Findlater & Liberty Wines top NOffLA’s Wine Awards
Richard Moriarty of Findlater & Co which won the Red Wine of the Year.
In all, NOffLA handed out 45 awards at the recent virtual ceremony.
Now in its 20th year, the winning wines will be available to consumers all over the country from NOffLA outlets – of which there are more than 315 nationwide.
In excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Star Award adjudication panel of 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 2020-2021 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts in a variety of special gift packs.
“This annual event allows us to celebrate some of the finest products sold by our highly-trained members around the country,” said NOffLA Chairman Gary O’Donovan in congratulating the winners, “NOffLA members are committed to excellence both in terms of personal service and the high-quality wines that we offer.
“NOffLA members are at the heart of our communities throughout the country. We serve as responsible and highly-knowledgeable local retailers that contribute through direct investment and local employment. We’re calling on the Government to protect our local businesses that underpin communities all across Ireland.
“However, this offering is under serious threat,” he pointed out, “Irish excise levels continue to impede the drinks sector in Ireland, particularly now when facing the economic challenges posed by both Covid-19 and Brexit in the near future.”
The Awards saw NOffLA again call on the Government to reduce excise duty in Budget 2021. With wine consumption falling by 1.4% in 2019 and Ireland’s excise rates among the highest in Europe, NOffLA has called for a reduction of 15% to support the wider drinks sector.
“The sector has taken an unprecedented hit in recent months, with pubs, restaurants and suppliers severely disrupted by the pandemic,” said Gary O’Donovan, “And with increasing uncertainty as to when business will return to normal, a reduction in excise is now paramount to keep the sector afloat.
“The austerity-related excise increases from 2012 continue to hamper our sector. Along with DIGI, we’ve called on the Minister for Finance to reduce excise duty by 15% in Budget 2021, to provide a much-needed lifeline for our drinks sector colleagues.”
2020 Gold Star Award Winners
| CATEGORY | WINE | COMPANY |
| Old World White Under €10 | Labouré-Roi Sauvignon Blanc 2018 | Niche Vines by Counterpoint |
| Old World White Under €15 | Aveleda Alvarinho 2019 | Mackenway Distributors Limited |
| Old World White Under €20 | El Coto ‘Finca Carbonera’ 875m Chardonnay 2019 | Mackenway Distributors Limited |
| New World White Under €10 | Meerestein Chenin/Pinot Grigio 2019 | Ampersand Wines |
| New World White Under €15 | Secret de Viu Manent Sauvignon Blanc 2019 | Mackenway Distributors Limited |
| New World White Under €20 | De Loach Heritage Collection Chardonnay 2018 | Liberty Wines |
| Old World Red Under €10 | Rioja Vega Semi Crianza 2019 | Ampersand Wines |
| Old World Red Under €15 | Lopez de Haro Rioja Crianza 2017 | Findlater & Co. |
| Old World Red Under €20 | Conde Valdemar Reserva 2012 | Febvre & Co. |
| New World Red Under €10 | The Landings Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 | Ampersand Wines |
| New World Red Under €15 | Callia M Malbec 2019 | Mackenway Distributors Limited |
| New World Red Under €20 | Willunga 100 McLaren Vale Shiraz/Viognier 2018 | Liberty Wines |
|
Rosé Under €15 |
Care Solidarity Rosé 2019 | Febvre Wines |
| Sparkling Wine Under €25 | Capçanes Cava Brut Reserva NV | Mackenway Distributors |
| Champagne Under €60 | Piper-Heidsieck, Cuvée Brut NV | Liberty Wines |
| Red Wine of the Year 2020-2021 | Lopez de Haro Rioja Crianza 2017
RED WINE OF THE YEAR 2020-2021 |
Findlater & Co. |
| Wine of the Year 2020-2021 | De Loach Heritage Collection Chardonnay 2018
WINE OF THE YEAR 2020-2021 |
Liberty Wines |
