IWC 2016: France awarded most IWC gold medals for 2016

By Erin Smith

Published: 11 May, 2016

France was awarded a total of 130 gold medals, with Champagne alone capturing 50 golds, making it the most awarded country at the 2016 International Wine Challenge.

In total France took home 1,345 medals.

The second largest haul of gold medals went to Australia which took home 80 golds. Spain was surpassed by Portugal this year, collecting 64 gold medals, while Spain was award 63. New Zealand came in fourth place with 35 gold gongs. Italy rounded out the top five for gold medals taking home 28 golds.

Both Hungary and America grabbed a record number of golds with the USA taking home five and Hungary taking home eight gold medals.

"This year's competition has been a treasure-trove of discoveries - with new countries and regions clamouring for attention. One of the real joys of being an IWC judge is coming across hidden gems from places you'd never have thought would make great wine. Our panel taste thousands and thousands of wines from around the world. Finding a Gold or Silver medal winner from somewhere quite unexpected always puts a smile on our faces," said Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC.

Argentina took home 12 gold medals with Malbecs taking the lion's share of the medlas. Nine Argentine Malbecs were awarded golds. Chile took home nine gold medals, while Brazil and Mexico both took home a silver medal.

The Principality of Andorra secured its first ever gold with the Imagine 2014 from Celler Casa Auvinyà. Lebanon also nabbed its first ever gold medal from the IWC with a Syrah/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Château Heritage. Turkey although it did not receive any golds took home 19 silver medals and thirty bronze and is continuing to wow judges.

China took home three silver medals.

For the full results please visit the IWC Results page.

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