R.Bragato is first to Certify Wine's Authenticity

Romeo Bragato Gold Medalist is first to Certify Wine’s Authenticity

Last weekend at the 15th annual Romeo Bragato conference held in Hawkes Bay, Black Quail Estates' 2008 Pinot Noir was one of only six out of eighty nine entries to be awarded the prestigious gold medal. Continuing the vineyard's winning streak of capturing a medal in every competition entered, owners', Rod and Mirani Keillor were especially thrilled to receive a gold medal for their first competition with the new 2008.

The Keillor family purchased the 20 hectares that make up the Black Quail Estate in 1999 nestled under slopes of Mt. Difficulty on Felton Road in Bannockburn with the rhythmic energy of the Kawarau River lapping its shores. Central Otago’s unforgiving terrain and harsh climate are exactly the characteristics required to produce a wine with intensity, character and rarity. The vineyard soon began producing a small amount of premium wines that continues to grow richer as each year passes and that win medals at such competitions as the Royal Easter Show, the Romeo Bragato and the Cuisine/Air New Zealand Awards.

Black Quail is the first vineyard in the world to verify where their grapes were grown using the science from Oritain Global. ``We decided at the beginning of the 2008 production year to protect the authenticity of what we hoped would win a gold medal,’’ said Mirani Keillor, owner of Black Quail Estate. ``We’re very pleased with our close relationship with Oritain Global who earlier this year scientifically certified our 2008 Pinot Noir as a product of Central Otago. When our customers enjoy this gold medal wine, they can be certain they are drinking the genuine article.’’

``In the global marketplace, medal winning wines are especially vulnerable to being misrepresented,’’ said Jennifer Anglin, Black Quail’s marketing director. ``Every wine has a unique natural signature that comes from the water and soil where the grapes were grown. By collecting and analysing the samples from the vineyards, Oritain now holds the reference data and have certified Black Quail’s gold medal vintage as genuine.’’

ENDS

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