“The most exciting sparkling wines coming out of Australia”: Tassie wine shines at annual show

A renowned international wine writer has described Tasmania’s sparkling wine as “the most exciting coming out of Australia”. See who won what at the state’s major wine show.

TASMANIAN wines sparkled at the state’s annual wine show.

Wine makers from across the island offered up their best drops to be judged in the 33rd Tasmanian Wine Show, which recognised the skill and quality of local grape growers and producers.

International judge and London-based wine writer Sarah Ahmed made the trip from the UK to taste everything from Tassie’s renowned pinot noir to its refreshing Chardonnay.

Ms Ahmed has sipped the world’s finest Champagne but said Tasmania’s sparkling wines were “absolutely up there” with some of the best she’s tasted.

“They’re the most exciting sparkling wines coming out of Australia and really exciting within the world of sparkling wine. Absolutely top notch,” Ms Ahmed said.

“You do get that fruit intensity … they’re very delicious with wonderful backbone and persistence.”

While the wine show bubbled over with praise for the state’s sparkling varieties, Tasmanian riesling was also a stand out.

International wine judge from the UK Sarah Ahmed during judging of the Tasmanian Wine Show at Drysdale, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“There are other parts of Australia on the mainland that have really carved out that reputation for riesling … but I think Tasmania really holds its own,” Ms Ahmed said.

“I really enjoyed the diversity of expression that I saw in those wines, whether they were dry or with a very well balanced residual sugar.”

Ms Ahmed said Tasmanian makers was blessed with a cool climate, making them unique players in the Australian wine making landscape.

“I think the show really, really reinforced what I enjoy about Tasmanian wine and what I think people in the UK, and increasingly around the world, are looking for, which is this freshness and relative drinkability,” she said.

“You see those wonderful, cool climate credentials stamped all over the wines in terms of freshness, drinkability, fruit purity and intensity as well. For me, the best wines in the show are where you really let that shine.”

TASMANIAN WINE SHOW FULL LIST OF TROPHY WINNERS:

Best Late Disgorged Older Vintage Sparkling – House of Arras Grand Vintage 2009

Best Vintage Sparkling – GlenAyr Vintage 2017

Best Non-Vintage Sparkling – Radenti R3 Sparkling

Best Riesling – Pipers Brook Riesling 2022

Best Sauvignon Blanc – Small Wonder Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Best Pinot Gris – 42 Degrees South Pinot Grigio 2022

Best Rose – Maclean Bay Rose 2022

Best Chardonnay – Derwent Estate Calcaire Chardonnay 2020

Best Sweet Wine – Freycinet Botrytis 2021

Best 3 Year Old Pinot Noir – Mapleton Pinot Noir 2020

Best Pinot Noir – Pipers Brook Pinot Noir 2021

Best Shiraz – Meadowbank Syrah 2021

Best Museum Wine – House of Arras Grand Vintage 2008

Best Other Variety or Blend – Barringwood Schonburger 2021

Best 2022 Vintage Wine – Pipers Brook Riesling 2022

Chair of Judges Selection – Bay of Fires Riesling 2021

Pinot Noir Producer of the Year – Gala Estate

Reserve Champion Wine of Show – Pipers Brook Riesling 2022

Phil Laing Champion Wine of Show – Pipers Brook Pinot Noir 2021

Most Successful Exhibitor – Accolade Wines

Export Wine of Show (International Judge’s Trophy) – Bay of Fires Riesling 2021

Originally published as “The most exciting sparkling wines coming out of Australia”: Tassie wine shines at annual show