MARGARET RIVER GIVES WINE A RIEDEL EDGE
The Commonwealth Bank 2006 Margaret River Wine Show will be one of the first regional wine shows i
n Australia to use the world’s best wine glasses, Riedel at its November event.
With a view to continually raise the professional standards of its prestigious event, the Margaret River Wine Industry Association invested in Riedel based on feedback from Australia’s national wine shows after they made the switch in 2005.
Chairman of the Australian National Wine Competition, James Halliday was reported as being extremely impressed after judging with Riedel Magnums instead of the traditional XL5 glasses. He likened the difference as that between a Ferrari and a Ford Prefect.
Riedel glasses are designed to enhance the wines’ characteristics, making judging more efficient and consistent.
The considerable investment by the Association is seen as vital to showcase Margaret River’s premium wines in the best circumstances possible, and improve the number of medals awarded. Medals play a significant role in wineries’ promotional campaigns.
The Commonwealth Bank 2006 Margaret River Wine Show welcomes back prominent winemaker Brian Croser as Chairman of Judges. For the first time, the show welcomes an international judge, Bill Baker.
A wine merchant and distributor in the UK, Mr Baker also consults to some of UK’s top hotels and restaurants. He has also participated in several food and wine television programmes.
Chairman of the show’s Technical Advisory Group, Richard Rowe said the invitation to an international judge opened the region to a new perspective on local wines.
“Inviting an international judge brings an opportunity to compare Margaret River with international wine styles and increases the credibility of our show,” Mr Rowe said.
“Through Bill Baker we will raise the profile oftheMargaret Riverregion, its wines, its people and climate,via an influential man who has a great understanding of the UK market.”
In other new developments, the Margaret River Wine Industry Association has unveiled a new Viticultural Excellence trophy, acknowledging the contribution of good viticultural management to the reputation of Margaret River wines.
A panel of judges will visit nominated vineyards during peak viticultural periods. The trophy will be awarded in May 2007 with a trip to France as the prize, courtesy of Travellers Choice. The winner will have an opportunity to study French viticultural techniques before returning to brief other grape growers and viticulturalists in Margaret River.
Two Non-Commercial classes have been added, aimed at encouraging winemaking students at the Margaret River Education Campus. The Non-Commercial classes are also open to grape growers in the region.
The Commonwealth Bank 2006 Margaret River Wine Show is on November 29 & 30, 2006. Click here for full details.
