Golden Grove winemaker Ray Costanzo says the winery’s impressive haul at the 2014 Queensland Wine Awards is due to the hard work the whole team put in year after year.
This year on top of picking up three golds, three silvers and eight bronzes at the annual awards, Golden Grove were also named Queensland Winery of the Year.
Ray picked up Queensland Winemaker of the Year for the second time and his father Sam Costanzo was dubbed Queensland Viticulturist of the Year for the third time.
While impressed with all of the awards, Ray said having The Vintage Grand Reserve 2012 Durif named Champion Wine of the Show and Champion Alternative Variety was a big honour.
“This was the best buzz,” he said.
“It was judged by David Morris, a guru and legend in the industry when it comes to Durif.
“For him to rate it as highly as he did, is one of my biggest achievements.”
Golden Grove’s 2013 Chardonnay was named Champion Mainstream Variety – White Wine as well.
Ray said it was great to have their standard wines achieve as well as their alternative wines.
“It is all about consistency across the board,” he said.
“Every wine I make, no matter what the cost, I aim to make to the highest quality.”
Also picking up a champion wine award was Mason Wines for their 2014 Verdelho, in the under $20 category.
Mason Wines winemaker Anthony Rametta said he was happy with how they went.
Altogether they picked up three bronze and a gold for the Verdelho.
“You go into these awards not expecting to pick up anything, so when you do, it is a bit of a surprise and makes you a little bit happy,” Mr Rametta said.
Mr Rametta said he was happy to see the Verdelho pick up a gold.
“It is our biggest seller,” he said.
“I always knew it was a high-quality wine, but it was still a surprise to win.”
Stanthorpe Border Post – 12th Sep 2014
