze).

Judging was under the guidance and supervision of long-serving chairman of judges, Bob Campbell MW, and his deputies, the highly respected Australian judge, Mike DeGaris, and Hawkes Bay judge and winemaker, Kate Radburnd.

Chairman Bob Campbell said: “A high medal tally this year reflected an increase in overall wine quality thanks to generally favourable vintage conditions and the continuing evolution of a dynamic industry.

“Two of the smaller classes, Merlot and Gewürztraminer, showed the highest ratio of gold medals to entries. The best Merlot entries impressed the judges with a combination of ripeness and intensity often rare in this class. Seven Gewürztraminer gold medals spanned three regions producing wines a range of styles that shared common qualities of power and finesse.

“Chardonnay earned the highest number of gold medals despite ranking third in number of entries. Once again the overall standard was high in a class headed by some exceptional wines.

“A record number of 276 entries in Sauvignon Blanc produced a range of regional/district and winemaking styles. The best examples are outstanding wines showing great purity of flavour.

“I must commend the judges and stewards for the efficient running of an event that was the largest in the long history of the Royal Easter Wine Show. It was a good job well done,” concluded Campbell.

ENDS