International Aromatic Wine Competition

Sauvignon Blanc cleans up at awards

New Zealand wine Saint Clair Pioneer Block 6 Sauvignon Blanc 2006 has been crowned Best in Show for the 2006 International Aromatic Wine Competition, conducted by the Canterbury A&P Association.

Saint Clair Wines located in Marlborough, a dominant region in the production of this variety, was awarded Best in Show from all Gold Medal winners. Judges agreed that 2006 Sauvignon Blanc was by far the most outstanding class, a reflection of the great vintage and the commitment of New Zealand winemakers to remain on top with this variety.

15 Gold Medals were awarded with 38 Silver Medals and 109 Bronze Medals also awarded.

The competition was open to all Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Viognier wine varieties made in an aromatic style from any internationally recognised region.

A total of 271 entries were received for the 2006 competition comprising wines from six countries including New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Australia, France and Italy. By including wines from other countries organisers believe it provides a proper perspective on what the market offers and how New Zealand wines compare. Total entries were up from 246 received in 2005.

Organisers are confident that they are well on the way to producing a top, highly contested wine competition for aromatic varieties. “Since we re-introduced wine competitions in 2003 the response has been outstanding, each year we build on this success by expanding the competition to include new classes”, commented Event Convenor Rae Finlay.

Viognier was added to the competition this year in reflection of the growing interest in this variety. Although no Gold Medals were awarded the judges did see potential and look forward to more wines coming through next year. The competition received nine Viognier entries from wineries in New Zealand, France and Australia.

Canterbury saw its first Gold in the competition’s history with its Waipara Riesling. Judges commented that Riesling is considered a strength of Waipara and this wine shows why.

Chairman of Judges Terry Copeland led a panel of industry experts including Professor Ivan Donaldson, Dr Graham Watson, Rex Ormandy, Ben Glover and Jim Harre.

According to Copeland “overall the standard of wines entered was high particularly from the 2006 vintage. Not only is 2006 the largest vintage from New Zealand but the quality is outstanding, great news for consumers and also for New Zealand wines developing export markets”.

All medal winning wines were on display at the 2006 Royal New Zealand Show in November as part of the rebranded Food & Wine NZ Pavilion, a highlight for visitors to the Show over the past five years.

International Aromatic Wine Competition 2006 - Results