Wines of Canberra impress the judges

Last week's Canberra and Region Wine Show was noteworthy for the exceptional Riesling, Shiraz and Chardonnay classes, according to chair of judges Mike Bennie.

Bennie TheShout Ravensworth Wines' 2013 Riesling was a shining example of the 2013 Riesling class, which was "likely the best line-up of Riesling wines I have ever seen at a wine show".

"Shiraz 2012 was also exceptional with Hilltops showing its increasing importance as a region of medium-bodied, savoury, spicy and slippery textured wines which match the en-vogue appreciation for such styles," Bennie said.

"Chardonnay from Tumbarumba continues to show great potential - again, delicacy, purity, length of flavour and restraint were a triumph here." 

The Hilltops region's Moppity Vineyards cleaned up at the show, taking out five of 12 trophies awarded at the trophy presentation event on Friday, including most successful exhibitor.

Aside from the regional heroes of Riesling, Shiraz and Chardonnay, Bennie said unexpected discoveries came in the form of alternative varieties and blended wines that showed early complexity. 

"There's increasing interest in Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier wines as producers gather vineyard maturity and winemaking know-how with these varieties," he said.

A full list of the winners is available here.

Source: The Shout, 30 September 2013