Young Gun of Wine, an event aimed at showcasing the best up and coming winemakers in Australia, has revealed its top 12 finalists.
The 12 finalists consist of six winemakers from South Australia, two from Western Australia, two from Tasmania, and one from both Victoria and NSW/ACT.
Among the final 12 are five female winemakers, and one in a husband and wife duo.
The wines produced by the finalists range from traditional varietals such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, through to emerging varietals such as Gruner Veltliner and Sagrantino. There are also biodynamic and natural wines, and reimagined wines such as a Riesling infused with native botanicals, and a “field blend” of 10 varieties.
Judges included Nick Stock (Gourmet Traveller WINE) Mike Bennie (Delicious), Emma Farrelly (State Building), Philip Rich (The Lucas Group), Pip Anderson (MONA), Josh Elias (Alquimie), Rory Kent (Young Gun of Wine founder) and Josephine Perry (Dormilona, 2016 Young Gun of Wine winner).
The final 12 winemakers are:
NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT
- Chris Carpenter from Lark Hill Biodynamic Wines, Canberra District
VICTORIA
- Stuart Proud from Proud Primary Produce, Yarra Valley
TASMANIA
- Peter Dredge from Meadowbank, Tasmania
- Ricky Evans from Two Tonne, Tasmania
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- John Hughes from Rieslingfreak, Clare Valley
- Michael Downer from Murdoch Hill, Adelaide Hills
- Anna Hooper from Cape Jaffa, Limestone Coast
- Charlotte Hardy from Charlotte Dalton Wines, Adelaide Hills
- Rob Mack from Aphelion Wine Co., McLaren Vale
- Vanessa Altmann from Switch Organic Wine, Eden Valley
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- Yoko & Andries Mostert from Brave New Wine, Great Southern
- Remi Guise from tipe.Iscariot, Margaret River
The event’s People’s Choice event will be held on 24 May in Sydney and 19 June in Melbourne, while the overall winners will be announced on 20 June.
Image: Entrepreneur