By Deborah Jackson, editor National Liquor News
Discount supermarket chain Aldi was among a bevy of winners at the 2016 Sydney International Wine Competition (SIWC) with a bottle of Rosé that retails for $4.99.
The Aldi South Point Estate Rosé 2015 was one of six winners in the Rosé category, being awarded a Blue Gold medal.
Aldi was also awarded a Blue Gold medal for its Blackstone Paddock ‘The Player’ Shiraz 2014 (RRP $14.99) and a Trophy for its Tudor Central Victorian Shiraz 2014 (RRP $12.99).
Seven wines costing under $15 from New Zealand’s Yealands Wine Group also received medals.
A total of 1812 wines from nine countries were entered into this year’s competition, with a record 100 different grape varieties and blends represented.
The SIWC is unique among wine shows in that wines are judged alongside food to best replicate the consumer experience.
An international panel of 14 judges, led by chairman of judges Kym Milne, initially blind-tasted all the entrants, and then tasted the 400 leading wines alongside appropriately matched food to decide the award winners.
Jason Bowyer, Aldi buying director, said the company is delighted to be recognised for excellence in its liquor range.
“The quality and value equation is the most important variable at Aldi. It enables us to deliver to high standards that are in line with our customers’ tastes, by benchmarking product specifications against market leading wine brands. A $10 wine at Aldi should drink like a $20 to $25 wine from elsewhere, and we consistently deliver on this formula.
“As the SIWC awards have demonstrated, affordably priced wine can perform well above consumer expectations, often proving more popular than more expensive options. At Aldi, we are consistently looking at market trends and innovations to ensure our offering is in line with consumer demand, so we can continue to help Australian shopper’s live richer lives for less.”
Public tastings of the 2016 SIWC award winners will be held on Saturday, 6 February 2016 at the Menzies Hotel, Carrington Street Sydney CBD.
Full details of the competition and a list of all the winners can be viewed at www.top100wines.com.