Wine results for 2010 competition

MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 20 October 2010
For immediate release

Wine results for 2010 competition

Results for this year’s International Aromatic Wine Competition have been announced with a total of 241 medals awarded including 15 Gold Medals, 42 Silver Medals and 152 Bronze Medals, from 377 entries.

Now in its eighth year, the International Aromatic Wine Competition is open to all Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and other wine varieties including Muscat, Verdeldo, Arneis and Sauvignon Gris, made in an aromatic style from any internationally recognised region.

Chairman of judges Terry Copeland commented on the quality of 2010 entries. “Whilst the overall entry numbers were down on last year the quality remained very high. The Gold Medal count was slightly lower than last year, but the number of Silver Medals was much stronger. This shows two things – one being that the overall quality is higher which is great to see, and two, the delay in releasing the 2010 vintage for many producers reflects the tough time the wine industry has had with large 2008 and 2009 volumes” added Copeland.

The Supreme Champion Wine in Show Trophy was awarded to West Brook Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2010, judged as the best wine from all Gold Medal winning entries.

West Brook, a boutique family-owned winery established in 1935, combines traditional winemaking methods complemented by modern winemaking technology, concentrating their energies on producing wines from classical varieties that most suit the region.

“The results this year send a clear message that New Zealand is not a one trick pony (Sauvignon Blanc) with a sensational Gewurztraminer taking the top honours. However, the expected 2010 Sauvignon Blanc success shows why this will be considered a great vintage” commented Copeland.

Copeland led a panel of experienced, industry experts including: Jack Glover (Pernod Ricard New Zealand), Jane Boyle (Wine Consultant), Rex Ormandy (Vino Fino Wine), Petter Evans (Sherwood Estate), Sally Williams (Wither Hills) and Jim Harre (New Zealand Winegrowers).

All medal winning wines will be on display at the Canterbury A&P Show in the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion. The Canterbury A&P Show runs from 10-12 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park Christchurch. Attracting on average 110,000 people, over 7000 livestock and feature competition entries and 600 trade exhibitors, plus three full days of entertainment, it is the largest Agricultural and Pastoral Show in the country.

-ENDS-

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