Rosé is still a favourite

“As the country’s most consumer-focused wine competition, entries to these awards can be a great indicator of what wine-lovers and winemakers are getting excited about,”

said Jen Parr, Co-Chair of Judges for the awards.

“This class is home to local favourites like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, two varieties that love to grow in the sunny Hawke’s Bay and surrounds. However, we’ve also seen an increase in ‘New to New Zealand’ varieties like Grenache, Malbec, Petit Syrah and Tempranillo. These are what we call ’emerging wines’ – meaning they are well-established in other parts of the world, like Spain, France or Australia, but still quite new to New Zealand shores and palates,”

said Sam Kim, who joins Parr as Co-Chair of Judges.

Rosé also saw a record-breaking number of entries, 170 total, up 50 percent. They included over 100 New Zealand-made wines and multiple entries from France. These numbers are a sign of the times, with consumer demand increasing for quality pink wine.

Rosé has really come into its own in the last decade. As it has attracted wine drinkers’ attention, winemakers have responded with top-quality wines.

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