MEDIA RELEASE
16th SEPTEMBER 2019
2019 Limestone Coast Wine Show Set to *Sparkle*
The entries are in for the next month’s Limestone Coast Wine Show (LCWS), and Sparkling wine has emerged as the standout class for 2019. With local sparkling nominations almost doubling those of last year, the party wine is continuing its stunning comeback.
The LCWS committee’s Sarah Pidgeon says people are looking for fun wines. “The growing interest in sparkling wine is very much a national trend, and Australian producers are certainly making more refined, elegant styles in response to this demand,” she explains. “Sparkling really thrives in our region’s cool climate and ancient soils, so the wine show represents a real opportunity for local producers to make a splash and capture the judges’ attention.”
A total of 79 producers representing all seven Limestone Coast regions have nominated their favourite drops for the October 22-24 show. The Two-Year-Old Cabernet class has retained its title as most popular category – no surprise, given the firm hero status of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Limestone Coast. However, there are strong signs of growth among several other varieties.
“It’s always interesting to look at the trends regarding wine show entries,” says Sarah Pidgeon. “There is slow growth in the Rose class and Pinot Noir, the ‘other red varieties’ class has also grown year on year, with Cabernet Franc overtaking Tempranillo as the on-trend variety for the first time this year.”
Guest international judge Michelle Bouffard from Montreal, Canada, says she is looking forward to tasting a wide selection of Cabernet Sauvignon while also exploring the diversity beyond the region’s flagship variety: “The offering in the Canadian market is very limited, and I am very much looking forward to discovering the depth of what the Limestone Coast has to offer,” she says.
Three panels led by Chief of Judges, Samantha Connew, will spend two days taste-testing a total of 496 top local drops at the Coonawarra Hall on October 22-23. The 2019 Limestone Coast Wine Show winners will be announced at a Trophy presentation feast on Thursday October 24 in Penola, with event organiser Peta Baverstock preparing for one the biggest dinners in the show’s 19-year history.
“Pipers of Penola are catering in the fabulous Rymill Hall with the theme for the dinner being ‘Spring Bud Burst’,” Peta reveals. “Twenty-two trophies and awards will be awarded on the night with attendees able to taste previous wine show winners, with a focus on early drinking styles as we celebrate all things spring.”
A limited number of tickets are still available for the dinner, which is being hosted by the Coonawarra Wine Region. For tickets, please visit https://limestonecoastwine.com.au/wine-show/dinner2019/
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IMPORTANT DATES:
Wine Drop Off 7-11 October
Judging 22-23 October at Coonawarra Hall
Trophy dinner 24 October at Rymill Hall, Penola
Public Tasting 25 October at Coonawarra Hall
For digital images of 2019 Wine Show Judges please click HERE. For further information, please contact Alice Davidson, LCWS Committee, on Mob. 0479 119 588 or visit limestonecoastwine.com.au