Entries are officially open for the 2023 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, a showcase of the depth and breadth of Australian pinot noir regions and wines.
Now in its sixth year, the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge is an initiative of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association seeking to benchmark the best of Australia’s pinot noir regions and pinot noir wines. As the fourth most produced red wine variety in Australia, assessments are made through 42 individual categories on the quality, regional variation and themes emerging from Australian grape growing and winemaking.
With this year’s show expected to receive a record number of entries, Chair of the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, Lindsay McCall, commented on its growing reputation on the global wine stage and proven ability to amplify winners sales.
“The Challenge has become a benchmark for both producers and enthusiasts of pinot noir. Each year it assembles a comprehensive selection of the finest pinot noir wines and effectively unveils remarkable wines from across the Australian landscape. The result for the winning wineries has been exceptional, providing the shows reputation and reach within Australia and abroad.”
Judging will take place on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 September, chaired by Matt Harrop, Winemaker at Curly Flat Vineyard.
“Australian viticulturalist and winemakers have demonstrated their adeptness in refining the cultivation and crafting of this delicate and intricate variety. The show attracts the finest assemblage of pinot noir in the country, from both well-established and emerging regions,” explained Harrop.
“The Australian Pinot Noir Challenge provides the platform for celebrating a distinctively Australia interpretation of pinot noir and the competition stands as a testament to the meticulous efforts undertaken in vineyards and cellars, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of wine quality.”
Joining Harrop on the judging panel is an impressive cross section of industry and winemakers, including Tom Wallace of the Brown Family Wine Group, Sam Connew of Stargazers, Loic le Calvez of Domaine Chandon, Marcus Satchell of The Dirty Three, Tim Perrin of Port Phillip Estate and Gabrielle Poy of Prince Wine Store.
Results will later be announced at a celebratory gala dinner held at Melbourne restaurant Cutler & Co on Thursday 5 October 2023, recognising the best regions and pinot noir producers in the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience 15 of this year’s contenders, alongside a five course menu showcasing contemporary Australian dishes.
Find more information about entry here, before the closing date of Friday 18 August 2023.