International Wine Competition trophies announced

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2010 Liquorland International Wine Competition trophies announced

17 trophies plus Champion Wine of the Show and Champion Producer were announced in Auckland last night at the culmination of the 2010 Liquorland International Wine Competition.

Of the 17 awards, New Zealand received twelve, Australia four and France one. Within the New Zealand count, seven were awarded to Marlborough and one each to Hawke’s Bay, Waiheke, Gisborne, East Coast and Central Otago.

Commenting on the results, Chief Judge Mike DeGaris said, “The overall quality of entries was significant and these trophy winners are all outstanding examples.”

Liquorland Merchandise Manager, Andrew Bartley commented, “This is a very exciting time for Liquorland as the announcement of these results coincides with the launch of our new livery.” He continues, “These significant activities continue to endorse our position of adding value to both our customers and the wine industry.”

Champion Wine of the Show was awarded to Villa Maria for their Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2007; a wine the judges agreed was superb for its seamlessness, balance and flavour profile.

With almost 20% of the gold medals as well as four trophies, Champion Producer was also awarded to Villa Maria, yet again proving their expertise across a wide range of wines and regions.

The complete list of trophies is as follows:

Champion Wine of the Show              Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2007

Champion Producer                            Villa Maria

Champion Methode Traditionnelle    Daniel Le Brun Methode Traditionnelle Brut NV

Champion Champagne                       Champagne Duval-Leroy Fleur de Champagne Brut

Champion Varietal White                   Montana Showcase Series Gisborne Arneis 2009

Champion Viognier                             Vidal East Coast Viognier 2009

Champion Gewurztraminer                Johanneshof Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009

Champion Pinot Gris                           Ribbonwood Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009

Champion Riesling                              Sanctuary Marlborough Riesling 2008

Champion Chardonnay                       Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2007

Champion Sauvignon Blanc                Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc Pioneer Block 19 Bird Block 2009

Champion Sweet Wine                       Forrest Botrytised Riesling 2009

Champion Rose                                   Jules Taylor Rose 2009

Champion Varietal Red                      Weeping Sands Waiheke Island Montelpulciano 2009

Champion Merlot                               Beresford Highwood Merlot 2008

Champion Cabernet Sauvignon          Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005

Champion Pinot Noir                          Thornbury Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008

Champion Shiraz                                 Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2008

Champion Fortified                             DeBortoli Show Liqueur Muscat

 ends

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