Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association - 1110 N. Jackson St. Pittsfield, IL 62363 - www.illinoiswine.com
Illinois State Fair Wine Competition Winners Honored at Ag Day Luncheon - 7/31/09
URBANA – A record 425 wines were presented to twelve judges at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, June 8-10, 2009 at the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
A world-class panel of wine experts and enthusiasts judged the wines including:
• Stephen Somermeyer, Chateau Thomas Winery, Indiana
• Ellie Butz, Vintage Winery Consultants, Indiana
• Mel Runge, Indiana
• Brad Taylor, Southern Illinois University
• Sam Vandegrift, Wine Writer, Smile Politely
• Michael Anthony, Illinois
• Dale Jessie, Illinois
• Rachel Cristaudo, Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance
• Eric Da Costa, Rouge Wine Cellar, Inc.
• Jason Heiligenberg, Huber Winery, Indiana
• Paul Simpson, Piccadilly Beverage Shop
• Jeff Wheeler, University of Kentucky
Judges were divided into three panels designed to provide a tremendous depth and variety of experience, with special emphasis on hybrid wine styles and sensory characteristics. Judging was based on color, balance, aroma, clarity, taste and finish. Entries were judged using a 20-point score card. All wines with a panel majority score of 17 and above received a gold medal, 15 and above received a silver medal and wines 12 and higher were awarded a bronze medal. All gold medal winners competed for the “Best of Class” and the “Best of Show” designations. The special recognition of “Governor’s Cup” was awarded to the best red, white, and fruit wines produced from Illinois-grown fruit.
Best of Show went to Hickory Ridge Vineyard & Winery for their Norton, 2005 from the Shawnee Hills AVA.
“Norton is a native grape originally brought to Illinois in the 1700’s from the St. James River basin in Virginia. The vines are almost impossible to maintain, the clusters are small, it has a low yield per acre, and it takes forever to make into good wine. But, imagine sitting in the middle of a tobacco field under a wild cherry tree after a summer shower with a box of chocolates and a basket of plums” states Ron Presswood, Owner/Winemaker, Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery.
The Hickory Ridge Norton retails for $21.00 at the winery’s tasting room located in Pomona, Illinois.
The Illinois Wine Competition awards Governor’s Cups for the top Illinois-grown grape or fruit wines. This year’s winners are:
Red Table: Galena Cellars Eric the Red NV
White Table: Lynfred Winery Seyval Blanc 2008
Sweet Table: Fox Valley Winery Vignoles 2007
Blush/Rosé: Owl Creek Vineyard Whooo’s Blush 2008
Fruit: Pomona Winery Strawberry Dessert Wine NV
Dessert: Wild Blossom Meadery Prairie Passion 2008
Top awards were also given for wines made with fruit from any appellation. Winners are:
Red Table: Hailey’s Winery and Vineyard Road Trip Red NV
White Table: Fox Valley Winery Chardonnay Reserve 2007
Fruit/Dessert: Galena Cellars Blackberry NV
In total the commercial competition awarded 31 gold medals, 94 silver medals, and 108 bronze medals. The amateur competition netted 18 gold medals, 19 silver medals, and 52 bronze medals. Complete results can be found online at www.illinoiswine.com .
A ceremony and public tasting of the award-winning wines will be held Tuesday, August 18th at the Illinois Wine Experience during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Wine Experience is housed in the Twilight Ballroom located on Central Avenue between the U.S. Cellular High Dive Show and the Coliseum.
When asked to comment on the significance of this year’s competition, Bradley Beam, the Illinois state enologist, and one of the organizers of the contest, said, “The primary goal is to recognize the many outstanding wines produced in the state of Illinois. The number of medals awarded this year indicates that we, as an industry, are maintaining a very high degree of quality. For those entries that do not receive medals, the judges provide comments and feedback. While there are several wineries that produce wines of excellent quality year in and year out, it’s important to remember that many of the vineyards and wineries in Illinois are relatively inexperienced. This feedback should help winemakers avoid repeating mistakes, and ultimately help our industry continue to improve.”
The Illinois State Fair Wine Competition is sponsored and coordinated by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA). IGGVA established in 1992, is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners.
The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries in 1997 to more than 80 today. During this time, the acreage devoted to grape production has grown at a tremendous rate, and today Illinois is consistently among the top 12 wine-producing states.
Today the Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact of more than $253 million annually on the Illinois economy.
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Attachment: Official Illinois Wine Competition Results