04 October 2021 18:00: The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has awarded its annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards to 45 wines this evening at its annual event. Now in its twenty first year, the winning wines from the Irish Wine Show Star Awards will be available to consumers from NOffLA outlets across Ireland.
At the event which was livestreamed online on Monday, NOffLA again called on the Government to reduce excise duty by 7.5% in Budget 2022, to begin to align Irish excise rates with EU levels and to protect the commercial viability of drinks sector businesses post-Covid.
This is in line with calls from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) as Irish excise on wine remains the highest in the EU; Irish consumers pay €3.19 in excise per standard bottle at 13% ABV.
Speaking at the Awards, Gary O’Donovan, Chairman of NOffLA congratulated the 2021 winners saying that “it is great to be able to celebrate some of the finest products sold by our highly-trained members around the country. As independent, specialist retailers NOffLA members are at the heart of their communities and serve as responsible and highly-knowledgeable local retailers who are committed to excellence both in terms of personal service and the high-quality wines that we offer.
“However, this offering continues to be under serious threat as Irish excise levels impede the drinks sector in Ireland and remain the highest among our EU neighbours. A reduction in excise levels of 7.5% in Budget 2022 would help protect the commercial models of businesses within the drinks sector and help provide an optimal trading environment.”
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.
Each of the winning wines will be sold in NOffLA member outlets across the country and will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2021-2022 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts, in a variety of special gift packs.
ENDS
For Further Information
Robert McDowell: Robert.mcdowell@humebrophy.com / 086 142 8977
2021 GOLD STAR AWARD WINNERS
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CATEGORY
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WINE
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VINTAGE
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COMPANY
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Old World White Under €10
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Maximo Blanco
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2020
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Mackenway Distributors Ltd.
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Old World White Under €15
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Trulli Vermentino IGP
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2020
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Mackenway Distributors Ltd.
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Old World White Under €20
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Mâcon-Uchizy, Domaine Talmard
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2020
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Tindal Wine Merchants
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New World White Under €10
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Antares Sauvignon Blanc
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2021
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Ampersand Wines
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New World White Under €15
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Asymmetric Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
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2020
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Ampersand Wines
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New World White Under €20
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Tokara Premium Sauvignon Blanc
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2020
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Mackenway Distributors Ltd.
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Old World Red Under €10
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Maximo Tinto
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2019
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Mackenway Distributors Ltd.
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Old World Red Under €15
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Trulli Salice Salentino DOP
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2019
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Mackenway Distributors Ltd.
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Old World Red Under €20
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Tuella Douro Red
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2019
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Tindal Wine Merchants
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|
New World Red Under €10
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Coral Reef Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
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2019
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Ampersand Wines
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New World Red Under €15
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Fleur du Cap Pinotage
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2018
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Febvre Wines
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New World Red Under €20
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Catena Malbec
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2019
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Cassidy Wines
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Rosé Under €15
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Domaine La Colombette Rosé
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2020
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Cassidy Wines
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Sparkling Wine Under €25
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Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava
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NV
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Findlater & Co.
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Sparkling/Champagne Under €60
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Ferrari Brut
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NV
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Cassidy Wines
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Old World White Under €20
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Mâcon-Uchizy, Domaine Talmard
WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR 2021-2022
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2020
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Tindal Wine Merchants
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Old World Red Under €15
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Trulli Salice Salentino DOP
WINE OF THE YEAR 2021-2022
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2019
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Mackenway Distributors Ltd.
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About NOffLA
NOffLA was established in 1991 and represents independent specialist off-licences across Ireland, with the sector representing 5,900 jobs in 26 counties. NOffLA works to promote the responsible sale, marketing and consumption of alcohol and to share best practices with the entire trade. NOffLA’s members' outlets are specialist or pure off-licences and tend to be owner-operated, located in the heart of their communities and employ expertise in responsibly retailing many unique products. http://www.noffla.ie/