Securing 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze Medals out of 2,895 Entries
May 15th – JOHNSON CITY, Texas – Carter Hospitality Group announces that Carter Creek Winery in the heart of Texas Hill Country earned eight awards, including four gold medals, three silver and one bronze at the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. This 21st anniversary competition especially celebrates the wines of Texas, and there were 539 Texas wine entries included in the 2,895 total entries – from 1,032 wineries around the world. Esteemed judges – sommeliers, winemakers, wine educators and other industry professionals – judged wines from 22 countries including North America, Argentina, Bulgaria, France, Israel, Italy, South Africa and Spain. Wines were assessed in 158 separate classes for awards determination.
Carter Creek Family Winery’s vineyards produce varietals especially unique due to the combination of an extremely warm growing season and an early harvest delivering softer, fruit- driven wines. The four Gold Winners from Carter Creek are listed below with tasting notes for each:
- Peach Sparkling, Texas High Plains, NV, the Reserve Texas Class Champion, was created to produce a sparkling peach wine that is real in flavor and aroma. The base wine is made from 95% chenin blanc, 4% muscat canelli and 1% pinot noir with a secondary fermentation of the blend in Charmont tanks. Then, natural peach flavors and aromas are added for a beautiful cuvee. It delivers a “bushel basket of fruit, right down to the peach fuzz in the mousse.” To be enjoyed with ambrosia salad, light cheeses or smoky BBQ.
- Plateau Red, Texas High Plains, 2022 is produced with New World Sangiovese and Sangiovese Blends and has distinct Sangiovese (50%) black cherry, plum and red licorice notes. The 46% Montepulciano is more acidic and less tannic, and the 4% Dolcetto brings roundness. It is a classic red blend with great drinkability. To be savored with grilled meats or pasta.
- Tempranillo Sparkling Rosé, Texas High Plains, NV earned Reserve Class and Texas Class Champion, in addition to the Gold. As a varietal, Tempranillo is fast defining the Texas viticultural scene and this vintage was harvested in the early morning of the last week of August. It showcases a delicate aroma of strawberries, cranberry, pomegranate and citrus peel, delicately riding on an effervescent wave. Great as a warm weather sipper and food-friendly with any type of seafood, paella or tapas.
- Brut, NV, named Reserve Class Champion, is a wonderful varietal of 85% chenin blanc, 10% pinot noir and 5% chardonnay with delicate melon and floral notes and a subtle yeastiness due to 12 months of extended lees aging. This brut is classic in style and is to be enjoyed with mild cheeses, light seafoods or fried chicken.
“Participating in and winning eight distinctions at the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition is particularly rewarding to Carter Creek Winery because of the competition’s goal to honor Texas wines and winemakers,” said Jeff Carter, president of family-owned Carter Hospitality. “As always we extend our gratitude to Jon McPherson, our master winemaker, and his talented team.”
About Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region with an onsite microbrewery serving craft beer. More information is available at www.cartercreek.com, Facebook and Instagram.
About Carter Hospitality Group
Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.
