Major Awards for New Zealand Wines in France

For immediate release 4 July 2003

Major Awards for New Zealand Wines in France

New Zealand wines have scored major awards at the recently completed VINEXPO, the world’s largest wine exposition held last week in Bordeaux, France.

In a secret judging of all the 1000’s of wines on show at VINEXPO, Te Mata Estate Coleraine Cabernet Merlot 2000 was voted a top ten wine by the international judging panel of leading wine writers and sommeliers. The Te Mata wine was voted 2nd best red wine on show and the 6th best wine overall, against competition from all over the wine world. For these achievements the wine was awarded a Top Ten Star Wines Award 2003.

Also announced at VINEXPO were the results of the International Wine and Spirit Competition judged each year in London. Once again this year a New Zealand wine scooped the Silverado Trophy for the top Sauvignon Blanc, with the winner being the St Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2002. St Clair will receive their trophy at a major awards dinner in London in October this year.

Commenting on the awards Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Winegrowers said, “The awards for St Clair and Te Mata are a stunning affirmation of the quality of New Zealand wine. St Clair winning the Silverado trophy confirms that New Zealand is the international benchmark and trendsetter with this variety, a position we have now held for some time. On the other hand, the award for Te Mata, made in the home of Bordeaux, affirms New Zealand’s ability to produce world class Cabernet and Merlot based wines. Together the awards illustrate the breadth of quality wines produced in New Zealand across a range of varieties and regions. This is great news for consumers and should be a source of pride for all New Zealanders” concluded Mr Gregan.

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