Old World Red secures ‘Wine of the Year’ accolade

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 2013-2014 Wine Collection, unveiled today at the Association’s annual SIP Drinks Show 2013 @ Ely Bar & Brasserie, IFSC, Dublin 2.

Mackenway Distributors Ltd. picked up the much coveted ‘Wine of the Year 2013-2014’ award for Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 2009 (Puglia, Italy) while the equally prestigious ‘White Wine of the Year 2013-2014,’ went to Liberty Wines Ltd. for Alpha Zeta ‘C’ Chardonnay 2012 (Veneto, Italy).

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 315 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 twelve 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 €10 so we are confident that consumers will be able to pick up some superb wines, whether they want to spend €10, €15 or €20.

“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.”

For more information on the Gold Star Awards click below

Gold Star Awards 2013-2014