Media Release 15 November 2012
Matua Awarded New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year
Matua, the creator of New Zealand’s First Sauvignon Blanc, has been named the 2012 New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year
by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), based in London.
Sam Glaetzer, Director of New Zealand Wine Production and Brands for Treasury Wine Estates, said that the award was a
monumental win for the business.
“We are elated to receive global recognition by the IWSC. It’s a true honour and testament to the whole Matua team for
consistently producing wines of the highest standard and quality,” said Sam.
Matua Senior Winemaker, Nikolai St George said he was speechless when he found out the news. “Wine is my passion and my
life and I’m so honoured to carry on the tradition started by Bill and Ross Spence nearly 40 years ago.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else in the world other than making wine, so to be recognised globally as the best New
Zealand wine producer feels like I’m in a dream. I am so proud to lead the Matua winemaking team and celebrate this win
together,” said Nikolai.
2012 is just the second time Matua entered the IWSC competition.
“We’re also very pleased to receive a gold medal for our Matua Valley Single Vineyard Matheson Malbec 2009,” added
Nikolai.
The IWSC is also the only international wine competition that puts all wines through chemical analysis as well as
judging by a team of senior tasters.
This award completes another amazing year for Matua. In total, Matua has won seven trophies, 19 Gold medals, and 108
medals in local and international wine shows. Across the entire New Zealand portfolio, Treasury Wine Estates has won 32
Gold and 214 medals.
ends