Entries open for international wine competition

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 15 August 2013
For immediate release

Entries open for international wine competition

Entries are now open for the 2013 Avenues International Aromatic Wine Competition. Hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association in conjunction with the Canterbury A&P Show, the competition has been running for eleven years and is supported by competition naming rights partner Avenues – the magazine Christchurch lives by.

“Avenues is delighted to again be a sponsor of the International Aromatic Wine Competition. Nearly three-quarters of Avenues readers enjoy wine as part of their lifestyle, so it is fitting for us to support an event that toasts the best aromatic wines and their producers,” says Avenues Sales Manager Craig du Plooy.

The Avenues International Aromatic Wine Competition focuses on aromatic wines including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and other wine varieties including Muscat, Verdeldo, Arneis and Sauvignon Gris, made in an aromatic style from any internationally recognised region. The purpose of the competition is to highlight to consumers the best aromatic wine varieties available in the New Zealand market for the wine drinker.

Chairman of judges Terry Copeland will lead a panel of experienced judges for the rigorous testing process. Judges include Petter Evans (Sherwood Estate), Yvonne Lorkin (Beverages Editor Dish Magazine), Jim Harre (New Zealand Winegrowers), Sam Kim (wine writer), Ben Glover (Mudhouse Wines) and Sarah-Kate Dineen (Maude Wines).

“Following on from last year where there was an absolute stunning Riesling winning the overall trophy for Supreme Champion Wine of Show, all of the judges are looking forward to seeing how the new vintage wines will fare. A lot of plaudits have been given to the 2013 vintage – quite rightly, so we should see some outstanding wines.

We have also added a Museum Class to this year’s competition for all aromatic varieties which are 3 years and older to see how great wines develop over time. With more interest in cellaring wines by New Zealand consumers, we want to be able to show what is hot to cellar” added Copelend.

A Senior Judge with New Zealand Winegrowers, Jim Harre has also judged at all of the major New Zealand wine competitions and is currently Chairman of Judges for the New World Wine Awards and a Wine Consultant for Air New Zealand.

“As judges we always look forward to this competition as it is the first show that has a comprehensive look at the 2013 aromatic vintage; the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc class is always exciting particularly from a strong vintage such as the 2013 Marlborough harvest. My own personal weakness is aromatic wines, the thought of tasting some great Rieslings at this competition, is always very appealing and a high point on my judging calendar” added Harre.

Wines will compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals with an overall winner decided from each variety receiving the section trophy. All section winners then compete for the title of Supreme Champion Wine in Show. A new addition to the trophy list is the Champion International Wine Trophy recognising the best wine, judged from all International entries.

“There is a renewed focus this year to discover the best aromatic wines from around the world. The New Zealand market is very lucky to have great aromatic wines imported from Australia, France and Germany – but there is a lack of knowledge in being able to choose the best wines” said Copeland.

Competition entries close 5pm Wednesday 9 October 2013 with winners announced on Wednesday 16 October 2013. Winning wines will be on display in the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion at the Canterbury A&P Show, held 13-15 November 2013.

-ENDS-

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