Riesling Challenge winds up after 26 years

 

One of Australia's most respected wine competitions is no more. 

The Committee of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge has made the difficult decision to wind up the event after over a quarter of a century. 

The Riesling Challenge was founded in 2000, and between 2000 and 2025 a total of 24 Challenges were held. 

The peak number of entries in any year was 567 (2018) and the peak number of countries entering was nine countries (2019). 

It was, at its peak, the largest single variety wine show in the southern hemisphere. 

“Regrettably the increase in international airfreight and challenging economic conditions in the international and Australian wine industries post-Covid have significantly impacted entry levels, and despite our best efforts we have been unable to return to operating a revenue positive event," said James Service, the event chairman. 

"Accordingly, the committee has agreed that ending the Challenge is the only appropriate course available. 

“From the outset, the Challenge has benefited from well qualified and skilled judges, a strong and enthusiastic steward cohort, a professional management team, the support of the diplomatic community and generous and steadfast sponsors.

“With the support of the entrant wineries we have been highly successful in our stated aim of improving the quality of riesling available to consumers, and increasing consumer’s appreciation and understanding of riesling.” 

How sweet it is for Tasmanian dessert wine

Tasmania is known as a producer of world-class sparkling wines. Its top pinot noirs are much sought-after and its white table wines much acclaimed.

When it comes to dessert wines, Tasmania is less well-known. In fact, the island state only makes a handful of sweet wines.

Alain Rousseau, the French winemaker at Frogmore Creek in the Coal River Valley, has long believed the Apple Isle can make standout dessert wines.

His point was proved when the results of the 23rd annual Canberra International Riesling Challenge were announced last night.

The award for Best Wine of the 2024 Challenge was won by the Frogmore Creek 2023 Iced Riesling, which was also named Best Sweet Riesling and Best Australian Riesling. It retails for around $28 for 375mls.

Nearly 330 Rieslings from 140 wineries across five countries - Australia, New Zealand, the US, Germany and France - were judged at this year’s Challenge. 

Regular readers will know GoTR is not a great fan of wine shows generally, but this was an outstanding result.

Chairman of Judges Cameron Douglas MS, a man with a very good palate, says: “Great riesling can be a beguiling experience with aromas, flavours and textures that resonate seamlessly with the palate. From its bone-dry steely mineral expressions to lusciously sweet and rich, there is a riesling for all occasions and palates.

"Generally lighter in alcohol, refreshingly high in fruit and natural acidity, fine riesling can echo a sense of a place and time through a captivating aroma package."

Shelley Bickerstaff, national brand manager for Frogmore Creek, was delighted.

We are really excited about this award," she says. "Alain loved the 23 Iced Riesling and is even more excited about the 2024 vintage, so this is very well received news."