AFTER a four year hiatus, the North East Victorian Wine Challenge was held at the Myrtleford Bowls Club over three days in late November.
The wine show, which attracts a high calibre of judges from across Australia, celebrates the diversity of styles and varieties produced in the North East Victorian Wine Zone, which encompasses the Alpine Valleys, Beechworth, Glenrowan, King Valley and Rutherglen.
The wine challenge had a record 335 entries across 27 classes and was run by the Alpine Valleys Vignerons.
Treasurer and Secretary of the Alpine Valleys Vignerons Bridget Phillips said “Support from each of the regional associations – Wines of the King Valley, Winemakers of Rutherglen, Glenrowan Vignerons and Beechworth Vignerons – and the collaboration between the regions, is integral to the show’s success.
"There’s a lot of work that goes into the organisation of a wine show.
"The region’s wine producers have wholeheartedly supported this event, from entering their wines to attending committee meetings, rounding up sponsors and providing staff to help with stewarding, and the washing and polishing of glasses over the three days of judging.
"A particular thank you must go to TAFCO Rural Supplies, as the show’s major sponsor this year."
Wine writer, educator and presenter Jane Faulkner returned as Chair of the judging panel for a third year, leading a team of well-respected and experienced judges who were impressed by the quality and variety of wines being produced by the region, as well as the professional approach to running the wine show.
“I needed no convincing to return to the fabulous north-east to chair the NEVWC," Ms Faulkner said.
"I’ve witnessed this show not only grow but flourish.
"The north-east zones all have their strengths with an array of outstanding wines, and many have been on show this week.”
With a record number of entries, Faulkner said “It's most exciting as each region is pushing boundaries with some producers creating different styles or interpretations of a particular variety or varieties, and all the while, the fine-tuning continues.
"We had some very strong classes of tempranillo, chardonnay and shiraz.
“To all those who came on board, from sponsors and exhibitors to those behind-the-scene including stewards and all the essential support staff, thank you.
"You have ensured this little show has morphed into one of the best.
"It is why it attracts the highest calibre of judges as it did this year.
"Those outstanding judges were thoughtful, considered, thorough and worked diligently to seek out wines worthy of medals, especially the gold ones and ultimately the trophy winners.
"They made my work as chair of judges a joy.”
The wine challenge culminated in a public tasting followed by the trophy presentation, where Billy Button Wines was awarded the TAFCO Wine of Show Trophy for their 2023 ‘Not the Cheese’ Pecorino. A. Rodda Wines was awarded the Xcel Freight Wine of Provenance Trophy for their trio of Tempranillo from the Aquilla Audax Vineyard.
It is one of the most prestigious awards as it shows a link and continuity between a wine that’s young (up to five years of age) and 10 years or older.
The other standout wines include 2012 Cofield Provincial Black Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay awarded Ozpak Best Sparkling Wine Trophy, 2023 Billy Button 'Not the Cheese' Pecorino was awarded Laffort Best White Table Wine Trophy and also Classic Oak Products Best Alternative White Wine Trophy, 2021 Mayford Tempranillo was awarded Neumaker Best Red Table Wine Trophy and Hahn Corp Best Alternative Red Wine Trophy, and 1968 Buller Calliope Rare Frontignac awarded Enartis Best Sweet or Fortified Wine Trophy.
2022 Little Frances Shiraz was the ABBE Chief Judge's Wine to Watch and Brian Lewis of Greenacres Vineyard won TAFCO Viticulturist of the Year.
Each Regional Association supported a Best Wine of Region trophy, which were awarded to:
Alpine Valleys: 2023 Billy Button 'Not the Cheese' Pecorino,
Beechworth: 2022 Brokenwood Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay
Glenrowan: NV Baileys of Glenrowan Classic Muscadelle
King Valley: 2012 Cofield Provincial Black Sparkling Pinot Chardy
Rutherglen: 1968 Buller Calliope Rare Frontignac
A key aspect of the show, which sets it apart from others, is awarding the Regional Shield winner which is awarded to the wine region with the highest aggregate points.
This year the Alpine Valleys won top spot.
Alpine Valleys Vignerons President Stef Antonello said “We really appreciate the support we received from both local and wine industry sponsors.
"We’re still in a rebuilding phase, getting this show back up and running after a few years off, and their support was absolutely essential for a successful event.
"We’re really building on the momentum of the attention that this region has been receiving, not only within the wine community for the diverse and quality wines we are producing, but from the greater region as a vibrant year-round wine tourism destination.”