Came in 2nd out of almost 3,000 contenders from 22 countries
November 2023, Houston and Napa Valley— Smith-Madrone’s 2018 Riesling has been named Reserve Grand Champion, Best of Show, at the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition, organized by the Houston Livestock Show & RodeoTM.
The competition was held November 10-12 at NRG Center in Houston and featured 2,985 entries from 22 countries. The top honor went to Beau Joie Brut Champagne AOC, NV. The secondary top honor went to Smith-Madrone’s 2018 Riesling. Other categories included Top Texas Wine, Top Red Wine, Top White Wine, Top Sparkling, Top Dessert and others.
“The Riesling earned a Double- Gold medal and was awarded Class Champion of the Riesling – Dry ($22 – $36) category,” said Jennifer Lindsay, wine show director at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “It then advanced to the semi-finals round where it was selected as one of the top 15 wines to move on to the Super Panel. Finally, it earned the second most points in the Super Panel round to be awarded Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show,” she adds.
Of note is that the Smith-Madrone Riesling is the only wine from Napa Valley to be a finalist in any category.
“I am quite pleased to hear that Smith Madrone Riesling won Reserve Grand Champion at the prestigious Rodeo Uncorked! Wine Competition this year,” commented James Barlow, Fine Wine Buyer America & Asia, Spec’s. “There were almost 3,000 wines judged and to have Smith Madrone rank so highly is such a great honor for the winery. I couldn’t be happier for Stu and Charlie Smith. I have said for many years now that Smith Madrone produces some of the best (if not THE best) Riesling in the United States. Spec’s is a proud retail partner with this outstanding winery,” he added.
“We are so very honored by this award,” says Stuart Smith, founder and general partner, Smith-Madrone. “I’ve believed in Riesling as a variety since we first planted it in 1972. When well-made, dry Rieslings age and improve for many years; they also complement more dishes than any other varietal. We simply love this varietal and I am proud to champion it,” he added.
The Smith-Madrone Riesling is currently available at Spec’s Wines & Finer Foods throughout Texas or from the winery’s website (www.smithmadrone.com ).
The wine will be featured at the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition on February 18 and at the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction & Dinner on February 25.
Smith-Madrone is one of Napa Valley’s authentically artisanal wineries, founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith. Winemaking and grape-growing are handled entirely by the two brother-proprietors, Stuart and Charles Smith, iconoclasts known for their staunch adherence to dry farming on their mountain vineyard. All of Smith-Madrone’s wines come from the 38 acres of estate vineyards surrounding the winery, at elevations between 1,300 and 1,900 feet, on slopes angling up to 34%. When the Smiths planted their vineyards in 1971 they chose Riesling because of that grape’s excellence in mountain/hillside terroirs.
Smith-Madrone’s stature as a pre-eminent Riesling producer was confirmed when the 1977 vintage was chosen as the winner of the Riesling category in the Gault-Millau Wine Olympics judging in Paris in 1979. This wine made headlines internationally and validated the quality of the wine and its terroir.
Smith-Madrone believes in Riesling as a very long-lived grape and the winery often sells library releases; currently on offer is a vertical set of 2018, 2019 and 2021 vintages.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2024 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 17. More at rodeohouston.com and @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.
