By Andrew Starke
One of the world’s most influential independent wine competitions has announced its 2011 results with Australian wines fairing well in the final reckoning.
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) yesterday announced the results of the 2011 Trophy and Great Value Wine Awards.
France dominated the Trophies honours list, coming first for the third consecutive year with an impressive 34 wines being awarded a Trophy.
Spain was second with 13, almost double its 2010 tally, followed by Italy (11) and Australia (10).
The Trophy stage is the final round for these award-winning wines.
Having achieved a Gold medal already through the Challenge’s rigorous judging process, the wines are tasted once more by an elite panel of judges, against other wines in the same category, to determine if they are worthy of a Trophy in addition to their Gold medal.
The formidable judging panel is made up of the IWC Co-Chairmen – Tim Atkin MW, Sam Harrop MW, Charles Metcalfe and Derek Smedley MW and global wine expert and TV personality Oz Clarke.
“The IWC has continued its support for the global wine market by awarding these influential and respected Trophies,” said Chris Ashton, IWC event director.
”To achieve a Trophy or Great Value Award, as well as a Gold Medal, gives a wine great international prestige. It is a true accolade to the producer’s commitment and expertise, to the wine region or country.”
For more information on the IWC and to see a complete list of all the winning wines, click here.
Highlights for Australia included:
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The International Chardonnay Trophy went to Penfolds Reserve Bin 09A Chardonnay 2009, which in total received four Trophies (Australian Chardonnay Trophy, Australian White Trophy, Adelaide Hills White Trophy)
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The International Dry Riesling Trophy was awarded to McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2004 (Australian Riesling Trophy, Eden Valley Trophy)
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Tempus Two Zenith Semillon 2003 scooped International Dry Semillon Trophy and Hunter Valley Trophy
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The International Fortified Muscat Trophy went to Stanton & Killeen Classic Rutherglen Muscat NV
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Great Value Sweet Wine Under £10: Tesco Finest Dessert Semillon 2007, De Bortoli Wines
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Great Value Fortified Under £15: Show Liqueur Muscat NV, De Bortoli Wines