NZ Wine Enjoys Unprecedented Success at Global Competition

Press Release: 12 Oct 2011

New Zealand Wine Enjoys Unprecedented Success at Major Global Competition

New Zealand wine has shone brightly on the world stage with an extraordinary result in the UK-based 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). New Zealand won a phenomenal 305 awards including 18 gold medals, 15 of which were 'Best in Class'. This tally of medals beats New Zealand's previous record of 11 golds in 2008 and the competition average of 4.9 gold medals per country.

Aside from the impressive array of gold medals, New Zealand also scooped two of the prestigious trophy awards. The Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir Trophy was awarded to Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 and, for the first time, a New Zealand Riesling won The London International Wine Fair Trophy for Single Vineyard White - awarded to Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2007.

This unprecedented array of results is significant for New Zealand wine that continues to go from strength to strength in the international markets. New Zealand is the fastest growing country of origin for wine in both volume and value in the UK and exports of New Zealand wine to the US in June this year were up 21% - making the States the third largest market for New Zealand Wine.

"It was a great year for New Zealand wines at the IWSC," commented New Zealand wine writer, Jo Burzynska, who was in the UK to judge the New Zealand classes at this year's competition. "The overall quality was high and the fact that a local Riesling won such an important international trophy, highlights to the world that New Zealand is producing exceptional wines beyond the Sauvignon Blanc and, more recently Pinot Noir, with which it made its name."
The International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the premier competitions of its kind in the world and aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. A full list of results is available at www.iwsc.net

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