The fourth edition of the USA Wine Ratings has announced its 2021 winners, with the ratings looking to recognise, reward and help promote wines that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific wine drinker.
The USA Wine Ratings aim to single out and shine the spotlight on those wine brands that consumers really want to buy and have a clear market value for trade buyers.
Organiser Siddarth Patel said: “Wines from 24 different countries were submitted with the United States, Spain, Italy being the top three entrants followed by Portugal.
“There were new additions like Ireland and Brazil. The top three varieties submitted were Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There was a solid increase in Shiraz and Tempranillo.”
Australia’s Shottesbrooke Reserve Series ‘Eliza’ Shiraz came out on top with the Wine of the Year award after scoring 97 points, Shottesbrooke was also named as the Winery of the Year.
Other winners included Best Wine By Quality: Quinta d’Aguieira Red 2017, Best Wine By Value: Peaks & Tides Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Wine By Package: Quest One.
The best in show by country were:
- Australia: Shottesbrooke Reserve Series ‘Eliza’ Shiraz
- Spain: Murviedro Pasión White
- Italy: RECCHIA
- Portugal: Quinta d’Aguieira Red 2017
- United States: Diora La Belle Fête Rosé
- Moldova, Republic of: Alb de Purcari
- France: Louis Latour 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
- South Africa: Quest One
- Argentina: Cuvelier Los Andes / Grand Vin
- Germany: Fontaine de Chocolat
- New Zealand: Spy Valley
- Chile: Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale-based Shottesbrooke started in 1981 when founder Nick Holmes planted his very first vine, before later acquiring the property at McLaren Flat where he then built the Shottesbrooke winery and cellar door. The winery produces a range of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from both estate-owned and managed vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.