Six New Zealand wines have been named the top scorers in the international wine competition. The International Wine Challenge, which is the most influential, impartially judged wine competition in the world. These wines are from Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Central Otago, and Marlborough.
New Zealand finished sixth in the medal count for the 40th International Wine Competition, with six wines earning top trophies. It won two international varietal awards, with its Syrah and Chardonnay rated among the world’s best.
This was a stellar year for Hawke’s Bay winery Church Road. It picked up 11 medals as well as the New Zealand White and Red Trophies. Its Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2021 was named the world’s best Chardonnay, beating South Africa
6 New Zealand Wines Tops World Best Wines List
As well as winning two Golds and two Silvers, Kennedy Point Vineyard claimed the International Syrah Trophy. Th distillery beat out wines from eleven countries. The winning wine, Syrah 2021, also won the International Wine Challenge Organic Trophy.
McArthur Ridge Wines’ Brassknocker 2022 was the best of the 58 New Zealand Pinot Noirs awarded medals, claiming the New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy for its “luxuriously supple” and “expressive” characteristics. A total of 2 Golds, 8 Silvers, and 13 Bronzes were earned by Marisco Vineyards, whose Sauvignon Blanc stood out in both still and sweet versions.
According to the press release, The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2023 has won the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and The King’s Series Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2022 has won the New Zealand Sweet Trophy.
The full list of Trophy and Champion winners can be viewed on the organization post. According to the Instagram IWC page, “The International Wine Challenge, marking 40 years as the gold standard in global wine competitions, is celebrated for its rigorous and impartial judging process The IWC has a 100% blind judging process, which ensures that wines are impartially evaluated without any brand knowledge.”
