6 Nations Wine Challenge

The Six Nations Wine Challenge annually brings together the greatest minds of the wine community from around the globe, to discover the world's best wines

ABOUT THE SIX NATIONS WINE CHALLENGE

Six Nations Wine Challenge was founded by Judith Kennedy, as Tri Nations in 2003. The original competing nations were Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Why this show? To open communication between the New World winemakers and to spread knowledge and increase wine trade between the countries involved.

The Challenge is owned by the Association of Australian Boutique Winemakers (AABW). www. boutiquewines.com. au The AABW previously founded the Boutique Wine Awards wine show in 1996 which represents the only national wine show for winemakers producing under 250 ton. Huon Hooke has chaired this show for 18 years.

Argentina and Chile were invited to join the Challenge in 2010 and the USA joined the Challenge in 2013 completing the New World producers group.

This unique wine show is the only recognised wine show in the world where all of the entries come in following an individual invitation by the judges of each nation.

The Judges are: Huon Hooke – Australia; Michael Fridjhon – South Africa; Fabricio Portelli – Argentina; Bob Campbell MW – New Zealand; Dan Berger – USA and Eduardo Brethauer – Chile. They are all experienced international wine judges and wine writers. They convene in Sydney during August to judge the 600 wines.

There are 20 trophies determined each year; One for each of 17 Classes, plus White and Red Wine of Show and Wine of Show. Nation of Show is calculated from the aggregate scoring as determined by the scores for all wines.

The Classes are: Sparkling, Riesling, Aromatic (non Riesling), Other White Varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, White Blends, Pinot Noir, Merlot & Carmenere, Malbec, Shiraz, Cabernet, Major Red Varieties, Other Red Varieties, Bordeaux Blends, Rhone Blends, Dessert.

It is widely reported that the wine trade between South Africa and Australia has increased noticeably due to the Challenge. Australia’s wine importers have made deals with Argentinean and Chilean companies as a result; Australians have become aware of more and more varieties from New Zealand and it is anticipated that the USA will see this as a small yet growing and important market for their top line wines.

All for the benefit of the New World wine markets and the consumers there-in.