*** PRESS RELEASE ***
26 June 2012 - for immediate publication
‘Results reflect truly international flair of wine competition’
New Zealand, Australia, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, USA and Chile were among the medal-winning wines from the 2013
Spiegelau International Wine Competition judged in New Zealand last week.
New Zealand led the way with the biggest medal haul, due in part to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc which yielded a total of
100 medals, 13 of them gold and 11 gold medals for Pinot Noir.
Australia showed strongly with their heartland varieties, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as with some excellent
Hunter Valley Semillons.
Italy won medals for white, red and sparkling wines, as did France. Chile was rewarded for red wines while Spain and
Portugal received medals for both red and fortified wines.
Reflecting on the international line up of entries, Chief Judge Mike DeGaris said, “It’s great to see distributors
entering a range of their imported wines. It means wine lovers get a more complete guide to wines available in New
Zealand.” Following the judging, wines not required during the process were donated to the Cresswell Jackson New Zealand
Wine Trust and then auctioned. Proceeds will be returned to the industry in the form of grants and scholarships towards
the end of the year. Competition Director, Belinda Jackson said, “We are delighted to return the proceeds and support
the enhancement of the New Zealand wine industry.” Trophies will be announced at the awards dinner being held on
Auckland on 9 August.
Gold Medals:
Silver Medals:
Bronze Medals:
ENDS