New Zealand wines have triumphed at the prestigious UK-based International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), scooping not only the show’s top Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc Trophies, but a slew of top medals that included a record number of dessert wines.
New Zealand continued its tradition of beating all international entrants to win the Pinot Noir Trophy with the Takapoto Single Vineyard Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012 and the Sauvignon Blanc Trophy with the Tesco Finest* North Row Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016, made by Villa Maria. It also delivered a Gold Medal haul that spanned a diverse array of styles, which included a noble Sauvignon from Marisco Vineyards, a late harvest Sauvignon from Giesen and a botrytised Riesling from Oyster Bay.
“New Zealand’s Trophy wins at this year’s competition show that the country remains at the top of its game with these varieties,” says IWSC NZ Panel Chair, Jo Burzynska. “However, it was also encouraging to see the other styles the country can do so well gain international recognition, such as the dessert wines that were highly awarded at this year’s show.”
Philip Gregan, New Zealand Winegrowers CEO, says he is delighted with the results. “It’s great see a continued focus on premium Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, as well recognition of the quality coming from a wide range of other New Zealand wine styles,” he says.
