English sparkling wines top the charts at International Wine Challenge
English wine producers have been awarded gold medals at the 30th annual International Wine Challenge (IWC).
Gold medal winners included a 2008 sparkling Chardonnay Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs produced in Kent; a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (2008) for Nyetimber Rosé, grown in West Sussex; and a 2009 Classic Cuvée from Furleigh Estate in Bridport, Dorset.
Surrey wine estate Denbies was also awarded a gold medal for its 2011 vintage sweet white wine Noble Harvest, having previously been awarded a gold medal for its Chalk Rosé 2010, demonstrating innovation and consistency across different styles.
The most expensive gold medal winner was an Australian Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, at £195 for 75cl, while the least expensive was an Arabella Chenin Blanc from South Africa which retails at £6.25 from Naked Wines.
Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC, said: "We're so pleased with the success of our English winemakers. The gold medal winning wines are absolutely stunning. They have been tasted against thousands of contenders so it is a tremendous achievement that will catapult their product to an international audience.
The IWC assessed every wine ‘blind' and judged each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. The list of judges included Tim Atkin MW, Oz Clarke, Sarah Abbott MW, Dr Takeaki Ishikawa, John Worontschak and Nick Adams MW.
