The Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection
Sep 12, 2022
Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is proud to announce the Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection. “This is an opportunity for AMW to put the lens back onto the serious side of Sauvignon Blanc,” says master sommelier Cameron Douglas.
Comprised of both classic and alternative styled Sauvignon Blancs, the Annual Collection will ‘make a case’ for Marlborough excellence says Amanda McRae, AMW’s co-ordinator. “The aim is to highlight the quality and distinctive flavour on offer when you choose 100% Marlborough.” The selection of AMW certified wine will be determined by a trio of judges each year, incorporating a representative from media, off-premise and on-premise. “We are delighted to welcome Emma Jenkins MW, Liz Wheadon, and Cameron Douglas MS as our inaugural tasting panel,” says Amanda. “They are experienced judges and leaders in their sector.”
“I was very chuffed to be asked to judge the AMW Annual Collection,” says Emma Jenkins MW. “I have followed AMW’s progress with interest since its inception, as I believe it is a very important and useful initiative for the region. To see AMW grow and gain in rigour and integrity is really pleasing and I’m looking forward to now being a small part of this progress.”
Glengarry general manager Liz Wheadon says that the Annual Collection is an opportunity to identify those achieving top notch quality. “Benchmarking is very important in the industry, in all categories. Without knowing what good (great) looks like, it is hard for new entrants or those striving to do better to know the direction to go.”
Cameron says that too many quality focussed Sauvignon Blanc producers - whether it's specific vineyards, parcels of fruit or permaculture managed sites - are getting lost in the noise. “This is the perfect time to showcase the best of the Sauvignon Blanc variety and 2022 vintage from a region of growing diversity and competition.”
The Annual Collection is open to all members with the structured blind tasting ensuring that every wine is evaluated for its merits in the glass.
Emma hopes the Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection will demonstrate the quality and depth of certified Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. “There is no doubt that Marlborough is world class terroir for Sauvignon Blanc, and I’m hoping we will put together a collection that not only provides a benchmark for what’s in the market now, but also helps to spur on those who are serious about showing just how good Marlborough wines can be.”
The Annual Collection will provide a halo effect for the entirety of AMW. “It gives our forward thinking organisation another opportunity to celebrate its people and the breadth of our maturing region,” says Amanda.
“Highlighting success, breeds success,” says Liz. “Marlborough is a dynamic region that is full of colourful characters. I’m looking forward to next weeks tasting and getting under the skin of the region.”
The Annual Collection tasting is set for September 14th with the final selection and judges feedback presented by months end.
Appellation Marlborough Wine is excited to announce Michael Wentworth as its Chief Executive Officer. Michael’s appointment commences on 15 April, 2024 in what is a new position within the member-led organisation.
The 2023 Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) Annual Collection has been selected. This year’s highly experienced panel - Jane Skilton MW, Erin Larkin and Andrea Martinisi - were given the daunting task of assessing over 70 new release Sauvignon Blancs before determining a unanimous top 12. The resulting collection is a celebration of Marlborough’s diverse landscape.
Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is excited to announce its Annual Collection tasting will take place on Wednesday, 27 September. Introduced last year and warmly received by wine enthusiasts around the globe, the AMW Annual Collection shines an important spotlight on world-class Sauvignon Blanc.