Barossa Shiraz Beats World’s Best

Oct. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Highly awarded Barossa estate, Gatt Wines has triumphed again. 2008 Gatt Shiraz has been awarded the trophy for best syrah/shiraz at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London.

The IWSC highlights the quality and excellence of the world’s finest wines and spirits.

In a stellar performance, the premier release Gatt Shiraz beat over 20 gold medal finalists worldwide, including the best shiraz from Australia, USA, South Africa, Canada, Chile and Argentina. The win is the latest in a remarkable string of awards for 2008 Gatt Shiraz, tallying over 25 double gold and gold medals to date. The wine ranks an incredible number four in the world ranking wine and spirits (WRW 2013) compiled by the World Association Wine and Spirits Writers and Journalists.

Winning the prestigious IWSC shiraz trophy is an exceptional achievement for Australia.

The influential award captures the attention of leading international wine buyers and influencers. It drives home the superiority of Barossa Valley as the heartland of Australian shiraz.

Gatt Winemaker David Norman celebrates his 27^th vintage in the Barossa, a region renowned for some of the greatest old vine shiraz in the world. He was proud to receive the tremendous accolade, saying that wines originating from Barossa Valley have distinctive appeal.

“This wine is the essence of the Barossa, it has real richness and power that are hallmarks of the region. It’s a full bodied and rewarding shiraz with layers of flavour and classic chocolaty tones.”

The winning wine is a compelling reflection of the famous terroir in Australia’s home of shiraz. It hails from an exceptional single vineyard grounded in the heart of Barossa Valley.

It is crafted by hand in small batches from low yielding old vines dating back to 1972.

Rich soils and generous climate promote ripe, flavour packed grapes. The result is characteristic power and intensity, founded on a dense core of fruit.

Now in its 44th year, The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the premier contest of its kind. Widely regarded as the world’s most consistent and comprehensive wine and spirit competition, the IWSC sets the benchmark for international quality. The rigorous competition spans nearly 90 countries. A meticulous judging process combines detailed technical analysis with stringent blind tasting by high calibre judges.

The prestigious IWSC shiraz trophy will be presented at a gala banquet in London’s historic Guildhall on November 13. Full award details can be found at iwsc.net

Gatt wines are available winery direct and via selected fine wine retailers and restaurants.

Visit gattwines.com

TASTING NOTES  - 2008 Gatt Shiraz

This is hallmark Barossa Valley shiraz. A magnificent bouquet of black forest berries, currant and star anise is woven with smoldering, spicy layers. The dense, dark core of blackberry fruit is layered with damson plum, mulberry and cinnamon twirl. Rich, ripe and opulent with classic chocolate, a lick of licorice and cedary tobacco notes. Robust structure with firm, fine tannins and enduring power. Succulent and delicious now, will evolve further over many years. Gatt Shiraz is wholly hand crafted and worked by gravity. It was hand picked from old estate vines before a record heat spell in a warm, dry season. Good ripening conditions contributed to superb fruit quality with intense flavour and concentration. It was hand plunged, pressed into small batch parcels and matured in new and seasoned French and American oak for 18 months. Only the finest barrels were selected for the final assemblage.

Recommended retail AUD $55

RECENT AWARD HIGHLIGHTS - 2008 Gatt Shiraz

Trophy  - Best Syrah/Shiraz       2013     International Wine and Spirits Competition

Double Gold          2012     Terravino Wine Competition

Double Gold          2012     A Woman’s Choice International Wine & Spirits Comp

Gold          2013     Selections Mondiales des Vins

Gold          2013     Les Citadelles du Vin

Gold          2013     Mundus Vini

Gold          2013     Monaco Women & Wines of the World International

Gold          2013     Japan Wine Challenge

Gold          2012     AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge

Gold          2012     International Wine Challenge

Gold          2012     Vinus International Wine & Spirits Competition

Gold          2012     Michelangelo International Wine Awards

Gold          2012     China Wine Awards

Gold          2011     China International Wine & Spirits Competition

Gold          2011     Wine Challenge Konradin Selection

Gold          2011     Berlin Wine Trophy International Competition