Canterbury Wine Awards 2015

The results of the fourth Canterbury Wine Awards have been released. This regional wine competition is growing in the number of Canterbury wineries entering their wines for judging, with a corresponding increase in the medals awarded. For 2015, there were 55 (71%) medal winners, with 5 golds, 16 silver and 34 bronze medals. The competition is conducted in two stages, firstly with the wines assessed on their own merit, then secondly in reference to seven food classes: vegetarian, pork, seafood, cheese, game, lamb and chicken. Trophies are awarded to the most food-friendly match in each class, supplementing the gold medal awards for wine excellence. The judges for 2015 were the same as in 2014, with writer Jo Burzynska as chair, with Kirsten Creasy, winemaker and oenologist, and chef Jonny Schwass.

It is interesting to note the strong showing of the 2013 vintage wines, from an outstanding, warm and dry harvest.  It is encouraging also to see a number of the 2014 wines come through creditably, this being a challenging cool and wet vintage. I list the trophy winning wines and the medal winning wines following. The full results can also be seen at www.winesofcanterbury.co.nz The Champion Wine of the Show will be announced at the David Jackson Dinner on Friday 29 May.