IWSC Releases Northern Hemisphere Wine Results

IWSC Releases Northern Hemisphere Wine Results

Italian wine producers topped the medal leader board inthis year's International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC),as the Northern Hemisphere results were announced today at the London Wine Fair.

Italy were awarded 780 medals, overtaking last year’s reigning winner, France (765 medals).France however achieved the most Gold and Gold Outstanding medals, winning 20 Gold and 13 Gold Outstanding.

A strong performance was seen by Canadian producers with a winning of 217 medals, 16 of these being Gold and Gold Outstanding thanks to their famous icewine.

China also impressed IWSC judges by picking up eight medals. Having secured only one medal last year, China has leapt up the medal table demonstrating that the quality of Chinese wine is on the rise and is a strong contender.

English wine producers put in a strong performance, with Gold medals being awarded to Nutbourne Vineyards’ Nutty Brut 2011 and Nyetimber’s Blanc de Blanc 2007.

It was also a good year for UK supermarkets with Tesco and M&S both picking up Gold Outstanding medals (Tesco’s Finest* Vintage Champagne 2007and M&SManzanilla Sherry). These results demonstratethat supermarketsare still leading the way in the UK market with affordable, high qualityown labels.

IWSC General Manager, Ewan Lacey commented, “The 2014 Northern Hemisphere results have been really interesting as we’re seeing UK supermarket own brands picking up top medals. Also I think many people found China’s results today intriguing. The country picked up selection of medals with the Helan Mountain Xiao Feng 2010 winning a Silver Outstanding, meaning China is definitely one to watch.”

For the full list of Northern Hemisphere winners, go to www.iwsc.net

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Holly Axelrad at Green Row, Holly@greenrow.co.uk

·        The International Wine and Spirit Competitionwas founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. All entries are blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary.

·        IWSC has appointed Laura Catena as the 2014 president. 

·        The 2014 Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Wednesday 12^th November, at The Guild Hall, City of London.

·        The IWSC has partnered with Wines Direct to promote its top 2014 award winning wines. The price comparison website will allow consumers to search for medal winners by country, variety, colour, region, or retailer. The website will also show judges’ tasting notes for wines which have won trophy, gold, gold outstanding and silver outstanding.