Wine Australia and Austrade host Barossa ‘Old Vine’ master class in Taiwan
Wine Australia and Austrade, in partnership with Barossa Grape & Wine Association, hosted a Barossa’s Old Vine Heritage master class on Thursday, 23 July in Taiwan’s capital Taipei, the first collaborative event to capitalise on the growing interest in fine Australian wine in this important Asian market.
Held at Humble House Hotel, the master class was presented by Phil Reedman MW, who introduced guests to Barossa’s unique terroir, its old vines that are still producing wines today and its Old Vine Charter.
At the master class, 34 media and trade guests tasted 10 exceptional Barossa wines produced from old vines.
The wines tasted included:
2010 Henschke ‘Mount Edelstone’ Shiraz
2009 Saltram ‘The Journal Centenarian’ Shiraz
2008 Jacob’s Creek ‘Centenary Hill’ Shiraz
2010 Elderton ‘Command Single Vineyard’ Shiraz
2010 St Hallett ‘Old Block’ Shiraz
2012 Kaesler ‘Old Vine’ Shiraz
2012 Teusner ‘Righteous FG’ Shiraz
2010 Cirillo Estate ‘1850 Ancestor Old Vine’ Grenache
2010 Hewitson ‘Old Garden’ Mourvedre
2012 Langmeil ‘The Freedom 1843’ Shiraz.
Taiwan Sommelier Association President Xavier Tzeng said of the event, ‘Tasting 10 extraordinary old vine Barossa wines along with in-depth, interactive discussions with Mr Reedman and the local wine professionals was indeed an exceptional experience for Taiwan. This phenomenal master class helped us rediscover the beauty of Barossa wines.’
Another guest, prominent Taiwanese wine writer, Yu-sen Lin commented, ‘Although I already knew how great the Barossa old vine wines could be, I was still very impressed by the elegance and precision of the wines we tasted today. I also admire the way the Barossa defines and controls the use of Old Vine terms through a charter, which may be the only such classification in the world.’
Wine Australia Regional Manager Hiro Tejima said, ‘Given the Taiwanese people’s respect for history, it was most fitting to conduct this tasting around the theme of the Barossa old vine heritage. The feedback I’ve already received from guests suggests that there is great potential to redefine Australia’s premium wine offering among both wine professionals and consumers in Taiwan through careful and ongoing efforts in market.’
Austrade Taipei Senior Trade Commissioner Martin Walsh said, ‘Our research shows us that there is a strong market for high-end wine in Taiwan. We also recognise that wine enthusiasts and collectors would make viable targets as they have strong social networks based around wine. There are many sophisticated consumers in Taiwan and their interest in Australian wine is strong.’
The event follows the recent release of export figures that show an increase in the value of Australian wine exports to Taiwan of 47 per cent to A$15 million in 2014–15, while average value rose 20 per cent to A$8.33/litre.