Ampersand were delighted to be present again at the annual Irish Wine Show Awards 2017-2018 held by the National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) on the 9th of October 2017. The awards are regarded highly by the industry and represent the best of wine in Ireland for that year.
Ampersand had 7 shortlisted wines in 6 categories and was awarded 2 gold stars, 3 silvers and 2 bronze.
In excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Star Award adjudication panel of NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money criteria, and the winning 15 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.
Ampersand’s winning wines were the following:
Gold
Pasqua Lapaccio, Primitivo Salento IGT 2016
RRP €12.99
Category: Old World Under €15
From one of the most famous Wine families in Italy Pasqua comes this beauty. A wine with a depth of character showing a warm nose that reveals intense cherry plum and some choc aromas; rich, smooth and sophisticated – A perfect winner!
Cecilia Beretta, Vino Spumante Rose.
RRP €19.99
Category: Sparkling Wines Under €25
This is a classy exquisite Sparkling; Pale salmon in colour, delicate fruits of red berries and some pear is echoed on a rich smooth palate. A creamy mousse and a crisp dry finish that lasts and lasts.
Silver
Pasqua “Villa Borghetti” Lapasso Puglia IGT 2015
RRP €9.99
Category: Old World Under €10
From the now very trendy region of Puglia comes this little gem. A wonderfully soft wine showing lovely ripe summer fruits of blackberries and cherries with gentle tannins and a rewarding smooth satisfying finish.
Santa Carolina Cellar Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
RRP €9.99
Category: New World Red Under €10
Beautiful Wine Jam packed with blackcurrant fruit flavours with a silky smooth velvety finish.
Santa Carolina Cellar Selection, Chardonnay 2016.
RRP €9.99
Category: New World Red Under €10
This delicious Wine is bursting with zesty lemon and ripe peach fruit flavours, a very appealing richly textured Wine that is a real treat.
Bronze
Fairfields Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2016.
RRP €14.99
Category: New World White Under €15
From the classic region of Marlborough in New Zealand, this luscious wine combines intense white peach, nectarine, and cut green pepper aromas with beautiful fresh fruit and a superb acidity to provide a full palate and long lingering persistent finish.
Meerstein, Chenin/Pinot Grigio 2016.
RRP €9.99
Category: New World White Under €10
The tropical fruit flavours commonly associated with Chenin Blancs are enhanced in this blend by the refreshing, light and fresh Pinot Grigio, thus crafting a beautifully blended wine of Great Character and Finesse.
Willie Dardis, Wine Buyer in Ampersand said of the awards ‘These are hugely significant awards, and are the pinnacle of their respective category’s in the Irish Wine World - A big thanks to all the team , the Awards are a testament to the great work done by everyone here!’
Each of the winning wines will be sold in NOffLA member outlets, of which there are more than 315 nationwide. The chosen wines will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period, NOffLA members will promote the Star Awards 2017-2018 collection as ideal Christmas gifts, offering consumers a diverse range of high quality products.
Ampersand are offering a great selection of trade deals to promote the winners and accompanying wines from their respective ranges. A full point of sale package is available containing shelf talkers & posters for floor display. For more information please contact your Ampersand Representative or contact Ampersand directly on (01) 4130150.