The opinions expressed in NGV Uncorked regarding the Niagara and Ontario wine industry are those of the author. Niagara winery & wine selections in NGV Uncorked reflect personal preferences and are based on recent winery visits and tasting sessions, not reviews by wine critics / writers or industry wine awards.

 

Vol. I - 3   /   March 2009

Award-winning wines ...

Best ... or Best in Show ?

As usual, the announcement of the 2008 Canadian Wine Awards and Cuvee 2009 Awards sent wine drinkers, including myself, scurrying to Niagara wineries to buy up gold-medal-winning wines before they were gone (or the price went up). With a large number of Niagara wines being awarded "GOLD", the shopping list is a bit long this time, but that isn't surprising given the hype surrounding Niagara's 2007 wines - perhaps the best vintage ever in the Peninsula.

But are the award-winning wines really the best wines ? Obviously, the answer is "no", for a number of reasons, and at any wine competition, the award-winning wines are, at best, only "best in show". After all, wine appreciation (and therefore judging) is based on personal preferences and entirely subjective. So, while wine awards are a good way to recognize the success of the grower and the skills of the winemaker, there is no best wine (except the one(s) you enjoy).

 

Tarnishing the medal somewhat (... without malice)

• Not all eligible wineries choose to participate in wine awards events.
• Not all wineries have similar resources, facilities or staff capabilities.
• Some Niagara wineries share a single winemaker's time & talent.
• The number of wine entries for each winery is limited.
• Expensive wines may be unfairly compared to inexpensive wines.
• Older vintages, not entered, may be superior to more recent vintages.
• Wines may come from different wine regions (appellations) or sub-apps.
• Judges are seldom equally qualified or experienced in wine appreciation.
• When paired with food, wines "perform" differently than on their own.
• Wineries may "test" new wines rather than proven vintages & varietals.

While wine awards may identify some truly exceptional wines, many of Niagara's best wines may never be put to the taste in competition. The caution here is simple: do not acquiesce to the opinions of others when it comes to selecting, purchasing and enjoying wines that satisfy your particular preferences. If you like it, it's a winner !

 

NGV Uncorked (editorials) - Archives



9. Steps in the Right Direction ?
8. Initial Pop Will Fizzle Out
7. What Are They Drinking ... er, Thinking ?
6. Big Brother Not Watching or Helping Much
5. Bottle Shock - Niagara Style
4. LCBO - VQA Rebate Discontinued
3. Best ... or Best in Show ?
2. Cellared in Canada Wines
1. Riesling - Niagara's Signature Wine

Niagara Grapevine pours only VQA Ontario wines