A small Macedon Ranges winery is the toast of the wine world after winning two trophies at a major international competition.
Tylden-based Pegeric Wines was selected ahead of some of the world’s biggest names in blind tests at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition.
The competition distinguishes itself from many others by judging wines when matched with food.
A dozen classic dishes are nominated from national cuisines, with winemakers entering wines to suit.
With its 2007 pinot noir, Pegeric was recognised for having the world’s best wine with sweet and sour pork, and it had the best wine with steamed garoupa fish (2009 pinot noir).
The winery, which makes only 100 to 200 cases a year, also claimed two second-place finishes, as well medals – four gold, four silver and three bronze – in the regular competition.
Winemaker Chris Cormack said he was elated with the success of his wines, grown on a single two-hectare vineyard planted in 1991.
‘‘My wine just seems to go well with wine and food categories,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ve been told that the judges are generally used to trying French burgundy a lot, so maybe my wines are emulating that more than a lot of other typical Australian wines.’’
Mr Cormack, who is exploring export opportunities in Asia as a result of the wins, said the high acidity of Macedon Ranges wines meant those with a bit of ‘‘bottle age’’ tended to fare well.
‘‘The region’s wines really start to shine when they’re five to six years old.’’
