The 2008 Mondillo Central Otago Pinot Noir produced by Bendigo-based Mondillo Vineyards has been awarded a gold medal at New Zealand’s oldest, most respected wine competition, the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards.

The Pinot Noir, the only Pinot to be served at a royal function during Prince William’s recent visit[1], received the gold medal yesterday (2 March) following the first day of judging in Auckland.

Five panels judged 1517 wines of which only 102 were awarded gold medals.

Show Director Terry Dunleavy said an increase in the number of top medal awards on the first day of judging “was an indication of the extent to which New Zealand winemakers had raised the bar on quality”.

Chair of judges Kate Radburnd praised winemakers for continued honing of techniques and improving quality by lower yields in vineyards.  “The gold medal wines are top class by the highest international standards,” she said.

Mondillo wines have received numerous medals, recommendations and accolades since Domenic and Ally Mondillo established their 12-hectare vineyard in Bendigo in 2001.

Domenic said he was thrilled to see the 2008 Pinot Noir vintage fulfil the promise they had identified back when the grapes were still on the vines.

“The 2008 vintage was a reflection of one the best growing seasons Central Otago has ever seen.

“Every Pinot Noir we have grown so far has received awards and recognition which backs up our philosophy about producing only the highest quality,” he said.

The 2008 Mondillo Central Otago Pinot Noir is described as a graceful, silky, single-vineyard wine which is dark in colour, elegant and balanced.  It is dense and rich with beautifully scented aromas of dark-cherry and plum up front, followed by vanilla and spice.  The palate is bold and velvety with a creamy textured finish.

Domenic Mondillo is an accredited member and one of Central Otago’s founding members of SWNZ – Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and ensures every step is taken to employ environmentally responsible processes in the vineyard and winery.

“We believe sustainable practice is a key strategic goal for the wine business and our practices are all guided by those principles,” says Ally Mondillo.

ENDS

Photo caption: Ally Mondillo with a bottle of the Royal Easter Show gold medal award-winning 2008 vintage

For more information visit www.mondillo.com or contact Ally Mondillo on 0274 282 214

About Mondillo Vineyards

Mondillo Vineyards was established in 2001 on 12 hectares of land at Bendigo, in New Zealand’s Central Otago region.   

Domenic Mondillo moved to Queenstown in 1981, purchasing and operating two successful Queenstown restaurants before becoming instrumental in developing a number of vineyards in Central Otago over the past 17 years.

His life and passion is and has always been wine, and he is consultant to vineyards in both Central Otago and in Oregon USA.

Ally Mondillo is Domenic’s partner in Mondillo Vineyards and following a career in graphic design she now works full time handling marketing, sales and administration of the vineyard business.

Every Pinot Noir grown by Mondillo has picked up awards and recognition:

Mondillo Pinot Noir Vintage Accolades

Mondillo 2004 Pinot Noir    
Medal in Bragato Wine Awards

Mondillo 2005 Pinot Noir    
Gold Medal, Bragato Wine Awards
Named New Zealand’s Pinot Noir of the Year alongside Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2004 - WineNZ magazine

Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir    
Gold Medal, New Zealand International Wine Show
Recommended by Cuisine Magazine
Gold Medal - Pure Elite, Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2007
Highly Recommended, Four Stars - UK Decanter Magazine

Mondillo 2007 Pinot Noir    
Gold Five Stars, Winestate Magazine Michael Cooper        
Recommended by WineNZ
Recommended by F & B Magazine Peter Saunders

Mondillo 2008 Pinot Noir    
Gold Medal, New Zealand International Wine Show
Gold Medal, Royal Easter Show Wine Awards
Recommended by Cuisine Magazine
Gold Five Stars, Winestate Magazine
Recommended by WineNZ
Silver Medal, London International Wine Show
Pure Silver Medal, Air New Zealand Wine Awards
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[1] Prince William’s royal tour to New Zealand in February 2010 finished with an al fresco evening in Wellington.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key, singers Hayley Westenra and Elizabeth Marvelly, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Rodney Hide, Pita Sharples and former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, were among the guests that dined in style under the direction of chef Ruth Pretty.  Deutz, Neudorf Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, The Ned Pinot Gris and Mondillo 2008 Pinot Noir were selected to accompany the food and celebrations.