Judging is underway for the Royal Hobart Wine Show

The colour, aroma and texture of about 500 wines will be judged by a group of Tasmanian industry experts as part of a renowned competition.

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JUDGING is underway for one of Australia’s largest wine shows.

More than 500 entries were sent in to the Royal Hobart Wine Show from across Australia, with judges now on a mission to find the best of the best.

This year’s chief judge is Josef Chromy Wines chief winemaker and general manager Jeremy Dineen.

He said following fears of the show’s cancellation, a few things had changed in the show’s layout this year — the biggest being a high-calibre all-Tasmanian judging panel.

Chief judge at this year's Royal Hobart Wine Show Jeremy Dineen. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Normally for a show like this about half of the judges would be interstate or international,” he said.

“This year we’ve picked six Tasmanian-based judges who all have experience judging in national shows around Australia.”

The number of classes had also dropped to six this year to focus on varieties and styles more suited to Tasmania.

Wines being judged include Riseling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparking, with a category for best other wine and best wine in show.

Mr Dineen said the top wines needed a good colour, aroma and texture.

“You want a whole package. You want a wine that stands heads and shoulders above the rest with more complexity, interest, and texture,” he said.

Judge at this year's Royal Hobart Wine Show Penny Jones. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Other judges include Penny Jones, Tom Wallace, Pip Anderson, Ockie Myburgh, Anne Pooley, and Peter Dredge.

Ms Jones, Bay of Fires Winery winemaker, said it was her first time judging in the show.

“It’s been great. It’s really cool to judge with a bunch of other Tassie producers,” she said.

She said the things she looked out for in a good wine was complexity, flavour and structure.

“Quality really does jump out at you. Of course, everyone has a different opinion, which is why we have a group of judges.”

Judging will continue on Thursday.

The announcement of winners will take place on a livestream from 7.30pm Thursday on the Hobart Showground Facebook page.

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