Singapore toasts A+ Australian wine

9 November, 2010

Singapore toasts A+ Australian Wine

Singapore's recent Wine for Asia was a chance to taste some of Australia's finest wines at an historic Landmark Australia master-class for the region's leading wine professionals and commentators.

Hosted by Lucy Anderson, Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation's Asia Director, and tutored by Andrew Caillard MW, one of the most knowledgeable minds and palates on Australian wine; the tasting of 16 wines included Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet spanning over two decades and showcasing the diversity of Australian wine styles.

Mr CH'NG Poh Tiong, influential publisher of The Wine Review, enthused on his blog: "The white that impressed me most was Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Vat 1 Semillon 2003. Although the oldest vintage of the five whites, Tyrrell's Vat 1 had the lightest colour - almost colourless with just a pale green betraying the fact it was a wine...Irreplaceable!"

The master-class also provided the opportunity to introduce the new A+ Australian Wine brand to Singapore, following its international launch in China and Hong Kong earlier this year.

Ms Anderson explained: "Singapore is an important market for Australian wineries, boasting the highest average dollar per litre and currently ranked as the 11th largest export market by value.

"A+ Australian Wine is all about the people and places behind Australia's great wines, and this was a chance for us to share some of their stories with Singapore wine lovers."

Among the audience, Suzanne Brocklehurst, freelance wine writer and consultant, added: "The master-class provided a unique insight into the wine-making history of Australia, and how that history continues to inspire the winemakers of the present. The compelling stories which accompanied the tasting, included some particularly rare wines from such famous estates as Penfolds, Leeuwin and Wynns. The tasting demonstrated a diverse expression of grape varieties and styles, as well as a keen sense of place."

Wine for Asia took place in Singapore on 28-29 October 2010 and was supported by Austrade in Singapore, with an Australian wine stand at the trade show and networking event for local wine industry personnel.

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For further information:

Please contact Lucy Anderson, Director – Asia: lucy.anderson@wineaustralia.com

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