Corbans Winemakers Win Prestigious Trophy

Corbans Winemakers Win Prestigious Trophy At The International Wine Challenge In London

Corbans Cottage Block Marlborough Chardonnay 1997 is the best in the World according to London's prestigious International Wine Challenge.

Corbans Cottage Block Marlborough Chardonnay 1997 has been jointly awarded the Chardonnay Trophy at the world's largest wine competition run by WINE magazine.

Corbans win was announced last night at the International Wine Challenge Awards dinner attended by 300 key members of the wine industry in London. Corbans UK Market Manager, Louise Hill collected the Trophy, which will be displayed at Corbans head office in Auckland.

WINE created the International Wine Challenge in 1983. During the past 16 years, the number of wines entered into the Challenge has grown from 38 to 9,500, this year. Of the 1207 chardonnays entered in this year's blind tasting, 13 received Gold Medals. Of these, only two were awarded the Chardonnay Trophy.

Corbans Global Marketing Manager Martin Cahnbley says that, in addition to a world-wide reputation for sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, the medal proves New Zealand makes some of the best chardonnay in the world as well. "In addition to reminding New Zealanders of the quality of locally grown wines the Gold Medal and Trophy further cement New Zealand's reputation on the world stage as a serious wine producer."

"As well as reminding New Zealanders of the quality of locally grown wines the Gold Medal further cements New Zealand's reputation on the world stage as a super-premium wine producer."

He says the Trophy justifies Corbans commitment to the New Zealand wine industry. Over the past three years Corbans has invested $48.9 million in its vineyards and wineries in Gisborne, Napier and Marlborough. In the next two years it plans to further invest $31 million.

According to the latest Wine Institute of New Zealand (WINZ) statistics to the end of June 2000, exports of wine from New Zealand are up 15% in volume and 35% in value on the previous year. International sales of New Zealand wine have hit 9.2 million litres and that is worth NZ$168.6 million. International sales now represent 32% of total industry sales (by volume).

The Trophy was the highlight of the six medals Corbans Winemakers collected at the internationally recognised show. Corbans Winemakers Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 1999 received a Silver Medal. Bronze Medals were awarded to; Corbans Winemakers Private Bin Gisborne Chardonnay 1997, Corbans Estate Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 1999, Corbans Estate Sauvignon Blanc 1999 and Corbans White Label Chardonnay Chenin Blanc 1999.

Corbans Cottage Block Marlborough Chardonnay 1997 is exported to the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Australia, Germany and the United States. Within New Zealand limited volumes are available from specialist liquor retailers and wine lists in discerning restaurants.

The new vintage of Corbans Winemakers Cottage Block Marlborough Chardonnay 1999 will be available in November. Corbans Winemakers Cottage Block Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 1999 will also be released at the same time.

ENDS

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