Judging underway at Hong Kong IWSC

Judging begins this weekend at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, the largest pan-Asian wine competition.

With judges drawn from Hong Kong, India, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea and Thailand, the results are set to present an accurate reflection of pan-Asian taste. 

The competition will also draw on MW expertise in the form of wine writer Tim Atkin MW, who has been appointed as the international guest chair of judges, and Debra Meiburg MW, who will oversee proceedings in her capacity as co-director Cathay Pacific Hong Kong IWSC.

Judging takes place between 30 October and 2 November, with the results announced on 4 November at a gala dinner to be held at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s International Wine & Spirits Fair.

Now in its second year, the competition has attracted increased entries from around the world, with strong interest from countries including Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, Italy and Argentina.

With so many producers keen to tap into Asia’s exploding level of wine consumption, Meiburg remarked: “The current wine frenzy is unprecedented. When I arrived in Hong Kong in the mid-80s there were only a few wine choices – all predictably mundane.

“The thrilling array of wines clamouring to enter the markets means the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition plays a key role in helping new wine enthusiasts to make selections that suit their regional taste preferences and favourite dishes.”

In keeping with this culinary connection, there will be trophies for a range of food and wine pairing categories, with new award “Best Wine with Sashimi”, joining the four existing trophies for wines matched with Dim Sum, Kung Pao Chicken, Braised Abalone and Peking Duck.

2010 also sees the addition of two spirits categories for Scotch Whisky and Cognac.

Gabriel Savage, 29.10.2010