Antipodean triumph at Hong Kong IWSC

Australia and New Zealand streaked ahead of other countries at The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Released today, the results are indicative of the strong investment both countries have made in the Asian markets and evidence that their wines are finding favour with consumers there.

With 14 gold and 48 silver awards, Australia topped the medals board, with New Zealand a short distance behind, winning 13 gold and 38 silver awards. France and Argentina also put in strong performances, albeit some way behind the leaders.

Some of the most interesting results came in the Competition’s food pairing trophies. New Zealand won two as Best Wine with Cantonese Dim Sum was awarded to Torlesse 2007 Pinot Noir and Best Wine with Braised Abalone went to Domain Road Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir.

The new award for Best Wine with Sashimi was won by Japan’s Chuo Budoshu Company’s Grace Koshu 2009, while less predictable was the victory by Greece’s Monemvasia St George Regional Red Dry Wine 2006 in the award for Best Wine with Peking Duck. Meanwhile the Best Wine with Kung Pau Chicken trophy went to the US thanks to Hahn Family Wines Hahn Monterey Pinot Noir 2009.

International guest chair of judges Tim Atkin MW highlighted these food pairing trophies as “particularly exciting”, noting that they “will be highly beneficial in helping lovers of Chinese food match the perfect wine.”

Commenting further on his experience in judging the Competition, Atkin observed: “Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the most exciting wine markets in the world at the moment.”

Among the spirits categories, The Edrington Group took home two gold medals for its Highland Park, while Suntory-owner Morrison Bowmore whisky and Delamain Cognac were also awarded gold medals.

Allen Gibbons, director of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong IWSC, commented: “The Hong Kong wine market is evolving into a world hub for wine with its zero tax environment and range of positive initiatives being implemented by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Still wine imports into China were up 70% in the first five months of 2010.

“If this trend continues, China will overtake Japan as the leading importer of still light wine in volume in 2010 in Asia. Nothing suggests the market will cool down.”

For a full list of result s, click here: http://www.asiasbestwinesandspirits.com/search2010/wine/

Gabriel Savage, 05.11.2010