New Zealand wines have notched up a record number of top awards at the prestigious UK-based International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). New Zealand beat entrants from all other nations to take home both the IWSC Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc Trophies, as well as 20 gold medals across one of the widest spread of styles and varieties ever seen from New Zealand at the competition.
The Crown Range Cellar Signature Selection Grant Taylor Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 was awarded the IWSC Pinot Noir Trophy and the Rapaura Springs Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 won the IWSC Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.
“The standard of New Zealand wines entered into this year’s competition was extremely high,” commented New Zealand-based wine writer and judge, Jo Burzynska, who was a New Zealand panel chair at the IWSC this year. “It was also great to see such a range of varieties winning top awards, as well as some exciting diversity in the Sauvignon Blanc classes that saw a number of complex older barrel fermented Sauvignon Blancs rewarded.”
“The regional and stylistic diversity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is gaining international acclaim,” said Chris Yorke, Global Marketing Director, New Zealand Winegrowers. “This will be a core theme at the upcoming inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough on 1-3 February 2016”.
New Zealand has historically put in a strong performance with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines at the long-established competition. However, with top awards this year spanning Sauvignon Gris to Syrah, Pinot Gris to Gewürztraminer, as well as a number of older barrel fermented Sauvignon Blancs, the results reinforced the message that New Zealand is no ‘one trick pony’ on the international wine stage.
Gold medals were awarded to the following New Zealand wines:
Crown Range Cellar Signature Selection Grant Taylor Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 – IWSC Pinot Noir Trophy
Rapaura Springs Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 – IWSC Sauvignon Blanc Trophy
Invivo Central Otago Michelle’s Pinot Noir 2014 – Outstanding
Marisco Vineyards Craft Series The Journey Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 – Outstanding
Glenora Waiheke Island Syrah 2014 – Outstanding
Waimea Estates Nelson Sauvignon Gris 2015 – Outstanding
Weaver Estate Wines Central Otago Pinot Gris 2013 – Outstanding
Misha’s Vineyard The High Note Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Yealands Estate Land Made Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014
The Crossings Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014
Mills Reef Elspeth Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2013
Marks & Spencer Mount Bluff Gisborne Brut NV
Giesen The August 1888 Barrel Fermented Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Giesen The Fuder Dillons Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marisco Vineyards Craft Series Pride and Glory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Koha Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2014
Spy Valley Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2014
About the IWSC
Established in 1969, the IWSC was the first competition of its kind, set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Currently receiving entries from around 90 countries, the IWSC is truly international in its reach and recognition. Judged by panels of carefully selected industry experts comprising Masters of Wine, buyers, sommeliers, WSET qualified educators and respected wine journalists, its awards are recognised globally as a badge of quality.
