IWSC releases first set of 2016 results

The IWSC has released the first round of results from its 2016 competition, with English sparkling wine producers taking home a record seven gold medals.

The first set to results were announced by the IWSC at the London Wine Fair on Tuesday

This first set of results includes entries from the northern hemisphere, with medals awarded to wines from Eastern Europe, Asia, USA, Canada, Portugal, Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom.

Out of 46 gold and gold outstanding medals awarded, Portugal and Canada received the highest number of medals with Canada taking home 13, 11 of which were for its Icewines. Portugal was close behind with 18, followed by England, which received a record seven gold medals for sparkling wines produced in Sussex, Kent and Dorset.

English wine entries to the IWSC competition have grown by 155% since 2013, with the number of gold medals awarded to English wine producers growing each year, according to Ewan Lacey, IWSC general manager.

“This is evidence of the commitment and passion that English wine producers are investing in their wines to great effect, as they bring their products to the global stage,” he said.

Asia also performed well with China achieving 19 medals, including a silver for Liaoning Changyu’s 2014 Diamond Level Golden Valley Icewine, and a silver for Jade Aria’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Producers Helan Qinqxue Vineyard, Xinjiang Zhongfei Winery and Tiansai Vineyards were awarded four medals each, while Taiwanese Muscat – Domaine Shu Sheng Moscato Oro Vino Formosa – picked up a bronze medal from the judges.

The English sparkling wines to receive a gold medal are listed below. For a full list of medal-winning wines visit iwsc.net.

• Court Garden Ditchling Reserve Vintage Brut 2010
• Chapel Down Three Graces 2010
• Langham Blanc de Blanc 2011
• Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Magnum 2009
• Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2009
• Ridgeview Blanc de Noirs 2013
• Nutbourne Nutty Brut 2013