Tasmanian wineries dominate International Riesling Challenge

With four trophies at this year’s Canberra International Riesling Challenge (CIRC), more than any other
wine region or nation, Tasmania’s wine industry is solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s best
premium cool climate wine regions.

Northern Tasmanian winery, Chartley Estate, dominated the prestigious 2015 CIRC event, taking out three
trophies including the Best Dry Riesling in the world and the Best (Riesling) in Australia.

Tasmania’s success continued with the trophy for Best Australian Museum Class awarded to Waterton
Wines – also located in the state’s north – for its 2010 Botrytis Riesling. Museum Class refers to any
Riesling produced prior to 2012.

Chartley Estate, located in Rowella on the West Tamar, also won the trophy for the Best Riesling from
Tasmania.

Chartley Estate Proprietor Lorraine Kossman said it came as a huge shock to take out so many awards.
“We put so much hard work into the vineyard, but you just never expect to win this big! We really are
thrilled,” Ms Kossman said.

Winemaking Tasmania Senior Winemaker, Greer Carland, who has worked with both wineries to produce
their award winning Rieslings, said it was a coup for Tasmania to beat so many winemakers from around
the globe in the world-renowned CIRC.

“The Riesling Challenge attracts wines from Riesling producing countries around the world and is the most
significant event of its type in the southern hemisphere,” Ms Carland said.

“This year the CIRC judged around 500 Rieslings across all styles from seven countries, using international
judging panels with global palettes.

“For Tasmania to take out four of the six eligible trophies in the Challenge is an outstanding achievement
and further enhances the state’s reputation as one of the world’s best cool climate wine regions.”

Ms Carland said Winemaking Tasmania had been working with Chartley Estate since 2003 and was
absolutely thrilled it had been recognised for its passion and dedication to producing the world’s best dry
Riesling.

“The team at Chartley has always put a huge amount of effort into making sure their vines are perfectly
prepared in the lead-up to harvest and this prestigious accolade highlights that hard work in the vineyard
is essential to producing quality wines.”
Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations