An Auckland Chardonnay and a Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot were the stars at this year’s Romeo Bragato Wine Awards.
Grown by Brett Donaldson, the Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Chardonnay 2013 won the coveted Bragato Trophy – Champion Single Vineyard Wine and the Bill Irwin Trophy for Champion Chardonnay. “The Bragato Trophy went to this beautifully handled Chardonnay because in simple terms – it was exceptional. The wine had a sense of place and it was a pleasure to savour and taste,” said Chairman of Judges Ben Glover.
The Ihumatao vineyard is located in a wind protected crater of an extinct volcano on the edge of the Manukau harbour in Auckland. Its free draining soils and a unique soil profile lead to the production of this very distinctive Chardonnay.
Villa Maria’s Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013, made from grapes grown on the Vidal Vineyard by Phil Holden won the Richard Smart Trophy – Champion Domaine Wine. “This was just a beautifully crafted wine – well done to all on allowing the fruit to shine with deft and subtle winemaking” said Mr Glover.
The Bragato Wine Awards, held each year as part of the New Zealand Winegrowers Romeo Bragato National Conference, are awarded to the grower for viticultural excellence. The competition recognises that growing excellent grapes is the foundation of making wines of true quality. The Trophies were presented at the Bragato Dinner in Hawke’s Bay recently.
Villa Maria scored five trophies and 12 gold medals in total, which included Champion Wine of the Show for one of the four gold-medal winning Chardonnays.
In addition to Wine of the Show and Chardonnay Trophy, Villa Maria also picked up trophies for Champion Domaine Wine, Champion Sweet Wine and Champion Classical Red Wine.
Did you know?
To be awarded the Bragato Trophy – Champion Single Vineyard Wine, a minimum of 95% of the grape juice content must come from a single vineyard.
To be awarded the Richard Smart Trophy – Champion Domaine Wine, a minimum of 85% of the grape juice content must come from a single vineyard.
