The ‘winer’ things in life

It was all ‘white’ on the night in London recently when Kiwi wines, including a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, became the toast of the judges at the recent 2012 International Wine Challenge.

The International Wine Challenge featured more than 12,000 wines and New Zealand entries secured 14 trophies.

The Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2011, made exclusively from fruit grown in the Yealands Estate Seaview Vineyard, won the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and the White Marlborough Trophy.

New Zealand Winegrowers’ chief executive, Philip Gregan, says this ‘vine’ performance confirms New Zealand‘s place as a world-class producer of quality wine.

“Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s top exported varietal, and international awards such as this, reiterate the exceptionally high-quality of New Zealand wine, and are important for marketing our wine to the world.”

Peter Yealands, Yealands Estate owner, says the wine’s success is testament to the unique flavours and quality of fruit grown in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley.

“This is the holy grail of wine competitions and we are thrilled to be judged the very best in the world.  This reflects our unique location and the efforts of our vineyard and winemaking teams.”

The Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is currently sold exclusively through Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom; it will be released globally later this year.

The International Wine Challenge winners from New Zealand also included:

Central Otago Trophy: Bald Hills Central Otago Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, Bald Hills Vineyard

Martinborough Trophy: Cambridge Road Pinot Noir 2010, Cambridge Road Vineyard

Waitaki Trophy: John Forrest Collection Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir 2009, Forrest Estate Wines

New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy: John Forrest Collection Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir 2009, Forrest Estate Wines

New Zealand Syrah Trophy: Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2010, Mills Reef Winery

New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy: Ngatarawa Alwyn Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay 2010, Ngatarawa Wines Ltd

New Zealand White Trophy: Ngatarawa Alwyn Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay 2010, Ngatarawa Wines Ltd

New Zealand Sparkling Trophy: Cuvee Number 8 NV, No 1 Family Estate

Red Marlborough Trophy: Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor’s Creek Pinot Noir 2010, Saint Clair Family Estate

IWC Great Value Champion White: Oyster Bay Marlborough Chardonnay 2009, Oyster Bay Wines New Zealand Ltd

IWC Sustainable Trophy: Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2009, Mt Difficulty Wines

IWC Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria Wines