Mondillo red 'pure gold'

Mondillo Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir has picked up two of the country’s most prized medals – not only for a fantastic wine but one which is produced under the Sustainable Winegrowing of New Zealand programme.

The Central Otago vineyard’s wine has today been named a recipient of the coveted Pure Gold Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2010. This follows a Pure Gold Medal awarded in the first ever ‘Pure’ category of the Bragato Wine Awards earlier this year (August 2010).

When Air New Zealand Wine Awards introduced the sustainability category in 2007, the Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir was the only wine to receive the Pure Elite Gold medal in the Pinot Noir category.

The ‘Pure’ content of the medals is of great importance to owners Domenic and Ally Mondillo – sustainable practice has been a driving force behind their wine growing and making philosophies since they established the diminutive Bendigo vineyard in 2001.

“Sustainable practice is a key strategic goal for a successful future in the global wine business and, as these medals prove, great wine can be produced in a way that is sustainable,” says Domenic Mondillo, a passionate believer in the SWNZ programme and one of Central Otago’s founding members.

“Since 2004 we have produced consistently excellent, award and medal winning wine in a way that will leave the land and the vines in a condition that will continue to produce great wine for years to come. This has always been our goal, we see it as our responsibility to carry the Pure New Zealand brand worldwide. It’s very encouraging to see each vintage since the first in 2004 maintain the high standards we’ve set.”

The Air New Zealand Wine Awards attracted nearly 1,600 (1,586) entries with almost 40 per cent of entries being sustainable wines. In the Pinot Noir category, 310 wines were submitted, 74 of those sustainable.  

In the Romeo Bragato Awards, 775 wines were judged with 56 (including 8 Pinot Noir) receiving gold medals, Mondillo 2009 Pinot Noir received a Pure Gold medal.

“The Bragato awards acknowledge the grower. It’s about recognising the people who produce the grapes and the skills and site selection that are required to produce superb wine,” said Domenic.
 

The Mondillos believe site selection is critical to great wine and that their ‘extremely special’ 12 hectares in Bendigo, Central Otago is key to their beautiful wines.

The 2009 vintage was released in June 2010 following two trophies and medal successes for the 2008 vintage. Each Mondillo Pinot Noir has picked up several awards and over the years a loyal global following has developed for Mondillo wines.