Vidal takes back Champion Viognier Trophy

The wine industry’s coveted Champion Viognier Trophy is back in the hands of Vidal Estate, following the 56th Royal Easter Show Wine Awards last night.

The Hawkes Bay winery was awarded the Champion Viognier Trophy for the Vidal East Coast Viognier 2008; an honour previously held by the 2006 vintage in 2007.

This ‘East Coast’ interpretation of the unique French wine varietal Viognier received high praise from wine judges, including top New Zealand judge and Master of Wine, Bob Campbell.

Vidal also took home three gold medals from the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards – New Zealand’s oldest wine competition.

Vidal winemaker Hugh Crichton said the trophy was the icing on the cake for the 104-year-old winery which has received a string of accolades in recent months. In September 2008 Vidal Winery Restaurant Executive Chef was named New Zealand Chef of the Year, two months after Vidal Restaurant was nominated as a finalist for top Hawkes Bay Restaurant.

“We have an award-winning restaurant and an award-winning chef and now – a trophy and gold medals for our wine,” said Hugh Crichton.

“This success is a reflection of favourable vintage conditions, meticulous vineyard management and winemaking, but most importantly it is recognition for the immense passion and dedication of the whole Vidal team.”

This year’s Royal Easter Show Wine Awards saw the greatest number of medals awarded to New Zealand wines across all categories. Hawkes Bay wines scooped more than 30 per cent of the gold medals.

Bob Campbell said this year’s high medal tally reflected an overall improvement in wine quality: “That’s thanks to generally favourable vintage conditions and the continuing evolution of a dynamic industry.”

The trophies and gold medals collected by Vidal are listed below:

Trophies:

Champion Viognier of the Show – Vidal Estate East Coast Viognier 2008

Gold medals:

Vidal Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Vidal East Coast Viognier 2008
Vidal Hawkes Bay Syrah 2007