Casino To Recognise Excellence Of NZ Pinot Noir

Media release for immediate use – 13 May 2008

Christchurch Casino To Recognise Excellence Of New Zealand Pinot Noir

Following the success of the annual South Island Sauvignon Blanc Awards, Christchurch Casino is launching the ‘Discover Pinot Noir Awards’, to recognise the extraordinary quality of New Zealand Pinot Noir varieties.

More than 500 Pinot Noir wine makers across New Zealand were invited to compete for the supreme ‘Discover Pinot Noir’ Award and the ‘Pick of the Bunch’ People’s Choice Award. The rules for entry were the wine had to be made from 100% New Zealand Pinot Noir grapes, it had to be the wine maker’s most recent commercially available vintage and could not retail for more than $50.

Christchurch Casino Chief Executive Brett Anderson says the Casino has received an overwhelming response to the awards.

“The ‘Discover Pinot Noir Awards’ is only in its first year so we originally limited the number of finalists to 40. Given the resounding number of entries we received, the majority from South Island vineyards, we decided to extend this to include an additional 21 wines.

“It just goes to show New Zealand has become a leader in producing superior quality wine, on a national and international scale. We are proud to support and acknowledge the leaders in this field,” says Brett Anderson.

More than 60 different Pinot Noirs will be vying for the supreme ‘Discover Pinot Noir’ Award, which will be judged by an expert panel led by one of New Zealand’s leading international wine judges, Terry Copeland.

The public will also have the chance to “explore this fine nz red” and vote for their favourite Pinot Noir. Guests who dine at Christchurch Casino’s Grand Café, between 8 May and 4 June, will be able to taste the various entries and vote for the ‘Pick of the Bunch’ People’s Choice Award for just $4. There will also be a public wine tasting event on 21 May at Diamond Bar.

Terry Copeland, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the wine industry, is a strong supporter of the Casino’s new initiative.

“New Zealand Pinot Noir is very much in vogue at the moment, so it’s fitting for the Casino to be launching the ‘Discover Pinot Noir Awards’. I know the awards will be very well received and supported by Christchurch’s Pinot loving public,” says Copeland.

“The choice for the supreme award isn’t going to be easy given the high calibre of entries from a number of very well regarded vineyards, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise their achievements and the supreme quality wine they produce.”

The ‘Pick of the Bunch’ People’s Choice Award and the supreme ‘Discover Pinot Noir’ Award will be presented at a prestigious cocktail evening on 5 June at Christchurch Casino.

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