Golden Start to the 2022 vintage at Windowrie
The 2022 vintage is underway in the region with many white varieties already picked.
Whilst the white varieties are yielding below average, the reds (yet to be picked), are forecast to have average yields. The grapes have higher acid levels due to the cooler ripening season, also ensuring no sun damage on the fruit as temperatures were below 35 degrees. The only white remaining on the vine is Picpoul which ripens with the reds.
Vintage arrived with great news for the Canowindra winery, receiving two gold medals in the past ten days at two highly regarded wine shows.
The first was a gold medal for the 2020 Pig in The House Shiraz at the 2022 Sydney Royal Wine Show.
“The wine was awarded 95 points and was equal top gold in the class which is something that makes us very proud,” said Windowrie winemaker Anthony D’Onise.
“The competition at the Sydney Royal is extremely tough, with hundreds of Shiraz entered from every region in Australia. The Pig in the House Shiraz has now won a gold medal every year for the last five years.”
The second gold medal was awarded to the 2021 Natural Wine Co. Shiraz at the 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show.
Jason O’Dea explained, “The gold medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show is a huge achievement for the team at Windowrie. Our philosophy in making wine is to make wine that is not only better for the consumer, but better for the environment; it is a wine made without the use of preservatives.
“To win a gold medal at this prestigious show in an open class up against conventionally made wines indicates that wine can be made naturally and be of the same quality as the best Shiraz wines from Australia.”
Jason continued, “after a difficult growing season with record November rainfall we are rapt to be bringing fruit into the winery. Vintage will continue for the next five to six weeks with Windowrie using a combination of local and international visitors to help harvest the crop.”
“Like everyone, finding the right staff to help with vintage has been a challenge. However, we have an excellent team this year and while the yields are down, the cooler finish to the season means that quality is some of the best we have seen.
“The awards have put a spring in everyone’s step and helps drive us forward to continue making wine that is being recognised as being of equal quality to any wine made in Australia.”
For further information please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications on 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
Jason O’Dea at Windowrie Estate on 02 634443234 or wine@windowrie.com.au
Established by the O’Dea family in 1988, Windowrie Estate experienced considerable success, allowing them to build a winery in 1999, which was certified organic in 2008. Windowrie produces a number of brands including Windowrie, Pig in the House and The Natural Wine Co..