UK fame for our Adelaide Hills fizz

Deviation Road’s NV Altair Brut Rosé from the Adelaide Hills picked up top gold at the 2014 UK Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA). In the same week Deviation Road’s 2010 Loftia Vintage Brut was listed in Matthew Jukes’ 100 Best Australian Wines list 2014-2015.

Judged by a top panel of leading sommeliers and on-trade buyers, the SWA has a distinct goal: to create the ultimate wine list in the world. SWA still awards medals – like most wine competitions – but the aim of the game is to secure a spot on the sought-after Gold List. With close to 1900 entries, from all corners of the world, this is no easy feat.

The 2014 SWA had a Hollywood twist – no Champagne Rosé’s made the Gold List. Instead, the spot was coveted by non-Champagne Rosé’s. The official tasting notes from the SWA judges said, “The perfect balance of texture, acidity and depth took Deviation Road to the top.”

“Very champagne-like” added Filipe Bhering Reis of Barbecoa of the Adelaide Hill’s Brut Rosé which also picked up silver in the 2013 SWA.

Matthew Jukes summed up his thoughts on Deviation Road, “Kate’s winemaking is precise and sensitive and she is abundantly aware of the consumer (not a quality that all winemakers have) and this gives her an angle on deliciousness which features prominently in this beautiful sparkler.”

“Her formal training in Champagne has stood her in good stead, but it is the pristine Adelaide Hills fruit here that shines in the glass” continues Jukes.