Home Barrel Competition – Fortified Wine Judging

Home barrel competition port keg 16x9

Home Barrel Competition 2023
The Liebichwein barrel shed has collected many oak casks of various sizes that house liquid gold. Ron and Janet Liebich are proud to continue the great tradition of ageing and blending fortified wines. Only a few decades ago, Muscat and Tawny used to dominate the Barossa wine scene.

Liebichwein host an annual consumer fortified wine judging competition to celebrate these classic styles and engage with our passionate customer base who manage their own barrels. Previous competition entries have included super-syrupy rare tawny, rare sweet Tokay-like flavours and quite young Tawny blends. All wines entered will get a professional evaluation by Ron and an experienced judging panel including his daughter Briony, an experienced sensory analyst and qualified wine educator. Entrants will receive tasting notes and feedback for each wine entered.

Wine Entry Information

Entries are open Australia-wide as long as a 200mL wine sample can be sent without spilling a precious drop. All entries must be received by 4th September 2023 for judging (entry fee $10 per wine). Entries can be dropped off at Liebichwein during cellar door hours or posted to the winery in a well-sealed clean glass bottle/jar with secure packaging.

Competition Results 2023

Thanks to all entrants from across Australia, some so keen they sent us multiple samples. All wines were of consistent quality with a few jumping out to claim top Gold medals. The top prize winner took home a dipstick trophy with personalised engraving. Congratulations to Allan Gadd!
 
It’s wonderful to see such passion for maturing fortifieds in our wine loving community.

Recipe: Caramelised Onion, Fig, Rosemary and Wine Sauce

 

 

 

 

Caramelised Onion, Fig, Rosemary and Wine Sauce

This quick and versatile sauce is more like a savoury compote. Excellent condiment for using figs, especially when you have had enough of sweet fig-based desserts. Serve as a sauce with roast lamb, baked fish, on pizza bases or like a relish. It’s just as good made with a full-bodied red wine or Port style wine.

Prep 10 mins  Cook 25 mins

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

500g brown onions, sliced thinly

1 cup fresh figs or 1 cup dried figs

1/4 cup wine (Liebichwein red wine or Tawny Port)

1 cup stock (chicken or vegetable)

1 tbsp Liebichwein Muscat Vinegar (balsamic vinegar can be substituted)

1 tbsp chopped rosemary or thyme (fresh or dried)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Method

Prepare sliced onions and cut figs into quarters if using fresh figs.

Heat olive oil in large frying pan. Add onions and sprinkle some salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden, about 20 minutes.

Stir in figs, wine, stock, vinegar and herbs. Increase heat to high and simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Add salt and pepper taste.

Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, freeze in small portions until ready to use.

Enjoy!