One New Zealand wine has been named in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020’s Top 50.
During the final week of the 28-day ‘Judging Month’ of the Decanter World Wine Awards, panels of Regional and Co-Chairs re-tasted all wines awarded a Gold Medal from the previous weeks’ judging, awarding a Platinum medal to the best wines.
On the final day of judging, the co-chairs re-tasting all the Platinum wines to determine the best of the best, awarding ‘Best in Show’ to the most outstanding wines.
“Our judging system is something we are very proud of,” says Co-Chair, Andrew Jefford.
“When consumers see a DWWA sticker on a bottle, be it Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze, they can be reassured that the wine in question has been judged by regional experts and specialists before receiving its medal.
“We discuss, we argue, we fight it out… that’s all part of the judging fun. Even with social distancing! But that’s also how you get the results which have made the DWWA an international wine benchmark.”
France was awarded the most Best in Show medals, receiving 12 for wines from Bordeaux, Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the Loire.
Italy claimed second place with eight medals, followed by Australia with six, Portugal with five and Spain four.
Unexpected wins came from Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia and Moldova.
Just one New Zealand wine made it into this year’s Best in Show list – Yealands Single Block L5 Sauvignon Blanc 2019.
“We are thrilled to receive a Best in Show Trophy for our Single Block L5 Sauvignon Blanc,” says Chief Winemaker for Yealands, Natalie Christensen.
“This was my favourite Sauvignon Blanc that we made in 2019, and it is exciting to hear that this wine was enjoyed by the judges.
“The fruit comes from one of our most coastal blocks on the property, and really speaks of our coastal home.”
For a the full Top 50 list, click here.
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