Kate Greenberg (r), Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, congratulates Qutori Wines owner Julie Bennett (l), vintner Kyle Bennett, and husband Richard Bennett. Photo by Krista Kafer.
Krista Kafer
Westword
Deemed best among the fourteen wines selected for the 2019 Governor’s Cup Collection, Qutori Wines’ 2017 Syrah placed Best in Show at this year’s Colorado Uncorked wine tasting event at the History Colorado Center on November 15.
Remarkably, Paonia-based Qutori Wines is only two years old and a first-time participant in the Governor’s Cup competition. Vintner Kyle Bennett, the 27-year-old son of Qutori Wines owner Julie Bennett, credits the support of the community for the winery’s early success. “I had a lot of help from the people of Paonia,” he says. “It’s a special place.”
Bold and full-bodied, Qutori’s Syrah is eminently drinkable with or without food.
“We are truly honored and humbled to be recognized as the Best in Show winner at Colorado Uncorked and featured alongside all these wonderful Colorado Wines,” adds Julie Bennett, “We are proud to bring this trophy back to Paonia and the West Elks AVA.”
Governor’s Cup
The 2019 Governor’s Cup Wine Competition received 251 wine submissions from 43 Colorado wineries – including several new wineries – all of which were judged by a panel of sommeliers, chefs, writers, and wine experts from around the country. Qutori, the Best of Show winner, was announced during the annual Colorado UnCorked Event on November 15, 2019. This event was the first and only opportunity for the public to try all of the award-winning wines at the same time.
“Our award-winning Colorado wine industry continues to grow and is an important part of our local tourism and agriculture industries,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The wine industry adds nearly $3 billion to Colorado’s economy, supports more than 27,000 jobs, pleases the palates of hundreds of thousands of discerning wine connoisseurs, and is responsible for over $100 million in tourist spending annually.”
“Overall, the scope of wines entered this year provided a great snapshot of the incoming paradigm shift in the quality of Colorado wine,” said Clara Klein, Sommelier for Frasca. “Wineries have hit home with several varieties, such as Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. All of which, when treated with a deft hand, thrive in the continental mountainous climate of Colorado. No longer just a region to have on one’s radar, but rather on the table.”
Award Winning West Elks AVA Wines
Double Gold Red:
- Qutori Wines – 2017 Syrah
Double Gold White:
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Dry Riesling
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Riesling
Gold Red:
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Rose of Pinot Gris
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Rose of Pinot Noir
Silver Red:
- Qutori Wines – 2017 Estate Pinot Noir
- Qutori Wines – 2017 Pinot Noir Reserve
- Stone Cottage Cellars – 2015 Pinot Noir
Silver White:
- Qutori Wines – 2018 Chardonnay
- Stone Cottage Cellars – 2018 Pinot Gris
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Chardonnay
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Riesling Reserve
- Storm Cellar – 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
Bronze Red:
- Qutori Wines – 2017 Pinot Noir
Bronze White:
- Stone Cottage Cellars – 2017 Gewurztraminer
