2015 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition

FEB. 23, 2015 – HOUSTON: Thousands toasted award-winning wines and tasted outstanding food from 91 distinguished Houston restaurants, chefs, and caterers to celebrate the 2015 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

In November, the International Wine Competition boasted 2,578 entries, including wines from 43 Texas wineries and 16 different countries. Medals were awarded to 2,221 wines by 20 panels of judges, consisting of wine experts, collectors and knowledgeable consumers. The champion wines are:

• Grand Champion Best of Show – Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2010
• Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show – Charles-Le-Bel, Brut, Champagne, France NV
• Top Texas Wine – Driftwood Estate Winery Longhorn Red, Texas 2012
• Top Sparkling Wine – Ricossa Winery Moscato d’Asti, Italy 2013
• Top White Wine – McManis Family Vineyards Viognier, River Junction, California 2013
• Top Red Wine – Antinori Guado Al Tasso, Bolgheri DOC Supierore, Italy 2011
• Top Region Wine – Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, Australia 2010
• Top Sweet Wine – Yalumba Antique Tawny, Southeastern Australia, NV
• Top Value Wine – Fancy Pants Red Blend, California 2012

Best Bites competition contenders presented their unique dishes to an eager audience. The 2015 Best Bites winners are:

Outstanding Showmanship Award

Grand Champion – Mister French’s

Reserve Grand Champion – Davis St. at Hermann Park

 

Popular Choice Award

Grand Champion – Royers Round Top Cafe

Reserve Grand Champion – Davis St. @ Hermann Park

 

Tasty Traditions Award

Grand Champion – Joyce’s Seafood & Steaks, white chocolate bread pudding

Reserve Grand Champion – Taste of Texas, Certified Angus Beef^® tenderloin

 

Trailblazing Appetizer/Entrée Award

Grand Champion – Davis St. at Hermann Park, crispy Thai shrimp
Reserve Grand Champion (tie)  – Brennan’s of Houston, turtle soup, and Brio Tuscan Grille, crab cakes

 

Two-Stepping Bread/Cheese/Dessert Award

Grand Champion – Mostly Chocolate & Catering, goat cheese truffle

Reserve Grand Champion – Joyce’s Seafood & Steaks, white chocolate bread pudding

 

Rookie Award – SWEET, mini pies

All champion wines will be auctioned at the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction, Sunday, March 1, 2015.

A selection of the champion wines will be available for tasting, by the glass and bottle, throughout the run of the Show, March 3 through 22, in the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Garden, located in Carruth Plaza. Times are Monday through Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays, noon to 10 p.m. For more information on event times, visit http://www.rodeohouston.com/Events/RodeoUncorked.aspx.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(C)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed nearly $375 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with RodeoHouston online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and Tumblr for all of the latest news. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Heritage Partners are NRG, Ford, Miller Lite, Coca-Cola, BP America and Mattress Firm. The 2015 Show will run March 3 – 22.