Record number of gold medals at the New World Wine Awards 2012
A record number of gold medals were awarded at this year's New World Wine Awards, reflecting the increasing quality of
wines being entered into the competition, which is now in its 10th year.
Each wine is scored by an expert judging panel using the same internationally recognised 20 point system as other
leading wine competitions. The only difference is that all wines entered must retail for below $25 a bottle and at least
500 cases must be available for sale. This ensures that consumers are guaranteed access to wines that are the best
examples of their type at affordable prices.
"We were delighted with the outstanding quality of wines submitted this year, which reflects the credibility of these
awards among winemakers. Not only is the judging process as rigorous as any other wine competition, winning a medal in
the New World Wine Awards guarantees them national distribution and brand exposure, driving sustained sales," says Jim
Harré, Chair of the New World Wine Awards judging panel.
Of the 1,008 wines entered, the judging panel – comprised of 13 of New Zealand’s top wine judges and commentators –
awarded 56 gold, 130 silver and 412 bronze medals. The quality of wines submitted meant that 11% more gold medals, and
77 more medals overall, were awarded this year than in 2011.
New Zealand wines took out top honours in all three of the ultimate ‘taste-offs’ by the judging panel to select the
Champion Red, White and Sparkling Wines:
· Champion Red – Mud House Pinot Noir 2010
· Champion White – Wild Rock Pania Chardonnay 2010
· Champion Bubbles – Brancott Estate Sparkling Rosé
“The awards results are eagerly anticipated by consumers as is reflected by the fact that, even with the required
minimum of 500 cases available, last year's Champion White sold out nationwide in 10 days,” says Mr Harré.
All award-winning wines are distributed and promoted in New World’s 141 supermarkets nationwide. A Top 50 selection of
the award-winning wines will be showcased in the New World Wine Awards 2012 booklet and stocked in New World stores from
17 September.
Consumers can also take their wine education a step further by finding food and wine matches, video clips of the judging
process, recipes and full competition results on the New World Wine Awards 2012 website www.newworld.co.nz/wineawards
“With more people buying wine as part of their grocery shopping, they can have confidence that a Gold medal wine in the
New World Wine Awards is of the same quality as any other Gold medal wine, but costing $25 or less. This gives people a
great chance to try varieties they wouldn’t normally choose,” says Mr Harré.
ENDS