COVID-19 has spoiled so many events in 2020, but it couldn’t stop the Idaho Wine Competition from proceeding on a hot and sunny day in the middle of August. That’s not to say its presence wasn’t felt. For the 11th edition of the event hosted by Great Northwest Wine, the judges were respectfully spaced at least six feet apart from one another, per social distancing safety guidelines, at Koenig Vineyards in Caldwell, Idaho.
In spite of the added distance, it didn’t slow them down from evaluating 160 individual Idaho wines (a new record!) submitted by 36 wineries from across the state. It’s hard work, but someone’s gotta do it. In this case, it was completed by an expert panel of writers, sommeliers, winemaking consultants, wine buyers and other industry experts.
Right about now, you’re probably reconsidering your career choice. But be careful what you wish for. To judge wine, you better know what you’re talking about. The judging is blind, which is just a fancy way of saying the judges have no idea what they’re drinking. There are no labels, corks or other clues to go by. Instead, the judges rely on their own expert senses — including the appearance, smell, taste, texture and overall quality of each wine.
Since the competition started way back in 2010, the Idaho wine industry added two American Viticulture Areas (AVAs), increased the number of Idaho wineries by 30 percent and contributed more than $210 million annually to the Idaho economy.
Without further ado, here are this year’s winners…
Best of show, best white wine, double gold medal
Williamson Vineyards 2019 Albariño, Snake River Valley $23
Best red wine
Telaya Wine Co. 2018 Turas Journey Red Wine, Snake River Valley $34
Best sparkling wine
3100 Cellars 2016 Whitewater Sparkling Wine, Snake River Valley $36
Best rosé, double gold medal
Koenig Vineyards 2019 Dry Rosé, Snake River Valley $18
Best sweet wine, double gold medal
Cinder Wines 2019 46 Brix Riesling Ice Wine, Snake River Valley $25
Double gold medal
Gold medal
See Silver and Bronze medal complete results >>
A new feature coming out of the Idaho Wine Competition for 2020 was a boon for wine enthusiasts. Under the name Taste Idaho Gold and for a limited time the Idaho Wine Commission curated full and half-case options of this year’s Gold Medal winners at 10% off the retail price — allowing you to experience the best-of-the-best wines that Idaho has to offer while simultaneously supporting Idaho wineries.
Sales ended September 30th. So if you missed out this year, make a note today to check back in around the holiday season.
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