15 wines from around the world, priced to appeal to all budgets, were selected for exclusive inclusion in the National Off-Licence Association’s (NOffLA) Gold Star 2010-2011 Wine Collection, unveiled today at the Association’s annual Irish Wine Show 2011.

Mackenway Distributors Ltd. swept the board winning 3 out of the 15 Gold Star award categories including; the much coveted ‘Wine of the Year 2010’ award and Overall Award Winner, for MUSEUM REAL RESERVA 2004 and the equally prestigious ‘White Wine of the Year 2010,’ for SHOOFLY CHARDONNAY 2008.

With over 500 wines typically available in any NOffLA outlet, the Gold Star Awards enable consumers to identify some of the very best wines available in Ireland.

The winning wines were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money. Each of the 15 award winners is available in NOffLA’s  330+ independent off licences around the country and will be clearly identifiable, on shelf.

 According to NOffLA Chairperson, Evelyn Jones, the Gold Star Awards play a key role in communicating the variety of excellent wines available in Ireland, at different price points; “The awards are categorised by price so have gained a reputation, over the past nine years, for being the essential guide for selecting great wines at any price,” said Ms. Jones.   “There is sometimes a misconception that the higher the price, the better the quality of wine. But, four of NOffLA’s Gold Star winners retail at under €8 so we are confident that consumers will be able to pick up some superb wines, whether they want to spend €7.99 or €19.99.

“The Gold Star Awards brochure, which includes tasting notes, will also provide shoppers with the confidence to try new wines that are selected and recommended by an expert tasting panel.”

NOffLA’s annual Irish Wine Show took place at the Pavilion in Leopardstown, where distributors showcased their portfolios and promotions for Christmas and the year ahead.