MORE than 300 wines from across the Riverland and beyond were assessed last week as part of judging for the upcoming Riverland Wine Show.
Two expert panels tasted around 320 wines at the Loxton Research Centre last Wednesday and Thursday, with master of wine Phil Reedman acting as chief judge for the third consecutive year.
Mr Reedman said the number of entries into the show was an encouraging sign that producers in the region were feeling confident.
“The producers here have had some difficult years mainly due to the drought and the price of water… but the inland regions are adapting,” he said.
“One of the really exciting things that we’ve seen here is the transition to new or alternative varieties that come from southern Europe and the hotter, drier areas of Europe.
“Those varieties are doing really well, so we’ve seen some really exciting wines from those varieties during our tasting.”
Mr Reedman said the wine show was “a huge learning opportunity” for him.
“I do have quite a bit of involvement with the Riverland region, so I’m aware of what’s going on, but to see it en masse like this is very exciting,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get an overall picture of the region and what varieties are doing well, and once the results come out which producers are doing well.”
For the first time at the Riverland Wine Show, wines were scored on a 100-point scale, along with the regular medal awards.
“In some markets the medal is important but being able to quote a number on the 100-point scale in other markets is more important and we need to, as a wine show, be relevant to what the producers need,” Mr Reedman said.
“By switching to the 100-point scale, it gives them another legitimate marketing point that they can use.”
Mr Reedman, who is in his final year as chief judge at the wine show, said it had been “a real privilege” to be involved with the event.
“It’s been a fantastic three years to see the industry continue to evolve and see that evolution accelerating,” he said.
“I’m very happy to have been involved and I hope one day in the near future they’ll invite me back.
“It’s a great credit to the show committee and all of the volunteers to get this show happening and to have a show dinner.
“The Riverland represents such a big part of the Australian industry that to be able to have the show is good news.”