Bream Creek pinot noir tops taste test at Chinese wine and spirits awards

A TASMANIAN winery has taken on some of the most famous brands in the world and come away with gold.

Skills Institute's decision to scrap Tasmania's only viticulture training course has shocked vineyard owners, Bream Creek vineyard owner and wine-maker Fred Peacock at 572 Vineyard

A TASMANIAN winery has taken on some of the most famous wine brands in the world at China’s biggest wine competition and come away with gold.

Bream Creek Vineyard’s 2011 pinot noir was awarded a gold medal at the most prestigious wine and spirits competition in China — the 2015 China Wine and Spirits Awards, in Hong Kong.

After becoming the largest and fastest growing wine market in the world, the Chinese market is receiving a further boost thanks to the rising popularity of wines among younger consumers.

With 37 million adults poised to attain drinking age within the next five years, experts say sales in this segment alone could skyrocket by as much as 200 per cent.

Bream Creek Vineyard owner Fred Peacock said he was proud to have taken out the award.

“The most renowned brands in the world compete in these awards and it is an honour to see that our wines are up there with the best on the planet,” Mr Peacock said.

“To see a Tasmanian wine awarded a gold medal is a terrific thrill. We’ve always been committed to quality, but this further bolsters our desire to continue crafting some of Tasmania’s best wines and taking them to the world.

“Thanks to our success at CWSA, we look forward to the opportunity to stand out and grow the prestige of Tasmanian wines in the thriving Chinese market.”

About 100 CWSA judges travelled from each corner of Hong Kong, China and Taiwan to attend the blind tasting, selected from the most prominent sommeliers, hoteliers, retailers, importers, and distributors from throughout the region.

CWSA judge Fiona Luo said the standard of wines and spirits was the highest seen.

“CWSA is the international award recognised in China. Winners are the highest quality and it is useful for consumers and buyers to see CWSA Medals,” she said.