Ampersand dominates NOffLA Wine Awards

Wine of the Year was won by Ampersand Wines with Rioja Vega Crianza DOC 2018. The award was presented by NOffLA Chairman Gary O’Donovan (right) and accepted by (from left): Willie Dardis, Sinead Smith and Luis Mareculeta.
This year’s competition, held as part of NOffLA’s annual SIP Irish Wine Show Star Awards & Christmas Showcase, was again held in the Morrisson Hotel last night. Now in its 22nd year, the awards were hosted in-person for the first time in two years and – apart from Ampersand’s winning a clutch of awards – saw 48 wines win awards.
In excess of 600 wines were submitted to NOffLA’s Star Award adjudication panel and independent wine journalists. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value-for-money criteria; the winning 16 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.
The winning wines will be available to consumers from NOffLA outlets across Ireland and are recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle.
It’s hoped that in the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2022-2023 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts in a variety of special gift packs.
Prior to the awards, NOffLA Chairman Gary O’Donovan told those gathered that he believed that the Sale of Alcohol Bill was to be introduced “shortly” but was unlikely to be enacted before 2023.
He also expressed the Association’s disappointment that an alcohol excise reduction was not considered as part of Budget 2023.
“Unfortunately Irish drinks sector businesses are burdened with the highest levels of alcohol excise in the EU and UK and excise increases from a decade ago remain in place and continue to impact these small, independent businesses,” he stated, “It’s disappointing that an excise reduction was not included in Budget 2023 given the increasingly uncertain economic conditions these businesses now face.
“It is also particularly disappointing given that with Minimum Unit Pricing coming into effect earlier this year – which now safeguards against the retailing of alcohol at dangerously low prices – Ireland’s punitively high excise levels are no longer justified from a public health perspective.”
NOffLA Vice Chairman Cathal McHugh also brought the audience up to speed via a trading update.
2022-2023 GOLD STAR AWARD WINNERS
CATEGORY | WINE | VINTAGE | COMPANY |
Old World White Under €12 | Giovinello Pinot Grigio | 2021 | Ampersand Wines |
Old World White Under €15 | Cantina di Custoza, Custoza Bianco | 2021 | Liberty Wines |
Old World White Under €20 | LoLo Albariño DO | 2021 | Ampersand Wines |
New World White Under €12 | Corla Reef Chardonnay Semillion | 2021 | Ampersand Wines |
New World White Under €15 | Nuevo Mundo Organic Sauvignon Blanc | 2021 | Febvre Wines |
New World White Under €20 | Salentein “Barrel Selection” Chardonnay | 2021 | Mackenway Wines |
Old World Red Under €12 | Rioja Vega Semi Crianza | 2020 | Ampersand Wines |
Old World Red Under €15 | Rioja Vega Crianza DOC | 2018 | Ampersand Wines |
Old World Red Under €20 | Vale D. Maria Douro Superior | 2020 | Mackenway Wines |
New World Red Under €12 | Coral Reef Shiraz Cabernet | 2019 | Ampersand Wines |
New World Red Under €15 | Portillo Malbec | 2020 | Mackenway Wines |
New World Red Under €20 | d’Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018 | Febvre Wines |
Rose Under €15 | Domaine La Colombette | 2021 | Cassidy Wines |
Sparkling Wine Under €25 | Villa Conchi, Cava Brut | NV | Tindal Wine Merchants |
Champagne Under €60 | Champagne Jean Pernet Réserve Brut Chardonnay Grand Cru | NV | Febvre Wines |
Non Alcoholic Under €15 | Faber Sauvignon Blanc | NV | Ampersand Wines |
White Wine of the Year 2022-2023
|
LoLo Albariño DO | 2021 | Ampersand Wines |
Wine of the Year 2022-2023 | Rioja Vega Crianza DOC | 2018 | Ampersand Wines |