Marlborough Scoops The Majority

For immediate release
10 October 2007

Marlborough Scoops The Majority At Liquorland Top 100

• Region awarded five trophies
• Pernod-Ricard’s Marlborough winery, Montana Brancott took top honours with the award for Champion Winery

The Marlborough wine region was celebrating its success after being awarded five trophies at the 2007 Liquorland Top 100 Awards Dinner held at the Hilton, Auckland on Friday night.

Pernod-Ricard’s Marlborough winery, Montana Brancott took top honours with the award for Champion Winery. The Brancott team won two trophies, four gold medals, eight silver medals and eight bronze at the competition judged in Wellington at the end of August. Chief Winemaker for Pernod-Ricard (NZ), Mr Jeff Clarke was quick to acknowledge the effort. He said, “It is extremely gratifying to have the hard work of our winemaking and viticultural teams recognised by winning this Champion Winery Trophy – a fantastic result.”

Saint Clair were awarded four gold medals for their Sauvignon Blancs including three of the ultra-premium ‘Pioneer Block’ labels, yet won the trophy with the Saint Clair ‘Marlborough’ Sauvignon Blanc 2007. The trophy of Champion Pinot Noir saw Marlborough up against wines from Central Otago and the Wairarapa, but judges awarded the Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006 the top award of the class.

Two Marlborough Rieslings won trophies – Clifford Bay’s Awatere Riesling 2006 and the sweet wine, Forrest Estate Botrytised Riesling 2006 – its second trophy in as many weeks.

Trophies awarded to Marlborough wines were as follows:
Champion Methode Traditionelle – Deutz Blanc de Blancs Marlborough Cuvee 2003
Champion Riesling – Clifford Bay Awatere Riesling 2006
Champion Sweet wine – Forrest Estate Botrytised Riesling 2006
Champion Sauvignon Blanc – Saint Clair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Champion Pinot Noir – Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006

- ENDS -

© Scoop Media