Wineries scoop medals

(Source Stuff.co.nz 21.9.10)

Karikari Estate has won a gold medal for its 2008 Calypso chardonnay at the New Zealand International Wine Show.

More than 2100 wines from all parts of the world were judged in three days of intense smelling, tasting and spitting.

The estate also earned a silver medal for its 2008 Karikari Estate pinotage.

This follows a silver for the new 2009 Karikari Estate chardonnay in the Bragato Wine Awards two weeks ago.

Karikari Estate has been awarded 14 medals in wine shows in the past fortnight.

Karikari Estate winemaker Ben Dugdale says the winning estate wine is a great example of what can be achieved in the north.

“It’s a brilliant result for Karikari Estate, and for the Northland wine region, because these medals are spread over a range of wines; chardonnay, pinotage and our red blends, which indicates that the region can foot it with the big boys, and not just in one variety, so we’re no one trick pony.

“This means there is a lot of character and individuality in the Northland region and not just in the wine.”

Fat Pig Vineyard won three medals in the international show.

Owners Bruce and Sue Soland entered three new wines at the last minute after the wines arrived back from bottling only a few days before the contest.

“What is most pleasing is that our sauvignon blanc, entered in a competition for the first time, has won a bronze medal.

“We had many critics saying you can’t grow savy in the north.”

Fat Pig won silver for its chardonnay and bronze for its pinot gris.

Ake Ake vineyard in Kerikeri won bronze medals for its chambourcin and merlot.