Riesling leads NZ charge at major global competition

10 October 2014

Riesling leads New Zealand charge at major global competition

A Central Otago Riesling has scooped two top awards at the prestigious UK-based International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), while a Pinot Noir hailing from Wairarapa secured the competition’s coveted Pinot Noir Trophy.

Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2009 was awarded both The Single Vineyard White Trophy and The Jancis Robinson Trophy for Riesling, while Lansdowne Estate Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2010 won The Bouchard Finlayson Trophy for Pinot Noir.

“Having a New Zealand Riesling win two major trophies provides international recognition that the quality of wines being made from the variety in the country is truly world class,” commented New Zealand wine writer, Jo Burzynska, who was in the UK to judge the New Zealand classes at this year’s competition. “This win for Pinot Noir also indicates that New Zealand’s examples are up there with the world’s best.”

New Zealand put in a strong performance across the board. Of this year’s record breaking number of entries to the IWSC from New Zealand, almost 90% received an award. This was the second highest rate for any country in the Competition, whose overall average was 81.5% of wines receiving an award.

Now in its 45th year, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the premier competitions of its kind in the world and aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. A full list of results is available at www.iwsc.net

Gold medals were awarded to:
Two Sisters Vineyard Single Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2009 (Trophies)
Lansdowne Estate Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2010 (Trophy)
Terra Sancta Shingle Beach Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
Yealands Estate Winemaker Reserve Gibbston Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
Ribbonwood Marlborough Riesling 2013
Marisco Vineyards A Sticky End Marlborough 2011
Ara Select Blocks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Gris 2014
The Ned Noble Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013

ENDS

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