Let’s face it, while we’re self-isolating, we should at least be enjoying some of the best Australian produce we can get our hands on.
The Show may not be going ahead, but the spotlight still shines on great Australian produce and back in December, the 14th Annual President’s Medal finalists were named. The competition is the Royal Agricultural Society’s most prestigious wine, dairy and fine food award. It delves into a company’s entire production cycle, including its financial, environmental and social impact, looking beyond just the taste of the products.
The finalists this year were:
- Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture
- Southern Highland’s Gumnut Patisserie
- Heathcote Estate
- Sydney’s Julianne’s Kitchen
- McLaren Vale’s Shottesbrooke
- Yumbah Aquaculture
The winner was due to be announced during the President’s Medal Dinner on April 8th, but unfortunately this event has since been cancelled due to the current global circumstances. But fear not, we have decided that everyone is a winner! Here are our (very unofficial) winning products from each of the finalists.
The top picks of the pack:
- Tiger Prawns, Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture
These guys are no strangers to the President’s medal (they’ve been nominated twice before) and their Tiger Prawns are the star of the show. They’ve also been the recipient of countless Gold Medals at the Royal Fine Food Show.
- Salted Caramel Tart Southern Highland’s Gumnut Patisserie
Gumnut Patisserie are used to sweeping up awards at the Royal Easter Show. Their Lamb and Rosemary Piewon the 2011 Champion Pie of the Year, and many of their other products have walked away with gold medals. One of their most recent winners was the Salted Caramel Tart and it’s easy to see why, the tart is usually sold out early in their bakeries.
- 2017 Single Vineyard Shiraz Heathcote Estate
This wine is a winner, baby!! Awarded the highest honour at the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show last August, this shiraz has layers of black and red fruits and poised with floral notes. Yum!
- Caramelised Onion Jam Sydney’s Julianne’s Kitchen
Julianne’s Kitchen is famous for their pate, and they should be with their signature mousse-y texture. But we’re recommending the Caramelised Onion Jam. Slow cooked for four hours giving you as much natural sweetness as possible.
- 2017 Single Vineyard Chardonnay McLaren Vale’s Shottesbrooke
You have your red wine, here’s your white wine. Shottesbrooke are renowned for their high-quality wines, and this one is no exception. The characters in this dry chardonnay are fun and vibrant, with fresh stone fruit and zesty lime flavours, with a dash of nougat and smoky oak tones. It’s dominated by the grapefruit and nectarine taste you know and love from Shottesbrooke wines, get me a glass NOW.
- Abalone Yumbah Aquaculture
Yumbah is the largest producer of Greenslip Abalone in the world! The sweet subtle flavour makes the Greenslip one of the most sought-after ocean delicacies in the world. They’re snap frozen and sold around the country so jump onto the Yumbah websites and choose one of their yummy recipes for a meal you won’t forget.
So while the world appears to be crumbling outside our front doors, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy a glass of Heathcote Estate Single Vineyard Shiraz while snacking on some delicious tiger prawns. Royal Easter Show goodies in the comfort of your own home!
