Irish Wine Show Winners
In all, NOffLA awarded 45 wines at its SIP 2017 event, its pre-Christmas show for off-licensee members, held in the Morrison Hotel, Dublin, of which 15 enjoyed top echelon status. Now in its 17th year, the winning wines will be available to consumers from NOffLA outlets all around the country of which there are over 315.
However, speaking at the awards, NOffLA Vice-Chairman Cathal McHugh said that, “This offering is under serious threat due to the soaring cross-border trade following on from Brexit and the 25% reduction in the value of the Sterling since the 23rd June 2016 referendum. Our members who’re locked out of the recovery due to the punitive excise rates, are under significant financial pressure because as much as 50% of the cost of a bottle of wine is excise & VAT.
“In terms of alcohol generally, Irish consumers pay 175% more than the average EU citizen,” he pointed out, adding that excise duty and employment are intertwined with his members reporting that they’ve had to reduce staff due to duty increases.
The Star Award adjudication panel comprised NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value-for-money criteria and the winning 15 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.
The chosen wines will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2017-2018 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts in a variety of special gift packs.
2017 Gold Star Award Winners
| Category | Wine | Vintage | Company |
| Old World White Under €10 | Cramele Recas, Legendary Sauvignon Blanc
Feteasca Regalá |
2015 | Febvre Wines |
| Old World White Under €15 | Marquis de Goulaine Sauvignon Blanc | 2016 | Cassidy Wines |
| Old World White Under €20 | San Marzano Estella Fiano (Salento) IGP | 2016 | Taserra Wine Merchants |
| New World White Under €10 | Tierra Antica Sauvignon Blanc | 2016 | Taserra Wine Merchants |
| New World White Under €15 | Château Los Boldos Tradition Reservé Chardonnay | 2017 | Liberty Wines |
| New World White Under €20 | Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | 2015 | Febvre Wines |
| Old World Red Under €10 | Casa Santos Lima Azulejo Tinto | 2015 | Taserra Wine Merchants |
| Old World Red Under €15 | Pasqua Lapaccio Primitivo Salento IGT | 2016 | Ampersand Wines |
| Old World Red Under €20 | Bodegas Valdemar, Conde Valdemar Reserva | 2010 | Febvre Wines |
| New World Red Under €10 | Saddle Creek Shiraz Cabernet | 2015 | Taserra Wine Merchants |
| New World Red Under €15 | Andean Vineyards Reserve Malbec | 2015 | Findlater & Co. |
| New World Red Under €20 | De Martino Gallardía Cinsault | 2016 | Febvre Wines |
| Rose Under €15 | Castaño Monastrell Rosado | 2016 | Liberty Wines |
| Sparkling Wine Under €25 | Cecilia B. Spumante Rosé | NV | Ampersand Wines |
| Champagne Under €60 | Champagne Deutz Brut Classic | NV | Febvre Wines |
| New World White Under €20 | Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
WINE OF THE YEAR 2017-2018 |
2015 | Febvre Wines |
| Old World Red Under €20 | Bodegas Valdemar, Conde Valdemar Reserva
RED WINE OF THE YEAR 2017-2018 |
2010 | Febvre Wines |
