Emerging grape wins gold

An emerging variety of grape has won gold for the first time at a New Zealand wine competition.

The Romeo Bragato Awards celebrate quality grapes as well as the contribution of the grape grower.

Mike Wood, grapegrower for Obsidian Vineyard in Auckland, used Italian Montepulciano grapes to create the gold medal winning wine – Weeping Sands Montepulciano 2006.

Chairman of judges Larry McKenna said that the quality of wine was extremely high this year with judging based on three categories; colour and clarity, aroma and bouquet, and taste and general impression.

"It has been a great year for the aromatics, especially Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The gold medal for Montepulciano signifies the increasing diversity in New Zealand wine," he said.

A total of 448 medals were awarded – 38 gold, 104 silver and 306 bronze.

Award trophy winners are announced at a dinner tomorrow night.