Record number of entries in New World Wine Awards 2013

Media release

For immediate release

18 July 2013

Record number of entries in New World Wine Awards 2013

A record number of entries have been received for this year’s New World Wine Awards, which will be judged by an independent panel of 13 expert wine judges on 23-24 of July at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.

This year, 1,108 wines have been entered in the awards, 63% of which are from New Zealand vineyards. Of the 156 wineries that are represented among the entries, 28 wineries have entered these awards for the first time. Around 50% of the wines entered are from the 2012 vintage, but there are 128 entries from the 2013 vintage.

Jim Harré, Chair of the Judging Panel says, “The high number of entries overall is very encouraging, particularly following the very good 2013 vintage and record exports of New Zealand wine. I think it reflects winemakers’ recognition of the integrity of the New World Wine Awards and the long-term business benefits of entering in terms of brand exposure and distribution in New Zealand.”

This year the New World Wine Awards features a new reduced alcohol category, opening up the competition to wineries that are at the forefront of responding to consumer demand for high quality reduced or low alcohol wines. There are 14 entries in this category.

The judging panel, comprised of nationally and internationally renowned winemakers and commentators, will work in teams of three to complete a two-day blind tasting of the wines. This year, the panel will be joined by Dr Tony Jordan, as the guest international judge. He is a highly experienced winemaker and judge; he also sits on the board of Wine Australia.

The New World Wine Awards uses the same internationally recognised 20 point system as other leading wine competitions, ensuring that winning wines are the best examples of their type.  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 top-quality wines at affordable prices.

The judges will award Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, and reconvene to select the Champion red, white and bubbles overall. The Top 50 wines from the full suite of medal-winners will be showcased online and in the New World Wine Awards booklet. 

“The results of the New World Wine Awards are eagerly anticipated by consumers. With these awards now in their eleventh year, there’s a growing awareness among wine lovers that they can be assured that choosing a medal-winning wine from the New World Wine Awards means they are buying superb wines at a great price,” says Mr. Harré. 

Last year over 300,000 bottles of the Top 50 wines, with a retail value in excess of $4.3m, were sold throughout New World supermarkets in the first six weeks of the results being announced. That volume of sales in the first six weeks was 17% higher than in the corresponding period in the previous year, reflecting the increasing awareness among consumers of the credibility of these wine awards.

The award winners will be announced on 23 September 2013.

ENDS

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