Well done to New Zealand, which took home two awards last night when Yealands Estate and Ngatarawa Wines Ltd triumphed at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), as the winners were announced in London.
Building on its award success earlier in the year, New Zealand took home the following highly coveted awards:
James Rogers Trophy for best wine in its first year of production: Marks & Spencer Single Block Series S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Yealands Estate
Sustainable Trophy: Ngatarawa Alwyn Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay 2010, Ngatarawa Wines Ltd
Hosted by IWC Co-Chairmen and leading wine experts Charles Metcalfe and Tim Atkin MW, the elite of the wine industry gathered to celebrate the best of the best from the world of wine and witness the unveiling of 41 prestigious awards.
Charles Metcalfe said: “The IWC’s aim is to recognise excellence and help wine drinkers everywhere source some of the world’s best wines. The credibility of the IWC logo is testament to the competition’s unrivalled professionalism and meticulous judging processes. IWC medals help to take the risks out of buying wine, and point consumers towards quality wines at all prices and in all styles.”
Thorough systems and scrupulous judging are integral to the success and international credibility of the IWC which is led by a team of world-renowned wine experts working with 400 judges drawn from the wine world. Each gold medal-winning wine is blind tasted at least three (and up to six) times.
“The IWC is about to celebrate its 30th year and the influence of the competition has never been greater. We have received a record number of entries this year with more countries entering than ever before as more wine producers see the value of an IWC award win.
“The wine drinker is very well served this year with great quality and well-priced wines available worldwide. The International Wine Challenge is very proud of its role in bringing these wines to the attention of wine drinkers,” Metcalfe added.
Other Award highlights:
· Champion Red Wine: Charmes Chambertin Les Mazoyères Grand Cru 2010, Domaine de la Vougeraie
· Daniel Thibault Trophy for Champion Sparkling: Champagne Piper Heidsieck Rare Millésime 1998, Champagne Piper Heidsieck
· Champion Fortified Wine: Harveys Fine Old Amontillado 30 Year Old VORS, Harveys, Jerez
· Alois Kracher Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine: Royal Tokaji 6 Puttonyos 2007, Royal Tokaji Borászati Zrt
· Sake Champion: Daiginjo Fukukomachi 2012, National Trading Inc Kimura Brewery
· Great Value Champion Sparkling: Codorníu Rosado Brut NV, Codorníu
· Great Value Champion Fortified Wine: Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana, Bodegas Hidalgo – La Gitana
· Innovator of the Year: Marks & Spencer
· Wine Club of the Year: The Wine Society
· Sparkling Winemaker of the Year: Régis Camus, Champagnes P & C Heidsieck
· Red Winemaker of the Year: Gérard Bertrand, Gérard Bertrand
· Sweet Winemaker of the Year: Hans Tschida, Weingut Hans Tschida
· Fortified Winemaker of the Year: Manuel Lozano, Emilio Lustau
