25 August 2009
WAIRARAPA WINEMAKERS AMONG THE TROPHIES AT 2009 ROMEO BRAGATO AWARDS
Wairarapa winemakers triumphed with two trophies at the annual Romeo Bragato Awards, which were announced in Napier in the weekend.
Martinborough’s Mark Haythorthwaite won the Champion Dessert Wine Plaque for the Haythornthwaite Wines Gewürztraminer Susan 2009. The Brother Cyprian Trophy and Champion Pinot Gris was awarded to Dave Munro for his Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris 2009. The grapes were grown in the Wellington region, with the wine being made by Masterton winemaker Jane Cooper.
Jane Cooper also won a gold medal for the Alexia Pinot Noir 2008.
“These awards are further endorsement of Wairarapa’s position as a leading wine growing and producing region in New Zealand,” said Wines From Martinborough Chair Janine Tulloch.
“They also reflect the region’s burgeoning reputation for producing premium quality wines across the range of varietals.”
New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan said the Bragato Wine Awards are a unique opportunity for the industry to recognise New Zealand’s grapegrowers, who play a critical role in producing New Zealand’s world-renowned wines.
“The Bragato Awards are New Zealand’s only awards for the grapegrower, a group that play a critical role in the New Zealand wine industry. Once again we’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of wines entered.”
For more information contact:
Wines From Martinborough
General Manager
Rachael Fletcher
Phone 06 306 9183 or 021 586 278
Mark Haythornthwaite
Haythornthwaite Wines
Phone 06 306 9889
Jane Cooper
Winemaker Alexia & Ohau Gravels
Phone 0274 494 272
OTHER WINNERS:
Champion Wine of Show and Bragato Trophy/ Bill Irwin Trophy and Champion Chardonnay - Villa Maria Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2007, Tony Green, McDiarmid Vineyard – Gisborne
Richard Smart Trophy and Reserve Champion Wine/ Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy and Champion Pinot Noir - Aravin Pinot Noir 2007, Evan and Kay Moore, Aravin – Central Otago
Friedrich Wohnsiedler Trophy and Champion Riesling - Vic Williams Selection Classic Riesling 2008, Willie and Linda Crosse, Korohi Vineyard – Marlborough
Champion Gewurztraminer - Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Gewurztraminer 2008, Chris and Judi Simmonds, Lone Gum Vineyard – Marlborough
New Zealand Wine Cellars Spence Brothers Trophy and Champion Sauvignon Blanc - Saint Clair Pioneer Block 18 Snap Block Sauvignon Blanc 2009, John and Cayley Blackmore, Park Orchard Vineyards Ltd – Marlborough
Champion Other White Wine - Villa Maria Single Vineyard Omahu Gravels Viognier 2008, Phil Holden, Omahu Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Tom Mcdonald Memorial Trophy and Champion Classical Red Wine - Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot 2007, Mike Connor, Deerstalkers Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Alan Limmer Trophy and Champion Syrah - Esk Valley Reserve Syrah 2007, Bob Newton, Newton Forrest Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Champion Other Red Wine - Craggy Range ‘Te Kahu’ 2007, Michael Goldwater, Gimblett Gravels Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Sustainability Trophy - Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2007, Mark Dixon, Keltern Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay