English wines awarded a record five IWC golds and two IWC trophies

By Erin Smith

Published: 07 May, 2014

English winemakers have wowed judges at the International Wine Challenge 2014, taking home a record two trophies and five gold medals.

English winemakers in Sussex, Kent and Cornwall have wowed judges at the International Wine Challenge 2014, taking home a record two trophies and five gold medals.

Five sparkling wines from vineyards in England received gold medals at the world-renowned competition, which judges say will catapult the winemakers to a global stage.

The South East of England produced three gold sparklers. West Sussex vineyard Nyetimber received a gold medal for its 2009 Classic Cuvée and Gusbourne Estate in Kent won gold with its 2009 Brut Reserve. Both vineyards continued the success of 2013, each picking up a gold medal for the second consecutive year. Sussex vineyard Breaky Bottom was awarded a gold medal for its 2010 Breaky Bottom Cuvée Reserve Brut.

Of all the English vineyards, Camel Valley near Bodmin, Cornwall, had the most successful year, receiving two gold medals for its sparkling wines. Its 2012 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut and 2009 Chardonnay Brut wowed the judges.

To coincide with the English Wine Producers trade tasting, which is being held in London today, the IWC also released the results of two of the trophy winners. The 2012 Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé was awarded English Sparkling Rosé Trophy and the 2009 Nyetimber Classic Cuvée won the English Sparkling White Trophy, winner of overall winner of the English Sparkling trophy as well.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2009

Cherie Spriggs, head winemaker at Nyetimber, said: "I am really thrilled. It is nice for Nyetimber to have this recognition, for the team and for me personally. It is incredible. To have this wine recognised is particularly special. And it lets me know we are heading in the right direction. I wasn't expecting it and I am very proud."

There were 15 English wines that received a silver medal and 28 wines received a bronze.

Hugh Johnson OBE said at the English Wine trade tasting today: "This marks a real movement for English wines. The classic varieties that are being produced are just beautiful blends. They are clean and it is astonishing how well made the wines are for the how young the industry is here."

Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC said: "Each year our English winemakers are going from strength to strength, and these gold medal winners are fantastic. The conditions in England's Southern counties are perfect for creating excellent sparkling wines, and drinkers are increasingly discovering that our local vineyards have plenty to offer."

The remaining trophy winners will be announced on May 14, 2014 on the IWC website.