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Gallagher Wines wins top trophy at Canberra International Riesling Challenge
By Jil Hogan
Out of more than 500 rieslings from seven countries, a wine from Canberra has been crowned the best.
The 2017 Riesling from Gallagher Wines has taken out four prizes, including the top trophy, at the 18th Canberra International Riesling Challenge.
Steffen Schindler from the German Wine Institute judging at the 2017 Canberra International Riesling Challenge at Albert Hall. Credit: Rohan Thomson
Started in 2000 by Canberra winemaker Ken Helm to promote the grape variety, the event attracts entries from all over the world
This year is only the second time in the competition's history that a Canberra wine has come out on top. The first was the Ravensworth Riesling in 2012.
The Canberra International Riesling Challenge 2017 wine judging at the Albert Hall. (L-R) Alison Eisermann, Greer Carland, and Steffen SchindlerCredit: Rohan Thomson
"We're a small player but Canberra kicks well above its weight," said Mr Helm.
"Canberra is now regarded as one of the premium riesling producers in Australia and of course the results of this verify that."
This year, 519 rieslings were entered from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Germany, France, Hungary and the Czech Republic, making it the second largest event ever.
The judging took place during the week at Albert Hall, and while the challenge is held in Canberra, judges come from all over the world, led by chairman of judges John Belsham from New Zealand.
"There is not actually a Canberra judge in the panel, and with selection of judges I've always been very careful of that. So we can pat ourselves on the back," said Mr Helm.
Winners were announced at a ceremony at Albert Hall on Friday night.
The 2017 Gallagher Riesling was also awarded best dry riesling, best in Australia and best from the Canberra District.
Other trophy winners included d'Arenberg and Wolf Blass Wines from South Australia, Villa Maria Estate from New Zealand, Kloster Eberbach from Germany, Chateau Ste. Michelle from the United States, Bream Creek Vineyard from Tasmania, and Gilbert Family Wines from Mudgee.
And now that the judges have had their say, it's the public's turn. The event's public tasting is Saturday, October 14 at Albert Hall from 11am-3pm.
"This is an opportunity where people can actually taste a whole range of wines, and this is the biggest collection of rieslings in the world and Canberra's got it sitting on its doorstep," said Mr Helm.
Entry to the public tasting is $50 which includes a wine glass and all tastings.