20, August 2018

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association
P: +61 8 8323 8999, E: info@mclarenvale.info, W: www.mclarenvale.info

The James Halliday Grenache Challenge (JHGC) returns for its second running following the success of the inaugural wine competition first hosted by McLaren Vale in 2017.

Coordinated in conjunction with the 2018 McLaren Vale Wine Show, Grenache samples are sought from producers Australia-wide with entries officially opening Monday, August 20 and closing on Friday, September 14.

Judging will take place on Sunday, October 14 and the official trophy winner will be announced via video release on Friday, November 2.

McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association General Manager, Jennifer Lynch recognises great synergy in continuing the event following it's inaugural unveiling in 2017.

“As the home of some of the oldest bush vine Grenache in Australia, McLaren Vale produces some of the world’s best Grenache wines so it is entirely fitting for our region to host the Challenge and to continue to foster national and international recognition of this deserving varietal,” said Ms Lynch.

2018 McLaren Vale Wine Show Chair, Liam Van Pelt is eager to see the continued progression of diverse Grenache winemaking styles from all over Australia.

“The James Halliday Grenache Challenge gathers varietal Grenache wines from around Australia for a competitive tasting to celebrate the variety and provides an honest gauge of Australia’s winemaking form, catching the styles and movements developing across our landscape,” said Mr Van Pelt.

“On the back of the 2017 event, we can now taste, compare and discuss the continued evolution of one of our most underestimated varietals.”

James Halliday has long-praised Australian Grenache and the recently released 2019 Halliday Wine Companion is no exception.

“I am hugely excited by the changing approach to Grenache, particularly by appropriate vineyard management and a clear vision of the winemaking style,” Halliday Wine Companion, 2019.

For more information, entry terms and conditions and submissions, please click here.

>>>END