South Australian wine producers have once again demonstrated their dominance on the international stage, receiving 40 out of the 41 Grand Gold and Gold medals awarded to Australian wineries at the recent MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2024.
This marks a continuation of a trend that has been establishing itself across various world wine awards over recent months. One example is South Australia’s strong performance in the Drinks Businesses’ Top 100 Master Winemakers list for 2024 in which eight of the 13 Australians featured belonged to South Australian wineries.
Taylors Wines stood out as the strongest Australian producer at the Spring Tasting, receiving the award of Best Producer – Australia for the second year in a row. It also received the accolade of Best in Show – Australian White for its Jaraman Sauvignon Blanc, which retails for $25. The Best of Show – Australian red was awarded to Kilikanoon’s Oracle Shiraz, which sells for $96.
Mitchell Taylor, Managing Director and Winemaker at Taylors Wine, believes that the recognition has come at a crucial time for Taylors as the Australian wine industry remains hopeful for the approaching end to China’s ongoing tariffs on Australian wine imports.
“It’s an interesting time for the Australian wine industry,” said Taylor.
“On one end, our winemakers continue to be celebrated for their skill and outstanding wines, which is something to celebrate. On the other, we continue to feel the pressures of ongoing trade tariffs in China on top of some of the most challenging international market conditions in over a decade.”
While the reopening of China’s market will undoubtedly be a cause of celebration for Australian wine, it is unlikely that the market will resolve the current wine glut that Australia is currently experiencing. Therefore, having recently achieved accolades in international competitions will likely serve as more important than usual for wine producers looking to be distinguish themselves from the competition.
“We’re feeling very optimistic about the potential of China reopening to our wines, particularly as we know through these awards we can demonstrate that Australian wines are some of the best in the world,” said Taylor.
“I’m thrilled Taylors is recognised again at the MUNDUS VINI and look forward to celebrating with the team at the winery as we continue to work through vintage 2024.”
Taylors’ success at MUNDUS VINI, one of Europe’s largest international wine shows, follows on from other recent success’ including its perfect 100-point rating and the trophy for International Champion at the VINUS International Wines & Spirits Competition in Argentina and its trophies for Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year – Import for Taylors St Andrews Shiraz 2020 at the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.
“International wine shows provide a valuable benchmarking opportunity for our wines against producers worldwide,” said Taylor.
“It’s amazing to see wines from across our portfolio recognised on the global stage. I’m so proud of the team and confident the future is bright for Australian wineries.”
The MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting was held as part of the ProWein trade fair in Düsseldorf, which started on March 10 and will continue until tomorrow, March 12.
