Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay awarded Decanter World Wine Awards “Best in Show”

Fraser Gallop Estate’s Parterre Chardonnay 2018 has received the ultimate accolade of Best in Show at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards, announced in London today.

It was the only Western Australian wine to be recognised in the awards this year, and one of only six from Australia. 

In London this morning, Decanter announced: “In a great year for Chardonnay in our competition, this Western Australian example stood out for its sheer assurance and class, as well as for the intelligence of its approach: perfectly judged ripeness and skilful vinification are both amply in evidence here. We've always known that Margaret River can make great Chardonnay: here's yet more proof in a balanced, contemporary style which sings.”

Decanter is the wine world’s most respected monthly publication.

It is Fraser Gallop Estate’s second major recognition from Decanter; in 2009 the Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 was awarded the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend under a slightly different awards structure. 
"To our knowledge this is the first time an Australian producer has won the award for both their red and their white wines", says vigneron Nigel Gallop, "This is an incredible honour and a testament to the great team here at the Estate". 
Now in its 17th year, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. Chaired by the experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process.

Throughout August 116 judges including 37 masters of wine and nine master sommeliers tasted and analysed the merits of 16,518 wines produced by some of the world’s top wineries in 56 countries.
Six vineyards from Australia were awarded Best in Show. Only a total of 50 (a mere 0.3% of all wines entered) were awarded the highly sought-after accolade of “Best in Show”, whittled down from the winners of the 178 platinum, 537 gold, 5,234 silver and 7,508 bronze medals. Australia was awarded a total of 779 medals, with six Best in Show, 17 Platinum, 58 Gold and 332 Silver and 366 Bronze. 

Best in Show is judged by the Award’s three Co-Chairs: Michael Hill Smith MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW and Andrew Jefford. 

“This has been a challenging year for the industry and for our Estate. To receive this following our 18th vintage in the Estate's 21st year of operation is quite a birthday present!" says Gallop.

“Over the years we have had great recognition from Australian wine critics both within the media and wine show fraternity, which is something we truly value, and to receive acknowledgment again from independent arbiters abroad in the Northern Hemisphere is incredibly gratifying.”

Established in 1999, Fraser Gallop Estate comprises 50 acres (20 ha) under vine of which approximately 18.5 acres (7.5 ha) are planted with chardonnay vines. 
The vineyard features undulating topography and gravelly laterite loams over clay subsoil providing the ideal conditions in which to grow Bordeaux and Burgundy grape varieties. The unique location, geography and climate conditions combine to imbue the colour, flavours and aromas found only in Fraser Gallop Estate wines.

Grapes are sourced solely from the Estate’s single vineyard. Through minimal intervention, naturally occurring environmental yeasts and a hands-off winemaking approach,  the wines are made by the same winemaker each year on the Estate and aged in French oak coopered specifically for our winemaking team of Clive Otto and Ellin Tritt. 
“The beauty of Chardonnay is its ability to vary drastically on the palate depending on where it is produced; the grapes adapt so well to their surrounding environment that the resulting wines truly encapsulate each sub-region", says Otto, Fraser Gallop Estate's chief winemaker. 

“We challenged ourselves to create a chardonnay that is the quintessential representation of our region, capturing and expressing the best of the Estate, the nuances of the vineyard and Wilyabrup as a whole. We believe we have achieved this with our 2018 Parterre Chardonnay.” 

To find out more about the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 click here