A brilliant 83% of Austria’s entries and 77% of New Zealand’s walked off with an award. Admittedly, Austria’s total submission of 167 wines is Lilliputian compared to France’s 1,900, Australia’s 1,295 and even New Zealand’s 334, but it’s still an impressive performance, especially as its 17 gold medals went to a wide range of styles. New Zealand’s results were for a narrower range, with seven of its 14 golds going to sauvignon blanc, but there were also three golds and 17 silver medals for pinot noir, a variety in its infancy in New Zealand. Try the Kiwi medal-winners below.
CELLAR NOTES
2005 Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc, £8.99
Zesty gooseberry fruit. Gold medal and three trophies (Oddbins).
2004 Escarpment Pinot Noir, £14.99
Stylish plum and cherry fruit, gentle oak. Silver medal (Hedley Wright, 01279 465818; Halifax Wine Company, 01422 256333).
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2005 Framingham Classic Riesling, £9.99-£11.99
Vibrant lime and apple flavours. Silver medal (Ex Cellar, 020 7736 2038; Carrington, 0161 881 0099).
WINE BLUFF
"More than 9,100 wines were tasted in the international Wine Challenge"
Anorak fact: 276 wines were awarded gold medals; more than 1,000 were awarded silver