'It tastes like the country' Shiraz takes out top gong at National Wine Show
SUTTON GRANGE WINERY 2019 FAIRBANK SYRAH SCOOPS UP TROPHY FOR CHAMPION WINE OF THE SHOW IN NATIONAL WINE SHOW AUSTRALIA
Words By Karyn Starmer on Riotact 25th May 2022
A Bendigo shiraz lauded as the unmistakable taste of Australia has taken home the nation’s top wine award at the National Wine Show of Australia.
The show has been a highlight on the Australian wine industry calendar since it began in 1975. With only the highest-awarded wines at qualifying Australian wine shows making it to the judging table, National Wine Show winners represent the best of the best Australian wines.
This year, an even more rigorous pre-qualification program was introduced. Only wines that had won gold or silver at one of 32 qualifying shows were accepted for judging, making it a more competitive, higher-quality show.
After a two-year break due to COVID, the winning wines from the delayed 2021 National Wine Show were announced in Canberra on Friday (20 May).
Sutton Grange Winery’s 2019 Fairbank Syrah scooped the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show at the awards presentation dinner at the National Press Club, having also picked up the trophies for Best Shiraz and the James Halliday Red Wine of Show at the nation’s pinnacle awards event.
National Wine Show Chair of Judges David Bicknell described Sutton Grange’s trifecta-winning entry as a wine that couldn’t be mistaken as coming from anywhere else but Australia.
“It tastes like the country – like it’s grown and made in Australia,” Mr Bicknell said.
“It has depth of flavour, real aromatic qualities, complexity, length, and it’s beautifully balanced as well – all the attributes we look for in fine wine. It takes a skilful hand to do that and a good vineyard.”
Despite the significant challenges facing Australian winemakers in the past few years, Mr Bicknell said the National Wine Show results were proof of the industry’s resilience.
“The list of winners includes winemakers from all corners of the country, who have done well with all sorts of varieties. Australian wine is in a good place and, despite what the industry has faced, you could argue it’s getting better. We’re adapting, and we’re doing it in clever ways.”
