19th September 2017
2017 WINE SHOW WILL BE A CORKER!
Entries for the 2017 Limestone Coast Wine show have fallen just five bottles short of a new record. A total of 497 of the region’s favourite wines have been nominated for the October 23-26 event, with organisers toasting the industry’s continued support
Cabernet has maintained its tradition as the most popular wine entered in the show with more than 140 nominations, and red varieties account for 70 per cent of overall entries. Rose numbers are up, and fizz has also made a comeback, with a sharp swing in sparkling wine submissions. ‘Other Red Varieties’ is another category on the rise, showcasing the region’s smaller experimental plantings of lesser-known varieties like Montepulciano, Tempranillo and Malbec.
The Provenance classes, meanwhile, have maintained their strong following after first being introduced in 2016. Established labels are asked to submit three vintages of the same wine to be judged for consistency of style and quality over time, providing a medium to long-term reflection of the growth and development of Limestone Coast wines.
“Provenance classes have become a popular addition to wine shows in recent years, and nowhere else does such a class make sense more than the Limestone Coast, where ageability of our reds already has such a strong reputation,” says the wine show committee’s Sarah Pidgeon.
Judging for the 17th annual event will again take place over three days at the Coonawarra Hall, and tickets for the October 26 trophy presentation feast are now on sale. The dinner is always incredibly popular and sells out early, with this year’s soiree set to be hosted by the Padthaway Wine Region.
“A marquee will be erected on the lawns of Henry’s Drive Cellar Door, and local catering firm St Bee’s will prepare a feast for 120 guests,” says dinner MC, Krysteen McElroy. “The evening will have a strong community flavour, with the menu and décor highlighting the region’s vibrancy and diversity.”
Speakers on the night will include chief of judges, Jane Faulkner, guest international judge Sarah Ahmed from the UK, and back-to-back winner of the Viticulturist of the Year trophy, Peter Balnaves. Tickets are available online at www.limestonecoastwine.com.au/wineshow/dinner/
For further information, please contact Sarah Pidgeon on 0412 825 149.