KEY POINTS:
New Zealand aromatic wines have scooped a record number of gold medals in the annual Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Gold, silver and bronze medal winners were announced yesterday.
The winners of the elite gold medals and trophies, including Champion Wine of the Show and Champion Sustainable Wine Trophy, will be announced on November 24.
Organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, the awards attracted 1540 entries.
The aromatic wines secured a total of 20 gold medals, awarded to Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Pinot Blanc varieties.
Last December, Brent Marris, the chief judge at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, was forced to resign after his Wither Hills competition wines were found to be different to those sold to the public.
New chief judge Steve Smith said Riesling was a standout performer, receiving nine gold medals.
And for the first time, six pure gold medals were awarded to sustainable wines - wines made using a variety of best practice environmental procedures.
International judge Peter McCombie said he was impressed by the high standard of wine and organisation of the judging.
"The processes involved in running these are impeccable. The new additions to the rules worked extremely well and consumers can be confident choosing a wine with an Air New Zealand Wine Awards sticker."
Syrah wines from the 2006 vintage scooped a record seven medals, up three from last year. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blancs won 16 golds.
