The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has held the first and second rounds of judging for its 15th annual Irish Wine Show. The awards will choose the top 45 wines for Irish wine drinkers to enjoy over the next 12 months, and to date have brought bottles from almost 225 international artisan wine makers to the Irish market.
With over 600 wines submitted this year, a panel of NOffLA expert judges have selected a total of 45 wines across key price categories, with the overall winners set to be announced in October. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, and taste as well as value for money. Each of the winning wines will go on to be sold in the 315 NOffLA member outlets nationwide, and will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle.
Speaking at the event, Gary O’Donovan, Chairman NOffLA explained, “The Irish wine show and Star Awards judging process sees NOffLA members utilise their training, expertise and experience to bring Irish consumers the very best wine offerings in terms of quality, value and choice.”
He also took the occasion to talk about how high excise, which sees Irish consumers pay 624% more excise on wine then their European counterparts, is negatively affecting the wine sector.
He added, “The independent off-licence sector is committed to providing local jobs and helping the recovery reach local communities, for example if excise duty were reduced, 70% of our members would look to hire staff.”
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
