New World Wines Break New Ground

• The 2017 IWSC has awarded medals to wines from Azerbaijan and Egypt for the first time ever

• Elsewhere, a large increase in medal winners from fellow New World producers in Russia (+150%), Japan (+55%), Moldova (+47%), Georgia (+47%) reinforce the changing face of wine globally

The Aspi Winery in Azerbaijan was recognised with Bronze and Silver medals for its Savalan Syrah Reserve 2013 and Savalan Marselan-Syrah Reserve 2013 red wines, while Egypt’s Al Ahram Beverages Company won two Bronze medals for its Grand Marquis 2016 and Al Ahram Ayam 2015 – placing them among some of the finest wines in the world.

The results for the Northern Hemisphere highlight the changing face of wine production globally. In addition to the new countries being awarded, fellow New World producers have seen a dynamic increase in the number of medal winners year on year, including; Russia (+150%), Japan (+55%), Moldova (+47%), Georgia (+47%).

Richard Stoppard, Chief Operating Officer of IWSC, commented: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome new countries on to the IWSC podium, and it’s fascinating for us as an international benchmark of quality to mark the changing face of wine production. The IWSC is the most rigorous, blind-tasted wine and spirits competition in the world and our expert panel of judges award only those of the highest quality – no matter where in the world they are from. We look forward to welcoming the likes of Azerbaijan, Egypt and beyond back next year plus contenders from new and different countries – watch this space!”