The head judge of the recent Wrest Point Royal Hobart International Wine Show made the following comments about the quality of Australian wine and its place in the international market.
“The [Australian] wine industry has realised that it needs to develop a wider offering to maintain its leading position in international markets. For instance, we need to be able to offer more than the big, ripe reds of ten years ago.”
“This year’s Wine Show saw some elegant, well balanced and fruit driven reds. These wines will help to spear head a new chapter for Australia in international wine markets,” said Dr Tony Jordan, chief executive officer of the Domaine Chandon, Cape Mentelle, and Cloudy Bay wineries.
The awards comprised 2791 wines from 57 Tasmanian wineries, 19 wineries in New Zealand, and 206 interstate wineries.
Jordan noted that cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, shiraz, viognier, and chardonnay classes were noticeably stronger this year, showing the attention wine makers are paying to these varietals.
In particular he noted that Tasmania featured strongly in pinot noirs, rieslings and sparkling wines.
Tasmanian wines received a total of 137 medals.
Click here for more information on the Wine Show.