Calabria Family Wines was awarded two trophies from the respected wine show for the 2015 ‘Private Bin’ Montepulciano, while grower Jim Minato received the Riedel Trophy for best grower/viticulturist for the Montepulciano fruit he delivered to the winery.

Mr Minato said the recognition was the result of the positive and collaborative relationship between grower and winery that both parties had cultivated along with the grapes.

“It just shows what can be achieved when we treat each other as equals and work together,” he said.

“I’m pretty stoked with the awards.

“It’s pretty rare for a grower to get some accolades and I am just coming down now and realising what we have achieved.

“It’s been a team effort and I am really grateful to Westend for giving me the opportunity.

“They have been pretty fair in regards to pricing and I really couldn’t have achieved this without winemaker Sam Trimboli’s help and advice.”

Calabria’s 2015 ‘Private Bin’ Montepulciano performed well in front of judges winning a trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red Table Wine and also Best Single Vineyard Red Wine.

Mr Trimboli described the Italian variety, not widely grown in Australia and considered an alternative variety, as luscious and full bodied with chalky tannins.

“We’re pretty happy about the awards, it was a real team effort,” he said.

Fellow winemaker at Calabria Family Wines Emma Norbiato was similarly thrilled.

“The trophies for our Calabria Private Bine Montepulciano are a great result for the Riverina region, highlighting the strength of selecting the right varieties for warm climates,” she said.

‘Working closely with Jim through pruning, bunch thinning and harvesting decisions has enabled the best fruit possible.”

“We felt from the beginning we were right on track with the Montepulciano, the wine is powerful and luscious yet restrained.”