The saying goes that London’s streets are paved with gold, but it seems the soil in England’s Southern counties have the golden touch too. Southern England is fast becoming the home of sparkling success, following another record year at the International Wine Challenge 2014.
Five sparkling wines from vineyards in Sussex, Kent and Cornwall received Gold medals at the world-renowned competition, which will catapult these winemakers to a global stage:
- The South East of England produced three Gold sparklers. West Sussex vineyard Nyetimber received a Gold medal for its 2009 Classic Cuvée and Gusbourne Estate in Kent won Gold with its 2009 Brut Reserve
- Both vineyards continued the success of 2013, each picking up a Gold medal for the second consecutive year. Sussex vineyard Breaky Bottom was awarded a Gold medal for its 2010 Breaky Bottom Cuvée Reservé Brut
- Of all the English vineyards, Camel Valley near Bodmin, Cornwall, had the most successful year, receiving two Gold medals for its sparkling wines. Its 2012 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut and 2009 Chardonnay Brut wowed the judges. The vineyard also received a Silver medal for its 2012 Camel Valley Brut
- Fifteen English wines received Silver medals at the competition, as well as 28 wines winning Bronze medals. In addition to Sussex, Kent and Cornwall vineyards, the IWC also awarded medals to wines grown in Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Berkshire and Gloucestershire
- This year the IWC hosted two separate tasting events for the first time, Tranche 1 in November 2013 and Tranche 2 in April 2014, to accommodate the different production and sales schedules across the industry, and give winemakers two different moments in the year to enter their wines
English wine makers are going from strength to strength
Charles Metcalfe, Co-Chairman of the IWC commented:
“Each year our English wine makers are going from strength to strength, and these Gold medal winners are fantastic. The conditions in England’s Southern counties are perfect for creating excellent sparkling wines, and drinkers are increasingly discovering that our local vineyards have plenty to offer.”
Charles continued:
“The International Wine Challenge is committed to rigorous and fair tasting and has subsequently earned its reputation as the most well-respected wine competition in the world. By hosting two separate tasting events across the year, wines are given the best chance to perform well, wherever they’re from.”
“If a shopper sees an IWC medal sticker on a bottle of wine, its quality can be trusted, as it has been selected by some of the world’s best tasters. Whether you are a wine novice or an experienced wine-drinker, our stickers can help you find a great wine every time,” he added.
Visit the IWC website for the full list of winners here