Photo: Angela Lisman
The 2014 McLaren Vale Wine Show will become the first wine show in Australia and possibly the world to introduce food into the judging process while also inviting the public inside the show via a series of unique dinners and tasting events.
Four categories of the show – Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and ‘Whites’ – will incorporate dishes prepared by four of McLaren Vale’s finest chefs in the final stage of judging.
Four ‘Silver Bullets’ of the Australian wine judging scene will join the judging discussion and will host a series of public dinners, showcasing top examples of the variety from McLaren Vale and around the world alongside the region’s premium culinary offerings.
The ‘Silver Bullets’ attending this year’s show from October 20-23 are James Halliday, Huon Hooke, Iain Riggs and Brian Walsh.
In accepting the invitation, Walsh has praised McLaren Vale for “breaking new ground”.
“I’ve been a great advocate for the Aussie show system over the years, but it must continue to adapt and shows should differentiate their offering… I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Walsh said.
The chefs and restaurants tasked with creating the dishes to match the wines are Karena Armstrong at the Salopian Inn, David Swain at Fino, Nigel Rich at The Elbow Room and Shawn Peddle at Star of Greece.
Karena Armstrong says it’s an honour and a challenge to be involved with the groundbreaking event.
“For me, food and wine always go together and I’m frequently inspired to create a dish to suit a wine, so to see the world of wine judging opening up to this concept is fantastic,” she said.
“As to what I’ll create to be the signature dish to match McLaren Vale’s famous Shiraz… I’m still experimenting with some flavours and ideas – it’s an almighty task!”
Following the traditional Bushing King lunch, where all the trophies are presented, free public tastings of the trophy and medal winning wines will be held in McLaren Vale as well as Adelaide’s CDB.
McLaren Vale Wine Show Committee Chair Daniel Zuzolo, from Primo Estate, expects the additional elements of this year’s show will raise some debate.
“The question of whether wine should be judged with food is a heated one in the wine world but we feel that, with exceptional regional produce and the skills of our great chefs being so much a part of our lifestyle here in McLaren Vale, it’s a natural fit,” Daniel said.
“We believe great wine and food is to be celebrated, so we want to invite people from our local community and all around the country to come and share the very best of what we have to offer in our vibrant coastal wine region.”
Tickets will be available from September 12 at www.trybooking.com/FTYV.
Sign up for updates at www.mclarenvale.info/silverbullets.
Key dates and events for the 2014 Wine Show:
Monday, 20 October Judging begins at Serafino
Dinner at Elbow Room with Huon Hooke, 6pm, Cabernet theme
Tuesday, 21 October Judging continues
Dinner at Star of Greece with Brian Walsh, 6pm, Whites theme
Wednesday, 22 October Judging continues
Dinner at Salopian Inn with Iain Riggs, 6pm, Shiraz theme
Thursday, 23 October Final day of judging
Dinner at Fino with James Halliday, 6pm, Grenache theme
Friday, 31 October Awards presentation and Bushing King lunch
Tuesday, 4 November Exhibitors and public tasting, Serafino
Friday, 14 November
Free public tasting of trophy and gold medal winners at the
National Wine Centre, 5.30pm
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