THE high quality Limestone Coast Wine Show has left a good taste in the mouth of Canadian wine judge Michelle Bouffard.
Reflecting on her time judging last month’s competition, Ms Bouffard was full of praise for the Limestone Coast wine region, her first exposure to the cooler climate Australian wines despite it being her fifth time in the country.
After a whirlwind tour of the Penola and Coonawarra district on her arrival, the base for the wine show, Ms Bouffard said she fell in love with the area with its isolation a unique factor.
“That is one thing that I love about Australia is that everywhere is different and unique,” Ms Bouffard said.
“It is also colder here in the Limestone Coast which was difficult when I first got here but it was also pleasing for me because it was good to experiment as cooler weather is a big part of the climate and style of wine.
“In some ways I was glad it was cooler.”
Ms Bouffard praised the region’s wine, stating she had not been exposed to its Cabernet Sauvignion before.
“I experienced some older vintages when I went on the fantastic tour around the region and I think it is important to have an international judge coming to visit,” she said.
“There is a freshness and elegance with the wine around the region which just confirms what I already knew about the region.
“It was a huge discovery for me.”
Ms Bouffard said wines from the Limestone Coast were not currently available in Canada and said the Limestone Coast experience was fantastic.
“I am overall impressed with everything in the region and I love the freshness and drink-ability of it all,” she said.
“Every time I come to Australia I find the communities so welcoming and fantastic.
“Australians are very laid back but are also very direct and I just love that combination.”
