Champion Sweet Wine the Jewel of the Range for Forrest Wines

The title of Champion Sweet Wine at the 2021 Marlborough Wine Show is another title to add to a growing list for Forrest Wines. 

Officially titled the Barrel Finance and Logistics Champion Sweet Wine, the trophy was awarded to the Forrest Wines Botrytised Riesling 2018, the most renowned wine in the family business’ range. 

It was also the only wine of seven in the category to receive a gold medal this year.

Forrest Wines’ Carlos Rojas says the team has lost count of the awards received by this wine over the years, which first had roots planted more than 30 years ago.

“This little wine has become, without a doubt, the most renowned wine in our range, having won more awards than we can count and being poured in thousands of long haul flights around the globe,” Carlos says.

Marlborough has an ideal climate for late harvested dessert wines, thanks to cool nights and temperate days, modest autumn rainfall and a harvest period lasting into June.

“These elements allow the berries an extended time on the vine, concentrating the sugars and flavours while retaining acidity. We have been making sweet Rieslings since 1993 from three vineyards located within the Wairau Valley,” Carlos says.

“Two are on geologically young, stony, free-draining gravels close to the river; producing intense citrus aromas and pristine crisp acidity. The third, within the Southern Valleys, lies on geologically older soils, crushed stones with a portion of clay which gives the fruit flavours of stone fruit and Asian spice, softer acidity and tremendous mouth texture.” 

The trophy for the 2018 vintage also represents a passing of the baton within the company. 

“Winning this trophy with our 2018 vintage pays great tribute to the roots planted by [Founders] John and Brigid [Forrest] more than 30 years ago, now in great hands with Beth Forrest, bringing youth and enthusiasm to develop our wines for generations,” Carlos says.

Trophy sponsor Barrel Finance & Logistics is a leading alternative finance company which enables wineries to grow and develop through the leasing and rental of equipment.

It is fantastic to have such an innovative and supportive organisation on board with the show.