The medal results of the 2013 Spiegelau International Wine Competition were released today. Of 1,075 wines judged, there were 69 gold medals (6.42%), 160 silver (14.88%) and 431 bronze (40.09%) medals awarded, making a total of 660 medals in total (61.4%). This is consistent with the proportions generally awarded in other competitions in New Zealand, reflecting the same standard of judging.
Although an international show in that entries are accepted from all wine growing countries, New Zealand wines made up the majority by far, with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc alone winning 100 medals, 13 of which were gold and 11 of the New Zealand gold haul going to Pinot Noir. These two varieties are, of course, the most numerous to the judged. New Zealand wines also dominated the aromatic whites, Chardonnay and sweet wine classes in the gold medals.
Competition director Belinda Jackson noted that medals were awarded to wines from Australia, France, Portugal, Spain, U.S.A. and Chile, recognising the success of international entries. It is no surprise that Australia showed well in their “heartland varieties” of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular. Chief judge Mike de Garis said “It’s great to see distributors entering a range of their imported wines. It means wine lovers get a more complete guide to wines available in New Zealand.”
Sparkling
