Australia tops IWSC Southern Hemisphere results

Australia sent out a strong message about its quality focus with a striking performance in this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition.

As southern hemisphere results were released today, Australia received an impressive total of 568 medals, including 27 Gold (Best In Class) and six Golds.

The majority of these top accolades went to Australia’s classic varieties Shiraz and Semillon, although two cooler climate Rieslings also made the grade. By contrast, the country’s Chardonnay rather conspicuously achieved just one gold medal.

New Zealand also put in a strong performance, led by its fashionable Sauvignon Blanc, which took 90 medals. Kiwi Pinot Noirs also shone, winning 70 medals, with a particularly strong performance by the Central Otago region.

While Argentina and Chile enjoyed further success with their respective Malbec and Carmenère flagships, Mexico increased its medal tally by 50% on last year thanks to two Shiraz Silver (Best in Class) winners.

Among South Africa’s 367 medal tally, it was the sweeter styles which stood out as all five of the country’s gold medals went to either late harvest, botrytis or fortified dessert wines.

For full details of all medals and trophies from this year’s IWSC, as well as profiles on the winners of national producer awards, Retailer of the Year, Winemaker of the Year and other top accolades, see the drinks business IWSC Report 2010, published in November.

Gabriel Savage, 14.10.2010