Sparkling trophy win for Deutz in Tri-Nations

MEDIA RELEASE 16 September 2009

Sparkling trophy win for Deutz in Tri-Nations Wine Competition

Victory was achieved by Deutz Marlborough Cuveé Blanc de Blancs 2006 at the annual Tri-Nations Wine Competition.

The wine, crafted by Deutz winemaker Julia O’Connell, won the trophy for best sparkling wine at this year’s prestigious competition.

Overall, New Zealand wines fared best this year, beating South Africa and host country Australia, who has dominated the competition in the past.

The Tri-Nations Wine Competition is run with a top wine critic from each of the three countries, inviting selected wines from their own country to enter against the wines put forward by the other countries. New Zealand is represented by Bob Campbell MW, Australia by Huon Hooke and South Africa by Michael Fridjhon, who chaired the judging committee this year.

Bob Campbell MW commented “this is a major achievement for New Zealand and for Deutz as the wine was up against the best from Australia and South Africa – both countries are highly respected sparkling wine producers. I’m not surprised to see Deutz Marlborough Cuveé Blanc de Blancs take the trophy – it’s a truly outstanding wine that can hold its head high in any company.”

Winemaker Julia O’Connell says it was an honour for Deutz Marlborough Cuveé Blanc de Blancs 2006 to be chosen to be one of the wines to represent New Zealand.

“This is a refined and elegant wine, with citrus fruit freshness and great finesse,” says O’Connell. “It combines the best of Old World winemaking with distinctly New Zealand fruit flavours. Evidently, the judges recognised its exceptional quality, which is very rewarding for me as winemaker. It’s great for Deutz and New Zealand sparkling wine to be awarded this win.”

Deutz Marlborough Cuveé méthode traditionnelle wines are made in Marlborough through an agreement with Champagne Deutz of France, using the intensely flavoured local grapes and the time-honoured winemaking traditions of Champagne. Deutz Marlborough Cuveé Blanc de Blancs 2006 is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes and only in exceptional vintages such as 2006.

Deutz Marlborough Cuveé Blanc de Blancs 2006 is widely available RRP NZ$35.99.

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