The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has just announced the winners of its 17th annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards, recognising a total of 45 wines at SIP 2017. The chosen will be available all over the country at NOffLA outlets.
The association took the opportunity to call on the government to reduce exice duty on alcohol, specifically wine, pointing out that it’s currently taxed on average 624% higher in Ireland than other EU countries.
Cathal McHugh, Vice-Chairman of NOffLA mentioned that “NOffLA members are committed to excellence both in terms of personal service and the high-quality wines that we offer”, but he warned that “this offering is under serious threat due to the soaring cross-border trade following on from Brexit and the 25% reduction in the value of the Sterling since the 23 June 2016 referendum.” He pointed out that up to 50% of the cost of a bottle of wine can be excise and VAT alone.
The Winning Wines
Over 600 submissions were sent to the Star Awards, and they all were judged by a panel of NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists. Appearance, smell, taste and value were the criteria to rate the samples, and the winning 15 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.
The winners will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. Below, this year’s Gold Star Award Winners…
White Under €10 – Cramele Recas, Legendary Sauvignon Blanc, Feteasca Regala 2015 (Febvre Wines)
Old World White Under €15 – Marquis de Goulaine Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Cassidy Wines)
Old World White Under €20 – San Marzano Estella Fiano 2016 (Taserra Wine Merchants)
New World White Under €10 – Tierra Antica Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Taserra Wine Merchants)
New World White Under €15 – Château Los Boldos Tradition Réserve Chardonnay 2017 (Liberty Wines)
New World White Under €20 – Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2015 (Febvre Wines)
Old World Red Under €10 – Casa Santos Lima Azulejo Tinto 2015 (Taserra Wine Merchants)
Old World Red Under €15 – Pasqua Lapaccio Primitivo Salento IGT 2016 (Ampersand Wines)
Old World Red Under €20 – Bodegas Valdemar, Conde Valdemar Reserva 2010 (Febvre Wines)
New World Red Under €10 – Saddle Creek Shiraz Cabernet 2015 (Taserra Wine Merchants)
New World Red Under €15 – Andean Vineyards Reserve Malbec 2015 (Findlater & Co.)
New World Red Under €20 – De Martino Gallardía Cinsault, Itata Valley 2016 (Febvre Wines)
Rose Under €15 – Castaño Monastrell Rosado 2016 (Liberty Wines)
Sparkling Wine Under €25 – Cecilia B. Spumante Rosé NV (Ampersand Wines)
Champagne Under €60 – Champagne Deutz Brut Classic NV (Febvre Wines)
Red Wine of the Year 2017-2018 – Bodegas Valdemar, Conde Valdemar Reserva 2010 (Febvre Wines) [Also named Old World Red Under €20]
Wine of the Year 2017-2018 – Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2015 (Febvre Wines) [Also named New World White Under €20]
More information: noffla.ie
