Extension for ICC Entries
There's been a flurry of last minute entries for the 10th anniversary 2010 International Chardonnay Challenge.
Entries have flooded in from all over New Zealand and Australia, but the iconic competition that celebrates the many faces of just one variety has also attracted some from Turkey and France this year.
Competition director Prue Younger has extended the closing date to April 6 to allow those who have left it until the last minute, a little breathing space.
“We want everyone to be part of our 10th anniversary celebrations so if you have left it to the last minute,” says Younger. “It's no April Fools joke, we are leaving it open now until April 6.”
In a challenging year, Younger is heartened to see continuing strong international interest and support for the competition. “We're gearing up for one of our best yet,” she says.
Judging in the Gisborne-based competition starts on May 26 and runs through to May 28 when there will be a gala awards dinner to announce the trophy winners. This year a stellar judging panel has been invited back, including many stalwarts from earlier years of the competitions, including Jane Skilton MW, who is once again chairman of judges, and former heads Mike De Garis and Larry McKenna, among other top wine critics from Australia and New Zealand.
Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2007, the 2009 champion of show, has just won bronze at the Chardonnay du Monde in France. The competition attracted 923 wines from 37 countries. It is tradition for the winner of the International Chardonnay Challenge to be entered into the French event.
Coldstream Hills winemaker Andrew Fleming will be at the 2010 ICC but this time on the other side of the table, as a judge.
One of the highlights of the 2010 event is the chardonnay forum on May 28, which covers everything from viticulture and winemaking research, up-to-the minute market data and a top line-up of international speakers and panel discussions.
For more information head to www.internationalchardonnaychallenge.com .