Wines from 17 different countries and 42 states poured into Indianapolis for the largest wine competition in the U.S. The Indiana State Fair Indy International Wine Competition had a total of 3,859 wines entered in the competition-271 of which were from Indiana. The Governor's Cup, awarded to the winery with the overall best quality, the Indiana Grown Hybrid Wine Champion and the Indiana Grown Native Wine Champion all were awarded to Huber Winery, of Borden, for its 2005 Vignoles and Catawba wines. The Indiana Grown Vinifera Wine Champion was awarded to Oliver Winery of Bloomington for its Creekbend Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. The Indiana Grown Fruit Wine Champion also was awarded to Oliver Winery for its Bean Blossom Hard Cider.
"Indiana is home to 32 wineries and is an important part of Indiana agriculture," said Ellen Butz, Purdue University wine specialist. "Hoosier wineries contribute more than $33 million to Indiana's economy." Not only did Hoosier wineries fare well, but the following wineries were recognized for product excellence.
Mission Hill Family Estate of Westbank, British Columbia, Canada was awarded the Best Of Show award, sponsored by American Airlines for its 2004 Five Vineyards Riesling Ice Wine. Best red wine honors went to California's Martin Family Vineyards, 2003 Martin Petite Sirah, and best white wine to Sileni Cellar Selections from New Zealand for its 2006 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
The best commercial sparkling wine was awarded to Champagne Pommery, Reims, France for its 1998 Millesime Grand Cru champagne. Fosters Wine Estates of Australia took best dessert wine honors for its Trafford Tawny Port. Best rose/blush honors went to California's Harlow Ridge Winery for its 2005 Blush, Lodi. The V. Sattui of California was awarded for having the highest overall quality of wines entered. The last two categories, best fruit wine and honey wine were awarded to Cooper's Hawk Winery of Illinois for a Rhubarb wine and to Meadery of the Rockies of Colorado for its Guinevere.
Wines from countries as far away as Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Italy were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste and overall balance by a panel of sixteen judges. In all, 82 judges were brought in from as far away as California, New York and Quebec to evaluate the wines. Indiana award winners from the Indy International Wine Competition were honored August 2 at A Taste of Indiana Agriculture Wine Reception, attended by approximately 1,900 people.
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