CHALK Hill Wines has claimed the McLaren Vale wine region's most prestigious prize, with director Tom Harvey and winemaker Renae Hirsch crowned Bushing Monarchs at the McLaren Vale Wine Show on Friday.
Chalk Hill Wines' 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache was the highest scoring wine of the 2020 McLaren Vale Wine Show, earning its creators the coveted Bushing Monarch title.
Attracting more that 760 exhibits, the competition was judged by a panel of SA judges including Seppeltsfield Wines' Fiona Donald, Deviation Road's Kate Laurie and Peter Lehmann Wines' Tim Dolan, as well as local judges from across McLaren Vale.
Chair of Judges David LeMire highlighted the region's diverse winemaking talents in respecting traditional styles while also challenging the status quo.
"The McLaren Vale Wine Show was a pleasure to judge," Mr LeMire said. "The region is strong on diverse styles and varieties, and few regions are as effective in both respecting traditional styles, and also adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
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"Shiraz and cabernet were as strong as ever, the resurgence of grenache continues, whites from fiano and emerging red varieties are flourishing, and rosé is impressive.
I think we all felt grateful that the show could go ahead, as it is a sign of normality and an opportunity to come together as a wine community."
The annual Bushing Lunch would normally attract hundreds of guests, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the trophy presentation was live streamed from Kay Brothers Winery to five satellite Bushing Lunch venues across the region on Friday.
McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association general manager Jennifer Lynch was thrilled to see a grenache take the top gong.
"McLaren Vale grenache has steadily gained a reputation for wines that are focused, fresh and respectful to site. It's exciting the 2020 Bushing title has been awarded to a variety synonymous with our region," Ms Lynch said.
"Congratulations to Chalk Hill Wines and winemaker Renee - after opening their new tasting room in early 2020, this title is a thrilling way to cap off a huge year of exciting developments and success."
- Full results of the McLaren Vale Wine Show are available here.
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