22 March 2012
Two Trophies & Four Gold Medals: Coopers Creek leads with new styles.
Coopers Creek strengthens its role as New Zealand’s leading producer of emerging varietals with Trophies for Viognier
and Malbec plus Gold Medals for Syrah and Riesling at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2012.
Coopers Creek Vineyard has built a reputation on great Chardonnays, but more recently it’s been leading the field with
an impressive range of emerging varietals. Arneis, Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, Malbec, Montepulciano and Albarino are
all relatively new styles for this country but are gaining wider popularity very quickly. The multiple top awards at
this year’s Royal Easter Show Wine Awards are testament to the winery’s consistent approach to lifting the profile of
emerging wine styles through top quality viticulture and winemaking.
The trophy winning Viognier is a 2010 vintage wine from Gisborne, securing its second trophy in less than a year. This
achievement is doubly impressive as it sells in the Coopers Creek Classics range for less than $18 per bottle. The
Viognier was grown by Doug & Delwyn Bell, who are the showing the way in their commitment to growing an outstanding set of emerging varietals
Interest in Malbec is growing rapidly, here and in export markets, so the trophy awarded to the Select Vineyards Hawkes
Bay “Saint John” Malbec 2010 is very well timed. Grown on the Coopers Creek Red Metals vineyard, it is one of three
Malbec wines crafted by the winery, alongside one each from Gisborne and Huapai.
Coopers Creek’s Andrew Hendry comments: “These awards draw attention to superb wine styles that are gaining a higher
profile and wider popularity. Wine lovers are always looking to expand their choice and we’ll continue to provide
intriguing and attractive new styles for them to enjoy. Full marks to our team on the vineyard and in the winery for
another outstanding effort.”
Trophies
Select Vineyards Hawkes Bay “Saint John” Malbec 2010
Classics Gisborne Viognier 2010
Gold Medals
Select Vineyards Hawkes Bay “Saint John” Malbec 2010
Classics Gisborne Viognier 2010 (Trophy NZIWS)
Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2010 (Gold Medals NZIWS & Bragato Wine Awards 2011)
Classics Marlborough Riesling 2010 (Gold Medal Spiegelau Awards)
Coopers Creek Vineyard is a family owned, Kumeu-based winery that crafts a range of award winning fine wines: New
Zealand's favourite styles as well as intriguing emerging varietals. The winery is fuelling demand for stylish aromatics
such as Arneis, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris and Viognier, in addition to its outstanding pedigree with Chardonnay,
Syrah and Bordeaux reds. Coopers Creek is a major wine exporter, with almost 85% of its sales to international markets,
as well as being a widely known and popular brand in New Zealand.
ENDS