Australian wines have stormed one of the world's most prestigious wine competitions; taking nearly one third of all Gold medals and more Trophies than any other country
[ClickPress, Thu Oct 04 2007] Everything looking up for wine producers Down Under, as the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) reveals the winning wines from the Southern Hemisphere and all wine & spirit product Trophies today, at their Showcase tasting in London.
The IWSC is the only drinks competition in the UK to have taken the initiative to organise a judging schedule that allows the producers from the Southern Hemisphere to submit their samples some months after vintage, in order to properly show their latest releases. This enterprising approach has been very well received by the winemakers, and has resulted in wines from 2007 being included in the celebratory tasting today.
Said Allen Gibbons, Executive Director of the IWSC;
“ With all the wine results now agreed, we’re delighted to reveal that Australia has taken a strong lead with 38 Gold (Best in Class) and a further 6 Gold medals. Considering that across the entire wine entries from around the world we only awarded 118 Golds in total, this is a marvellous vote of confidence in Australian wines.
“It was also great to see South Africa picking up four Trophies, including the best worldwide Shiraz and best worldwide Chardonnay, so Australia ought not to get too complacent!
“At the IWSC we are particularly rigorous in our judging and number amongst our international panels, 40 MWs, 30 winemakers and many highly qualified members of the trade. Whether the triumphant wines are famous brands or new discoveries, we are confident that the conclusions reached by our panels are borne of both expertise and impartiality.
“A Technical and Judging Committee provides an independent overview of procedures and judges for 2007 include; Julian Brind MW, Nick Room, David Wrigley MW, Maggie McNie MW, David Molyneux-Berry MW, Philip Goodband MW, Angela Mount, Peter Nixson, David Stewart and Dave Hughes.”
Wine Australia Regional Manager for UK, Kirsten Moore, added;
“We are absolutely thrilled with these results! In recent years there has been a significantly more focussed and critical approach by our producers to ensure that the end quality of the wine is paramount in the wine making process. There is a determined mix that brings together a scientific approach and first rate technology with meticulous viticultural practices, extensive site trialling and experimentation. All of this is fuelled by a real passion for what we are doing in Australia with our wine.
“Australia has never been scared of innovation but we have a great heritage we are proud of too. It’s good to see some of our most established wines up there and heartening to see newcomers who are the next trailblazers. As Australian winemakers gain further understanding of their respective regions and ‘terroir’ and continue to follow the never-ending pursuit of perfection - we will hope to build on this success at the IWSC for years to come”.
Full details on today’s winners are to be found in the IWSC results CDRom, available at the Showcase tasting or from midday today on www.iwsc.net
IWSC Trophy for Eiswein/Icewine
Winner: AP Signature Series Vidal Icewine 2005
IWSC Trophy for Port Wine
Winner: Dow’s 30 YO Tawny
Oenologique de Champagne Trophy for NV Champagne
Winner: JM Gremillet Brut Selection Champagne NV
IWSC Trophy for Vintage Champagne
Winner: Waitrose Brut Vintage 1999
IWSC Trophy for Special Edition Champagne
Winner: Charles Heidsieck “Champagne Charlie” 1981
Yarden Trophy for Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine
Winner: Brown Brothers Pinot Noir/Chardonnay/Pinot Meunier NV
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy for Blended Red Wine
Winner: Taylors Eighty Acres Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005
IWSC Trophy for Single Estate Wine
Winner: Hess Collection Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Warren Winiarski Trophy for Cabernet Sauvignon
Winner: Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Frescobaldi Trophy for Vintage Red Wine (over 5 years)
Winner: Baron de Ley 7 Vinas Rioja Reserva 2001
Further information;
www.iwsc.net
Lesley Gray, Marketing & Public Relations Manager,Page
International Wine & Spirit Competition
e-mail: Lesley@iwsc.co.uk Tel: ++ 44 (0) 1483 548963
David Lindsay or Yvonne May
Lindsay May PR
Tel: ++ 44 (0) 207 470 8890
e-mail: david@lindsay-may.co.uk yvonne@lindsay-may.co.uk
Mobiles: ++ 44 (0) 7711 531646 ++ 44 (0) 7711 531644
Company: Lindsay May PR
Contact Name:
YvonneMay
Contact Email:
yvonne@lindsay-may.co.uk
Contact Phone:
+ 44 207 470 8890
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