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.
Wine Competitions NZ 