The 30th International Wine Challenge has lived up to its name, awarding Champion status to wines from around the world including Australia, New Zealand, France, Austria and Portugal.
Champion White: McGuigan Wines – 2005 Bin 9000
Australian winemaker McGuigan Wines received the Champion White wine prize for its 2005 Bin 9000. Chief Winemaker and CEO Neil McGuigan was also awarded White Winemaker of the year showcasing his mastery over the style. Neil McGuigan’s dedication to quality has seen the vineyard win countless prizes at the International Wine Challenge and become one of the most awarded wineries in the world.
Champion Red: Brennan Vineyard – 2011 B2 Pinot Noir
New Zealand’s Brennan Vineyard received the Champion Red Wine prize for its 2011 B2 Pinot Noir, which wowed the judges with its exquisite dark cherry and boysenberry notes. This family-run vineyard is relatively young, having officially launched in 2006. This Champion Pinot Noir is a testament to the company’s dedication to creating exceptional wines using fruit exclusively from the family vineyard near Queenstown.
Champion Sparkling: 1998 Champagne Piper Heidsieck Rare Millésime
The Champion Sparkling Award went to a 1998 Champagne Piper Heidsieck Rare Millésime by French Champagne House Piper Heidsieck. This prestigious Champagne House often dominate this category and have been producing world class champagne since 1785, creating stunning blends from over 60 vineyards within the Champagne region.
Champion Sweet: Hans Tschida Sämling Tba 2007
Austrian vintner Hans Tschida picked up the prize for Champion Sweet wine for his Sämling Tba 2007. Hans also received Sweet Winemaker of the Year for the second year running demonstrating his talent for creating exquisite Sweet wines.
Champion Fortified Wine: Justino’s Madeira Verdelho 1954
A 1954 Madeira from one of Portugal’s oldest winemakers was named the Champion Fortified wine. Judges remarked on the outstanding intensity and complex nose of Justino’s Madeira Verdelho. Justino’s was established in 1870 and is one of the Portuguese Island’s oldest exporters of Madeira.
These Champion wines were awarded much-coveted Trophies for excellence at the 30th International Wine Challenge. The best wine in each style from every country were also awarded National Trophies (i.e. Best Australian Red, Best French Red) before being rigorously tasted and judged again by the Co-Chairmen of the IWC to finally decide on the best in class for each of the five categories.
What is International Wine Challenge?
In its 30th year, the International Wine Challenge is accepted as the world’s finest and most meticulously judged competition. The IWC assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Each medal winning wine is tasted on at least three separate occasions by a minimum of 10 different judges including master wine tasters. Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards. The IWC is committed to helping consumers discover great wine and the medals displayed on winning bottles offer a trusted guarantee of quality.