Mondillo red wins more gold

The 2008 Mondillo Central Otago Pinot Noir produced by Bendigo-based Mondillo Vineyards has been awarded a gold medal in New Zealand’s largest international wine competition.

This latest award tops off a year-on-year medley of accolades honouring Mondillo since the establishment of the 12-hectare vineyard in Bendigo in 2001.

The New Zealand International Wine show judged more than 2,000 wines, with only 19 Pinot Noir receiving the coveted gold award, under the guidance of Bob Campbell, New Zealand’s leading wine educator.

Ally Mondillo, Mondillo Vineyards co-owner said the recognition backs up the belief she and husband Domenic have in their grapes and their distinct ‘blend in the vineyards’ approach to wine growing and making.

“This is a fantastic start for the newly released 2008 vintage and very much reflective of one of the best growing seasons Central Otago has ever seen,” she said.

“Our Bendigo grapes have intense ripe flavours and are deep in colour and this is reflected in our wine which we know measures up well against all others, so it is an exciting achievement for us.”

As an accredited member and one of Central Otago’s founding members of SWNZ – Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand – Mondillo ensures every step is taken to employ environmentally responsible processes in the vineyard and winery.

Ms Mondillo says sustainable practice was a guiding principle in the establishment of Mondillo Vineyards.

“We believe sustainable practice is a key strategic goal for the wine business and our practices are all guided by those principles.”

“This commitment was recognised when the 2006 Mondillo Pinot Noir was awarded the only Pure Elite Gold Medal given to a Pinot Noir at the 2006 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.”

For more information www.mondillo.com or please contact: Ally Mondillo on 0274 282 214

About Mondillo Vineyards

Mondillo Vineyards was established in 2001 on 12 hectares of land at Bendigo, in the Central Otago district.

Domenic Mondillo moved to Queenstown in 1981, purchasing and operating two successful Queenstown restaurants before becoming instrumental in developing a number of vineyards in Central Otago over the past 17 years.

His life and passion is and has always been wine, and he is consultant to vineyards in both Central Otago and in Oregon USA.

Ally Mondillo is Domenic’s partner in Mondillo Vineyards and following a career in graphic design she now works full time handling marketing, sales and administration of the vineyard business.

Every Pinot Noir grown by Mondillo has picked up awards and recognition:

Mondillo Pinot Noir 2004

Medal in Bragato Awards

Mondillo Pinot Noir 2005

Gold Medal at Bragato Wine Awards

Featured on cover of Wine NZ Magazine’s winter edition

‘Most Outstanding Wine’ in a special tasting supplement on New Zealand Pinot Noirs by Master of Wine Jane Skilton from over 80 wines

Mondillo Pinot Noir 2006

Gold medal at the The New Zealand International Wine Show

Excellent review in Wine NZ magazine

Four Star accolade in New Zealand Cuisine Magazine

Pure Elite Gold Medal at prestigious Air New Zealand Wine Awards – only one given to a Pinot Noir

Mondillo Pinot Noir 2007

Five Stars from Michael Cooper

Accolades from both F&B Magazines and Wine NZ Magazine

Mondillo Pinot Noir 2008 (released June 2009)

Gold medal at the The New Zealand International Wine Show

Five Stars from Winestate Magazine

Accolades from Wine NZ Magazine

Mondillo Wine is sold door to door around the world, and is exported to the USA.