International win for Central Otago Pinot Noir

Media release

International win for Central Otago pinot noir

Pisa Range Estate has beaten off competition from 50 countries to take a gold medal at the 37th International Wine and Spirit Competition in London.

The winery won gold best in class with its 2003 “Black Poplar Block” Pinot Noir.

The event is regarded as one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world.

Pisa Range Estate’s Jenny Hawker says the win is a great achievement for New Zealand wine on the international stage and further strengthens Pisa Range Estate’s position as a premier producer of pinot noir.

“It is very exciting for a small vineyard to be up against the best wines in the world and win Gold. Since launching our label in 2000 we have strived for excellence and feel with this win we have come close to achieving that.”

The gold medal adds to a collection of international awards for their wines including a Trophy for the 2001 vintage.

Jenny Hawker says it is also an exciting and important result for Central Otago which is increasingly recognised as one of the world’s leading pinot noir producing regions.

She says the grapes are grown at Pisa - a warm sub-region of the Cromwell Basin. Pisa Range Estate exports to several countries with the wine listed at top restaurants in the United States and Australia.

ENDS