This evening, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced winners from the 2021 Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition, awarding the top honor of Grand Champion Best of Show to repeat winner Alexander Valley Vineyards CYRUS, Alexander Valley, 2014. The Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show was awarded to Le Chemin Du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV.
The 2021 competition was held Nov. 13 – 15 at NRG Center, with health and safety protocols in place throughout its duration. A total of 2,601 entries from 18 countries were featured in this year’s event, including wines from Argentina, England, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and Spain. Texas wines represented 346 entries and 351 entries were received from this year’s featured region, Sonoma County, California.
“The 2021 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition featured an incredible selection of wines from around the world, with the Alexander Valley Vineyards CYRUS, Alexander Valley, 2014 wine taking home the top prize as Grand Champion Best of Show,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “Many of these award-winning wines will be available for purchase at retail locations, and be sure to check out the selection in the Champion Wine Garden during the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.”
The 2021 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition champions included:
GRAND CHAMPION BEST OF SHOW Alexander Valley Vineyards CYRUS, Alexander Valley, 2014 RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BEST OF SHOW Le Chemin Du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV TOP TEXAS WINE Ron Yates Tempranillo, Friesen Vineyards, Texas High Plains, 2017 TOP RED WINE Famiglia Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG, 2015 TOP WHITE WINE William Hill Estate Winery Chardonnay, Benchland Series, Napa Valley, 2017 TOP SPARKLING WINE Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut, Champagne AOC, NV TOP DESSERT WINE Harveys The Bristol Cream Solera Sherry, Jarez DO, NV TOP REGION WINE Three Sticks Chardonnay, Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 2017 TOP VALUE WINE Private Selection Robert Mondavi Riesling, California, 2018
- Top All-Around Winery: Wilson of Dry Creek
- Top Wine Company: E & J Gallo Winery
- Top Region Wine Company: Matrix Winery
- Top Texas Winery: Messina Hof Winery
VIEW WINNERS BY WINERY VIEW WINNERS BY MEDAL
Award-winning wines from the annual competition will be paired with gourmet dishes at the 2021 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition and will be sold at the 2021 Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction & Dinner. A selection of these wines will also be available for purchase by the glass or bottle in the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost Bank, during the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, scheduled for March 2 – 21. For more information on the Rodeo Uncorked! events, visit rodeohouston.com/wine.
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 $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news. The 2021 Rodeo is scheduled for March 2 – 21.
