The medal results for the 2012 Marlborough Wine Show have been released. From 380 wines judges, there were 39 (10.26%) gold medals awarded, 79 (20.79%) silver and 163 (42.89%) bronzes awarded. This is one of the higher proportions of medals awarded in any New Zealand wine show indicating the very high quality of the wines entered for judging. The judges were led by veteran Jeff Clarke, chief winemaker at Ara Wines, previously head of the Pernod-Ricard winemaking team in New Zealand, with Ralph Kyte-Powell from Melbourne as guest judge.
The 2012 competition, judged over 16 and 17 October was the second Marlborough Wine Show which has been created to showcase the diversity of Marlborough wine styles, especially those from Sauvignon Blanc, but also the other key varietals of the region. Wines are judged to sub-region, thus recognising the particular characteristics of the different terroirs. And the show is another that assesses older wines.
I’m a supporter of regional wine competitions as they have a greater focus on the individuality of specific wine regions and investigate the strengths of them much more closely. The results and awards recognise the particular characteristics and finer points of the wines that emanate from the region. And the judges involved usually have a greater familiarity with the wines. While the growing number of shows and resultant medals grow and can be confusing to the general consumer, those that are keen, and wine industry personnel find the results of great interest and usefulness.
