Last August, the inaugural Heathcote Wine Show took place and an overwhelming 290
submissions from 45 wineries presented the best of
what the Heathcote wine region had to offer. Highly respected chairman of
judges, Brian Walsh, remarked that the range of high quality wines that entered
blew him away. Not a surprise then that this year’s second
annual Heathcote wine show is eagerly anticipated.
Beautifully crafted and measuring 100cm x 30cm,
the Heathcote Grand Terroir award is an impressive sight - and rightfully so,
as it is the symbol of a special accolade. This trophy is bestowed upon the
Heathcote winemaker who is able to showcase the highest quality and style
consistency across three shiraz wines spanning a minimum of four vintages for
one singular wine label.
Last year’s Grand Terroir trophy winner: From left:
Brian Walsh (Chief Judge); Jodi Marsh, Mark Hunter, Tony Hunter
(Sanguine Estate Wines)
The 2014 Saint
Martin Heathcote Wine Show, as it is officially called, will take place from July
31 to August 02, 2014. Less than 4 weeks
away from the event, excitement is already in the air and expectations are
high. Tonnellerie Saint Martin has been announced as the show’s naming rights
sponsor for the next three years, and the Wine Show Committee has once
again secured the presence of 7 of the very best wine judges in the country. Brian
Walsh will again take the role of Chief Judge (formerly chairman of the Royal
Adelaide Wine Show) will preside over a special panel of pre-eminent wine
experts.
The show’s mission, to enable Heathcote winemakers to benchmark their products and to highlight Heathcote’s reputation and profile as one of Victoria’s high quality wine regions, has not changed. Shiraz remains Heathcote's flagship wine, but the region with its famous rich Cambrian soil also produces a superb Cabernet Sauvignon, and outstanding examples of Viognier, Riesling, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Merlot.
With the help of the Heathcote Wine Show, the quality, diversity and longevity of Heathcote wines will be showcased and therefore only wines that are at least 85% Heathcote origin grapes are eligible.
Registration
terms and entry requirements remain the same, but based on last year’s exhibitors’
feedback, a few minor adjustments will be made to the class structure. Mediterranean
reds, Cabernet families and other reds in their own group classing will be
specifically examined in 2014.
Winemakers have
the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and to share their experiences at
the Heathcote Wine Show – ultimate goal is to continuously improve quality -
and of course it is an event to celebrate the success of their hard work. As Heathcote Wine Show Committee Chairman Graeme Quigley
stated during last year’s celebrations: “The thinking behind the show is the
exciting opportunity it gives us to look at how Heathcote wines travel through
time, how they age, the quality and consistency of style coming from
individuals and the region”.
Judging
will take place on Thursday 31 July and Friday August 01, 2014 followed by
celebrations that will culminate in a sumptuous 4-course dinner menu showcasing
local produce and award winning show wines. The Award Dinner takes place on
Saturday, August 02 in RSL Hall on High Street. Preceding it is an exhibitors
tasting at 4.00 p.m. followed by a public tasting from 5 to 6.00p.m.
If
it’s anything like last year, this’ll be a 2014 highlight to truly look forward
to. So, join the judges and winemakers at 2014 Saint Martin Heathcote Wine Show
and celebrate the great care, talent and finesse that goes into producing some
of Australia’s best wines.
If
you can’t make it to the Wine Show dinner, then don’t forget the Heathcote Wine Hub offers tasting of
over 24 Heathcote Wines, 7 days a week and a selection of 200 wines on
sale. The team is always happy to have a
chat about any of the wineries and wines of the region and can be contacted on
03 5433 2204 or info@heathcotewinehub.com.au.
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