Rhine riesling new champion

Press, 9 November 1988, Page 8

Rhine riesling new champion

PA Auckland The humble rhine riesling has knocked Chardonnay from its roost as the champion New Zealand wine of recent years. The Corbans Noble Rhine Riesling 1986 was last night judged this year’s champion at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The awarding of the ATHC Cup marks the emergence of New Zealand sweet wine into international class. The Marlborough-grown grapes were left until mid-June of the 1986 vintage to allow botrytis, the noble rot, to set in, according to the winemakers. The date of picking was incredibly late by world standards, they said. The emergence of Wairarapa as a grapegrowing and wine-making region continued, with Martinborough Vineyards securing three trophies. Trophy winners: Vintner’s Trophy for the champion muller thurgau: Martinborough 88. Connoisseur’s Trophy for the champion Chardonnay: Villa Maria res 86. Hospitality Trophy for the champion sauvignon blanc: Villa Maria res 86. Sutton Distributors’ Trophy for the

champion rhine riesling: Martinborough 88. Hancock’s Trophy for the champion gewurtztraminer: Corbans select dry 84. New Zealand Glass Trophy for the champion sweet wine: Corbans private bin noble rhine riesling 86. Brewers and Winemakers’ Supplies Trophy for the champion “other white wine:” Millton barrel ferment Chenin blanc 87. Director’s Trophy for the best rose or blush wine: St Helena pinot rose 88. Wine Institute Trophy for the champion sparkling wine: Morton Estate methode champenoise 86. Wine and Food Trophy for the champion cabernet sauvignon or cabernet/merlot blend: Villa Maria res cabernet sauvignon/merlot 87. Beefstake and Burgundy Trophy for the champion pinot noir: Martinborough 87. Trade and Industry Trophy for the champion “other” red wine: Pleasant Valley pinotage 86. Wine Resellers’ Trophy for the champion sherry: Montana private bin pale dry. Fellows’ Shield for the champion port: Lincoln show res old tawny. Decanter Trophy for the wine with best export potential: Villa Maria res barrique ferment Chardonnay 87. T.H.C. Trophy for the champion fortified wine: Lincoln show res tawny old port. Air New Zealand Export Trophy for the best exported wine: Delegat sauvignon blanc 87. T.H.C. Cup for the champion table wine: Corbans private bin noble rhine riesling 86.