31 May 2024
An Adelaide Hills chardonnay described by Australia’s top wine judges as ‘an explosion of flavour on the palate’ has taken home the nation’s top wine award at the National Wine Show of Australia. This year 74 per cent of the 952 wines entered won medals – proof of the superb skills, dedication and talent of the Australian viticulture and wine making sector.
“Climate conditions can make or break a vintage, even if produced in exactly the same manner. Despite the complexities of weather, economics, and international policy decisions, the essence of the Australian wine community remains the same: the pursuit of excellence, the pleasure of observing the seasons, and the ultimate enjoyment of creativity and innovation,” said Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia, the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, Mr Matthew Cossey.
As a sponsor of the National Wine Show of Australia, CropLife Australia and its members are proud to support and celebrate Australian viticulture that contributes $45.5 billion to the Australian economy. The show has been turning local wine labels into international icons since 1975. Each wine entered must have a gold or silver medal to qualify – making the judging process streamlined and precise.
Of the 23 trophy winners, eight were from South Australia, seven from Victoria, four from Western Australia, three from New South Wales and one from Tasmania, reflecting the diversity of the Australian winemaking community. These winners included small family-owned vineyards, some medium sized wineries as well as some of the largest corporate enterprises in the country.
“The number of alternate varieties that made qualification this year reflects more growers exploring different grape varieties that do well in warmer drier climates,” said Mr Cossey.
“There are thousands of different varieties of wine but just five different types, nearly all derived from the Vitis vinifera. The plant is particularly susceptible to diseases spread by insect vectors and unpredictable climate conditions threatening the long-term provenance of Australia’s key wine growing regions. In particular, fungal diseases like powdery mildew can wipe out an entire vintage.
Mr Cossey concluded, “With around 25,000 producers in Australia, the plant science industry is proud to support wine growers with innovations and stewardship programs that provide sustainable, long-term management options to keep doing what they do best.”
The Champion Wine of Show 2024: Murdoch Hill 2022 Rocket Chardonnay
The White Wine of Show 2024: Murdoch Hill 2022 Rocket Chardonnay
The Red Wine of Show 2024: Devil’s Lair 2022 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
CropLife Australia and our members congratulate all finalists and trophy winners who can be found here.
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