Judging of Aromatics begins

The International Aromatic Wine Competition has once again begun the hunt for the best of the best aromatic wine varieties available in the market for the ever increasing number of Kiwi wine drinkers.

Popular for their fruity taste and musky aroma, aromatic wines are growing in popularity. Their delicate flavours and crisp acidity levels make them suitable for a wide range of food matches, with the increase in consumers gravitating towards the variety increasing alongside the advent of alfresco, café style dining.

The New Zealand wine industry has experienced success with the variety particularly with the famed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in international markets.

"A Sauvignon Blanc has taken Best In Show for the past two years. We're all eager to see if the quality of other styles comes to the forefront this year to take the top spot", commented Competition Convenor Rae Finlay.

The competition is open to all Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and wine varieties made in an aromatic style from any internationally recognised region.

The chairman of judges Terry Copeland leads a panel of experienced judges for the rigorous testing process. The judges backgrounds' in wine vary greatly and add to the depth and creditability of the overall judging.

This year's competition has been expanded to include a class for other aromatic varieties such as Muscat and Verdelho as well as a competition for the best wine label.
The winning wines will be on display at the Royal New Zealand Show in the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion.

Entries close 24 October with blind judging taking place on 27 October 2007.

The Royal New Zealand Show runs from 14-16 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park Christchurch. Attracting over 115,000 people, over 7000 livestock and feature competition entries and 500 trade exhibitors, plus three full days of entertainment, it is the premier agricultural and pastoral event in the country.

For more information contact:
Nicola Cull, Marketing Manager
Royal New Zealand Show
Telephone 03 365 4203
Mobile 0212 65 1174
Email nicola@theshow.co.nz

Visit nzcupandshow.co.nz for all the events on from 8 to 18 November during New Zealand Cup and Show Week.