Quick thoughts on AAVWS 2024
And Taste and Talk postponed!
Our Monthly Taste Talk session for November will now be held on Thursday 28 November.
AAVWS 2024
The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine show is held in Mildura each year in November over the weekend after Melbourne Cup Day. It is well-supported by wineries from throughout Australia.
Here are a few quick observations I made this year…
Over 700 wines are judged in 42 classes
Best Wine of Show was won by Purple Hands Wines for their 2022 After Five Wine Co Montepulciano from the Barossa
Best white wine was Hesketh 2023 Clare Valley Fiano
There were over 80 Fiano wines entered.
Some of the newer alternative varieties have their own classes, Pecorino (6 wines) Picpoul (10) Grenache Blanc (7) Arinto (4)
The full results can be found on the AAVWS website
On the Friday of the show, a seminar is held titled Talk and Taste.
In one session we tasted an Armenian variety called Areni. This was a delightful red variety likened to a cross between Sangiovese and Pinot Noir, but the variety is unrelated to them. Armenia competes with its neighbour Georgia for the tile of having the oldest wine industry.
Mark Walpole of Fighting Gully Road Beechworth presented a session recounting his efforts to bring in two varieties from the European Alps. Petite Arvine is a white variety from Switzerland where it makes high quality dry whites. Cornalin from the Val d’Aosta in Northern Italy is a rare red variety there and in neighbouring Switzerland. We tried experimental samples of these wines both seem to have a future in cooler areas.
My Best Wine of the Show
Well actually it was the best wine of last year. I seldom agree with judges. But last year a Sangiovese from the Perth Hills was the best wine. Tonon Vineyard and Winery 2022 got the gong last year. It was served with the Long Lunch along with other trophy winners. An absolutely splendid wine!
A Super Sale of Alternatives
I have just spotted a super sale of alternative varietal wines from our wine merchant partner. Available as mixed dozens (13 bottles) or just reds or whites.
Includes Clairette, Gruner Veltliner, Pecorino, Picpoul, Vermentino, Zibbibo, Grenache, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Nero d’Avola, Tempranillo.
Different regions, different producers. All quality wines.
Be quick, this offer won’t last. But while you are on the site check out the other sale offers.