Wine Judging at the Australian Small Winemaker Show in Stanthorpe, Queensland.
As a Show Judge of the 2022 Australian Small Winemakers Show in Stanthorpe, Queensland.
Recently I was a Show judge at The Australian Small Winemaker Show. This show has been based in Stanthorpe, Queensland since 1987, and it is designed for small growers, i.e.: those who crush 500 ton or less of grapes per year.
Wine shows are essential for the sustainability of the wine industry. Celebrating and acknowledging excellence in winemaking draws potential customers' attention to award medals on wine labels. Ultimately, wine shows encourage demand for wines considered of higher quality. As such, wine shows act as an independent way of measuring the work achieved by growers.
Structurally a judging panel comprises of, a chairperson of judges, panel chairs, judges, and associate judges. Masked wines are grouped by age and grape varieties, divided into classes. All wines are tasted without knowing the producer. Each judge tastes individually and allocates points to each wine served.
The Judging Panel of the 2022 Australian Small Winemaker Show lead by Nick Bullied MW.
The discussion amongst judges encompasses the wine's quality, the techniques implemented and how the wine's acidity, alcohol, tannins, and sweetness are inter-playing. These discussions are the most important part of the show judging. This is where judges come to a common agreement and feedback is collated and communicated to exhibitors.
Over the years, wine shows have influentially led to the huge improvement in the quality of Chardonnay and Pinot noir, the diversity in styles of Shiraz and the accelerating movement of emerging varieties like Vermentino, Fiano, Tempranillo, and Grenache. Personally I find that there is a growing interest in these emerging varieties, particularly with younger, conscious and more adventurous buyers, who are interested in something new as well as in supporting smaller growers.
Mandoon Estate (WA) was awarded Champion Small Winery of Show at the 2022 Australian Small Winemakers Show. All states were represented in the line-up of trophy winners, including Berrigan Wines (SA), Banca Ridge Wines (Qld), Fermoy Estate (WA), Home Hill Winery (Tas), Just Red Wines (Qld), Krinklewood Estate (NSW), and Stanton and Killeen Wines (Vic)
Queensland based Master of Wine, Andrew Corrigan, was one of the Panel Chairs at the show.
I had the opportunity to visit Grove Estate, Hidden Creek Estate and Twisted Gum and Ballandean Estate. It is always so refreshing to visit producers and gain a deeper understanding of what’s in the making before the wines get to be released to market. Particularly exciting was to receive a sample of the yet to be released “Gran Reserva” Tempranillo from Ray Costanzo’s hands. About 60 to 70% in its journey, this wine is set to be the most expensive Queensland Wine in the market. Only time will tell, but I am super excited to dissect the effort so far.
Andrew Corrigan MW took us to his property at Hidden Creek Estate to observe the area from the stunning look out at the back of the property. Interstate judges were amazed by the beauty of the landscape and also were grateful to be able to enjoy free time of the show judge duties for a couple of hours. It truly added something special to the 4 day expedition to the Granite Belt and further elevated the overall experience at the show.
It was great to be there connecting with the local community, committee, and volunteers as well as the wineries from Queensland's Granite Belt. The pride in the local produce was remarkable and the morning teas, lunches and dinners were deliciously prepared by the committee and venues who catered for the judges. I look forward to continuing to be a show judge and continue growing my career in the Australian Wine Show system.
Wine Tasting out of barrels with winemaker Ray Costanzo, always a fun experience, He gets excited.