With the International Chardonnay Challenge that was held in Gisborne discontinued, it is pleasing to see the Gisborne Regional Wine Awards rise to take its place. This wine judging competition differs from the ICC in that the show focuses on the Gisborne region only, with wines entered needing to meet the criterion of being made from a minimum of 85% Gisborne fruit. The show is designed to highlight the broader picture of what the Gisborne wine producers can achieve across a range of varietals, rather than just Chardonnay. It is pleasing to see the growth of region-specific shows as such events promote excellence within the district. Such events highlight the best offerings from the region to a wider audience. The Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards is successful of this type of event.
For the Gisborne Regional Wine Show, the classes for judging reflect the strengths of the Gisborne growing region – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier among the white wines, and Merlot, Red Blends and Syrah featuring in the reds. The results will include three ‘selection’ categories, comprising six whites, six reds and an overall Gisborne selection of six wines. Trophies will be awarded, for Supreme Wine, Highest Awarded Wine Company, and Best Value Wine Under $15.00. There will be special awards – the Bill Irwin Trophy and a Lead Viticulturist Trophy.
The Gisborne Regional Wine Show will be judged in Gisborne (of course!) on Thursday 26 May with the awards dinner held the next night. The Chair of Judges is Jane Skilton MW and the judging panel include Larry McKenna, Yvonne Lorkin, Simon Nunns, Simon Waghorn and Ant Mackenzie, as well as Australian judge Ralph Kyte-Powell, who is a regular panellist on Cuisine magazine tastings. The competition director is Prue Younger, who was instrumental in growing the International Chardonnay Challenge over much of its 10 year period.
For more information, contact Simon Gardiner, the Gisborne Wine Marketing Director on Tel: 027 778-9004, Email: [email protected] or go to www.gisbornewine.co.nz/regionalwineawards
