Record-breaking 72 English wines take home medals at 2015 IWC

By Erin Smith

Published: 13 May, 2015

A record-breaking 72 English wines were awarded medals at the 2015 International Wine Challenge, which is almost double the number of medals last year and 14 English sparkling wines were awarded gold medals.

English wines received a total of 38 medals at last year's 2014 IWC.

Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC said: "2015 has been a record year for English vineyards, with an amazing haul of medals at the competition. Compared with other countries, there is a high proportion of gold and silver medals being awarded, showing these English winemakers are true masters of their craft."

There were some new wines that were being awards gold medals for the first time. Hambledon Vineyard, received its first ever gold for its NV Classic Cuvée. Cottonworh also was awarded its first gold medal for its Classic Cuvée NV as was Hattingley Valley Wines for its Classic Cuvée 2010. All three vineyards hailed from Hampshire.

Sussex-based Bluebell Vineyard Estate and Wiston Estate Winery were both awarded first time golds.

High Clandon Succession Cuvée 2009 from the High Clandon Estate Vineyard in Surrey received its first ever IWC gold medal and Kent-based Squerryes picked up a gold for the first time for its Squerryes Brut 2010.

"The increased variety and quality this year astounded the judges. We have come to expect top quality sparkling wines from certain vineyards, but it was wonderful to more wineries scooping top prizes, and more diversity across different styles. On the evidence of the English wines we tasted at the competition, our national wine industry has a very bright future," said Metcalfe.

Some returning winners continued to impress the judges including Camel Valley which is based in Cornwall took home a gold medal for its Pinot Noir Rosé 2013 as well taking home two silver medals. Breaky Bottom received its second consecutive gold medal this year with its 2009 Sparkling Brut. Gusbourne Estates won another gold medal this year for its Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs LD 2007.

In addition to the 14 gold medals handed out to English wine producers, seven silver medals were award and 21 bronze.