25 August 2008: A Central Otago Pinot Noir has taken top honours at this year's Romeo Bragato Wine Awards held in Christchurch, winning the prestigious Bragato Trophy for Champion Wine of Show.
Olssens Garden Vineyard produced the winning Olssens Jackson Barry Pinot Noir 2007, which was also awarded the Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy and Champion Pinot Noir. The unique Awards recognise the importance of the grapegrowing process and celebrates viticultural excellence, so the awards go to the viticulturalist.
"The Central Otago region consistently produces top quality Pinot Noir, so it's no surprise that the area has produced this year's Champion Wine of Show," said Chairman of judges, Larry McKenna.
The Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy has particular significance in Central Otago in remembering one of the pioneering winemakers in the region, Mike Wolter. It was carved by another wine pioneer, the late Rolfe Mills, of Rippon Vineyard.
It is the third time viticulturalist Karen Olssen has won the Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy; she also won the trophy in 1999 and 2000. Two other Central Otago recipients have been Robin Dicey (Mt Difficulty) in 2004 and Roger Gibson (Lowburn Ferry) in 2005, both of whom, like Karen this time around, also won the Bragato Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show.
Central Otago gold medal-winning wines at the Bragato Awards 2008 were: Alexandra Wine Company Feraud Chardonnay 2006 - David & Shona Garry
Alexandra Wine Company Davishon Pinot Noir 2007 - David & Shona Garry
Hinton Estate Vineyard Hinton Estate Barrel Selection 2007 - Howie Hinton
Olssen's Olssens Jackson Barry Pinot Noir 2007 - John Olssen
The Aurora Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 - Tom Topping
Grasshopper Rock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 - Grasshopper Rock
Mitre Rocks Pinot Noir 2007 - Roy McCallum
Bannock Brae Estate Bannock Brae Estate Barrel Selection Pinot Noir 2006 - Crawford Brown
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