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S N I PS
The Winemaker of the Year Award was changed slightly this year to recognise an outstanding contribution to the local industry, resulting in a new award, the Riverland Wine Industry Award. It was presented to Ashley Ratcliff, winery and vineyard manager at Yalumba’s Oxford Landing, chair of the Riverland Alternative Wine Group and Barmera grapegrower, for promoting and developing interest in the region’s alternative and emerging varieties. TWE takes out top gongs at Great Australian Shiraz Challenge The 2013 Visy Great Australian Shiraz Challenge Trophy has been awarded to the 2012 Pepperjack Shiraz, by Treasury Wine Estates. Winemaker Richard Mattner was presented with the award during the trophy presentation dinner at Tahbilk Winery on 1 November. The other major trophy in the competition for best Shiraz under $25.00 was awarded to Ingoldby for its 2012 Ingoldby Shiraz, another TWE brand, and was accepted by winemaker Kate Hongell. In its 19th year, 342 wines competed in this year’s Challenge with vintages ranging from 2004-2013. The judging panel comprised Gary Baldwin, Sue Bell, Simon Osicka, Jeni Port, Victor Nash and Travis Clydesdale. Top award at 2013 Canberra International Riesling Challenge goes to Germany The top award at the 14th annual Canberra International Riesling Challenge has been won by Weingut Georg Müller, from the Rheingau region of Germany, with its Stiftung Schützenhaus Trockenbeerenauslese 2011. Rieslings from eight countries – Australia, New Zealand, USA, Germany, France, South Africa, the Czech Republic and Canada – were judged for trophies of excellence at this year’s Challenge, held at Albert Hall in Canberra. Judges tasted 487 wines over three days to find the best wines across a number of categories with the presentation ceremony held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
Also manufacturers of
• S G Spur Pruners • Single Side Pruners • Vine Cane Sweepers • Hydraulic Power Packs • Double Acting Cutter Bars
Winemaker Richard Mattner, with the 2013 Visy Great Australian Shiraz Challenge Trophy for the 2012 Pepperjack Shiraz, and Kate Hongell, winemaker for Ingoldby, with the trophy for best Shiraz under $25 for the 2012 Ingoldby Shiraz. Chairman of the Riesling Challenge, Ken Helm, said the event had been the most successful of the 13 years due to the support from the eight major Riesling producing countries. In a special presentation at the launch of the 2013 Challenge, Canberra District winemaker Dr Edgar Riek received an ACT Government Centenary of Canberra Award for his outstanding contribution to the Canberra District wine industry over many years. The two standout wines from the Southern Hemisphere in this year’s Challenge were Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2013 from the Clare Valley in South Australia and the Hunter’s Marlborough Riesling 2012 from New Zealand. The Wine & Viticulture Journal’s parent company, Winetitles, was a media sponsor of the event.
SUMMER TRiMMing
AUSTRALIAN MADE PRUNERS
For further information visit our website at www.spagnolo.com.au or contact: Ph (03) 5021 1933 Fax (03) 5021 5233 Email sales@spagnolo.com.au Mildura Victoria Australia V2 8N 6
Summer Trimming • Smooth cutting action • Unique quick-change blade system • Sizes available from 600mm to 2100mm • Cutter bars can be used for summer trimming and winter pruning
W i n e & V i t i c u ltur e Jo ur n a l NO V EMBER/DEC EMBER 2013
Vineyard & Orchard Sweepers • Single and double sided • Spring-loaded head enables it to glide around posts and vine trunks. • Optional hydraulic lift, tilt and side shift cylinders. • Ideal for cleaning up uneven terrain • Durable powdercoated finish
www.winebiz. com . au
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