In the 36th year of it’s running, the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition has announced New Zealand as the home of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.
Saint Clair Family Estate was awarded the best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand as well as winning both the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.
New Zealand’s extensive list of winners didn’t stop there, with Simon Kelly and Tamra Kelly-Washington bringing in Gold with both a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Kelly Washington Gibbston Pinot Noir 2017 won the Central Otago Trophy and New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy, while the Kelly Washington Organix Chardonnay 2017 won the Marlborough Chardonnay Trophy.
Villa Maria had another impressive showing, bringing in three awards for one wine. Their Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2017 won the Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Trophy, the New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy, and the New Zealand White Trophy.
Te Awanga Estate won three trophies for its Trademark Syrah 2015 including the International Syrah Trophy—the best Syrah at the IWC.
In total, New Zealand’s winemakers won a total of 23 Gold, 113 Silver and 230 Bronze medals to finish sixth in the international league table.
