Villa Maria’s ‘Reserve Barrique Fermented’ Gisborne Chardonnay was announced the Supreme Wine of the Show at the inaugural Gisborne Regional Wine Awards last night. The wine is already a highly awarded wine, and the label has been a consistent gold medal and trophy winning one over the years; and this latest result adds to the burgeoning success that Villa Maria has enjoyed on the show circuit.
The Gisborne Regional Wine Awards took the place of the decade-running International Chardonnay Challenge, with the aim of highlighting the strengths of the Gisborne region, requiring all entries to be made up of at least 85% local grape content. There were 137 wines entered for judging by a team of experienced judges led by Jane Skilton MW, including Ralph Kyte-Powell from Australia. 13 gold medals (9.49%) were awarded, with 25 silvers (18.25%) and 63 bronzes (45.99%)
Overall White Varietals Selection – TW Chardonnay 2010, Villa Maria ‘Reserve BF’ Chardonnay 2009, Millton ‘Riverpoint’ Viognier 2010, Millton ‘Clos Samuel’ Viognier SBS 2010, Huntaway ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris 2010, Coopers Greek Gewurztraminer 2010
Overall Red Varietals Selection – Spade Oak Syrah 2009, Longbush ‘Bird Series’ Syrah 2009, Matawhero Merlot 2010, Kirkpatrick Estate Winery ‘Wild’ Rosé 2009, Kirkpatrick Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2010, Coopers Creek ‘Limited Reserve Release’ Malbec 2010
Overall Gisborne Selection – Villa Maria ‘Reserve BF’ Chardonnay 2009, Coopers Creek ‘Limited Release’ Malbec 2010, Millton ‘Riverpoint’ Viognier 2010, Millton ‘Clos Samuel’ Viognier SBS 2010, Huntaway ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris 2010, Coopers Creek Gewurztraminer 2010
