Press Release
October 26, 2018
Pinot Noir the big winner at Marlborough Wine Show
Pinot Noirs ranging from 2012 to 2017 took out the three major awards at this year’s Marlborough Wine Show.
Winner of the OI International Wine of the Show was Villa Maria’s Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Noir 2015.
Chair of Judges, Jack Glover, described the winning wine as delivering structure with classic Marlborough red fruited accents and tannins with freshness.
“Freshness is the key one,” he says. “You have a wine that is not the current vintage, but still delivering a benchmark style, high quality Marlborough Pinot.”
Villa Maria also picked up the Marlborough Museum Legacy Award for their Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noirs, 2012, 2015 and 2017.
Mr Glover says the Legacy Award highlights consistency at a very high level, between wines from different years.
“It was pleasing to see that this year we had Pinot Noir that stood up in this space. That quality consistency over a number of vintages of Pinot Noir is showing a coming of age of our vineyards and our winemaking.”
The third major trophy to go to Pinot Noir was the Coterie Trophy for Wine of Provenance, awarded to Tohu Rore Reserve Pinot Noir 2017.
“For this award we were looking at the quality of the wine but also looking for a wine that shows where it is from,” Mr Glover says. “This wine gave voice to its place, a true provenance wine.”
The 18 Trophies for the Marlborough Wine Show were announced this afternoon at a Long Lunch, celebrating the Marlborough Wine Industry. (See trophy list attached).
Organised by the region’s governing body, Wine Marlborough, a Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented, to Dr Rengasamy Balasubramaniam, known to the industry simply as Bala.
A former Hort Research scientist, Bala has been heavily involved in the formation of the Marlborough wine industry since the late 90’s. His continued research into grape growing helped form the backbone for what is now an internationally recognised wine region. Bala was also the President of the NZSVO for a total of 10 years, and was involved in the organisation for a total of 21. He was responsible for the successful bid to hold the 6th International Cool Climate Viticulture and Oenology in Christchurch back in 2006. Stepping down last year, Bala was made a life member of the NZSVO.
For further information:
Harriet Wadworth
Marketing & Communications Manager, Wine Marlborough
+643 5772392 | www.wine-marlborough.co.nz
About The Marlborough Wine Show
The Marlborough Wine Show was created and built by Belinda Jackson and Margaret Cresswell in 2011. Last year, Wine Marlborough, the regional winegrower representative body, purchased the show, with the aim of continuing its legacy.
All wines entered must be produced from 95 percent Marlborough grapes, and the show is the only one in New Zealand that judges the wine in Spiegelau varietal specific glassware. The judging panel of nine included three from outside Marlborough; Dr Jamie Goode, Matt Lamb and John Saker.
Trophy Winners for Wine Marlborough Show 2018
OI New Zealand Wine of the Show
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Noir 2015
Methode Marlborough Trophy for Champion Sparkling Wine
Hunter’s Miru Miru Reserve 2013
The De Sangosse Trophy for Champion Riesling
The Sounds Marlborough Riesling 2018
The Wine Marlborough Trophy for Champion Other White Varietal
Forrest Chenin Blanc 2017
The Label and Litho Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris
Wither Hills Pinot Gris 2018
The Wine Brokers New Zealand Trophy for Champion Gewürztraminer
Cicada Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2017
The WineWorks Trophy for 2017 and older Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Giesen Single Vineyard Fuder Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015
The WineWorks Trophy for 2018 Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Peter Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2018
The Ormond Nurseries Trophy for Champion Chardonnay 2016
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2016
The Ormond Nurseries Trophy for Champion Chardonnay 2017
Brancott Estate Letter Series O Chardonnay 2017
The Scenic Hotel Marlborough Trophy for Champion Rosé
The Sounds Rosé 2018
The Classic Oak Products Trophy for 2015 and older Champion Pinot Noir
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Noir 2015
The Classic Oak Products trophy for 2016 Champion Pinot Noir
Summerhouse Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016
The Classic Oak Products Trophy for 2017 Champion Pinot Noir
Isabel Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017
The Wine Marlborough trophy for Champion Other Red Varietal
Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2016
The Barrel Finance & Logistics Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine
Riverby Estate Noble Riesling 2016
The Marlborough Museum Legacy Award
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir 2012, 2015 and 2017
The Coterie Trophy for Wine of Provenance
Tohu Rore Reserve Pinot Noir 2017