Welcome to the second year of the Gilmours International Wine Competition (GIWC) – a competition to recognise quality, international wines in New Zealand. The competition offers wineries an opportunity to take part in the only business-to-business international wine competition in New Zealand.
A two-day judging event took place in March with Emma Jenkins (Master of Wine) as chair of the event along with an independent panel of wine judges experienced in international wine: Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) and Simon Nunns (Consulting Winemaker). The event was run by Chief Steward Jo Gear.
Entries were judged using a double-blind identification system meaning all wines were tasted blind and judged based on their style, region, and vintage. This year, Gilmours encouraged vineyards to enter wines from lesser-known grape varieties or origins, with the aim of showcasing new exciting international wine for its customers.
“This year, we received 225 entries from 10 countries and amidst the supply chain turmoil and challenging trading environment, it was really heartening that entries increased by 20 percent and new suppliers came onboard,” noted Jenkins.
“Once again, the top wines were chosen first and foremost for their quality – we looked for balance and harmony of fruit, acidity, tannins/phenolics and alcohol, whether the wine showed good typicity for the variety and origin, and above all, did it taste delicious – would someone enjoy drinking this wine?”
“We’re thrilled to be launching this unique wine competition for a second year, as this is the only business-to-business International Wine Competition of its kind. This gives us an opportunity to educate our Gilmours Foodservice customers on what international wines we have available, and ultimately assist them with creating a memorable wine list with a point of difference,” added Cindy Chaimowitz General Manager of Wholesale and Customer Service.
The Top 20 Wines are (click to read more about each):
Jacob’s Creek ‘1847’ Rosé 2021
Chapel Hill ‘The Parson’ Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2020
Orlando Printz Shed Australian Shiraz 2018
Grant Burge Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Jean Josselin Cuveé Des Jean Extra Brut Champagne NV
La Vieille Ferme Ventoux AOC 2020
Botter Proseco Extra Dry DOC Spumante NV
Mont’Albano Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave 2020
Torre Mora ‘Scalunera’ Etna Bianco DOC 2020
Cantina di Monteforte ‘Clivus’ Soave Classico 2020
Vigneti Romio Spumante Roasto Extra Dry DOC NV
Vigneti Romio Sangiovese Superiore Riserva DOC 2018
Finca Fella ‘Altado Verdejo 2020
Castillo Armado Reserva Tempranillo 2011
El Burro ‘Kickass’ Garnacha 2020
