Supermarkets sweep over 300 IWC medals

By Erin Smith

Published: 11 May, 2016

The consumer is the real winner as indicated by the number of medal winning wines on supermarket shelves. The International Wine Challenge awarded 317 medals to supermarket own-brand wines, with 28 of the wines taking home golds.

The consumer is the real winner as indicated by the number of medal winning wines on supermarket shelves jumps. The International Wine Challenge awarded 317 medals to supermarket own-brand wines, with 28 of the wines taking home golds.

Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC said: "We are so fortunate in the quality of the wines selected for UK supermarkets. Not all are winners, but if you stick to wines that have won IWC medals, you will find so many great wines, of all colours and styles. And even the Gold medals don't have to cost you a fortune. There are great wines in UK supermarkets to suit every occasion and every budget."

Marks & Spencer took home the greatest number of medals another year in a row, sweeping an impressive 117 medals. The retailer also took home the largest number of gold accolades, taking home 13 gold medals. Marks & Spencer took 43 silvers and 61 bronze medals. The retailer won across a number of categories including its dry white wine, its sparkling wines which took home three gold accolades, Sherry and Port.

Morrsions secured 52 medals with its own label range, which included 3 gold, 13 silver and 36 bronze gongs.

Tesco nabbed two golds, 20 silvers and 28 bronze medals with Tesco's finest Sancerre 2014 from Loire Valley at just £11 taking home a gold, promising to be a great value.

Discounter Aldi secured four gold medals, which were all under £10 and included a Hunter Valley Semillon and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. In addition to the gold medals Aldi also was awarded six silver medals and ten bronze medals.

Waitrose took home 25 medals and was awarded two golds, seven silver and 16 bronze medals.

Sainsbury's took home a pair of golds for its sweet wines and wine three silvers and 16 bronze medals.

Asda won a single gold for its Extra Special El Meson Gran Reserva 2010, a Rioja. It is the third year on the trot that El Meson Gran Reserva has nabbed a gold medal for Asda.

The Co-operative took home 11 medals, including a single gold medal for its Truly Irresistible Fiano 2014, a refreshing Italian white costing just £6.99

For the full lsit of medals awarded please visit International Wine Challenge.