NZ wineries win 15 gold medals at competition

New Zealand wineries have scooped up 15 gold medals at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London - twice the number won in 2004.

New Zealand was the only still wine producing country to increase its gold medal count.

New Zealand Winegrowers global marketing director Chris Yorke said the gold increase was made up almost entirely of red wines, showing the impact New Zealand red varietals were beginning to make on the world stage.

According to Wine International magazine, New Zealand was the only country where more than half of the red wines entered (56 per cent) gained medals.

"New Zealand is a small wine producing country with a big reputation for quality. This increase in gold medals and the outstanding red wine performance clearly demonstrates New Zealand's continuing commitment to producing exceptional wines," Mr Yorke said.

Walking away with both the International Pinot Noir trophy for St Clair Doctors Creek Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003, and the International Sauvignon Blanc trophy for Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004 was the icing on the cake for New Zealand.

New Zealand's gold medal winners were:

Cable Bay Auckland Chardonnay 2002 - Trinity Hill Gimblett Road Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2002 - Sileni Estates The Lodge Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2004 - Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2004* - Jackson Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004 - Mudhouse Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004 - St Clair Doctors Creek Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003* - Mount Difficulty Central Otago Pinot Noir 2003 - Capricorn Wine Wild Rock Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2004 - Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003 - Clifford Bay Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003 - Montana Estates Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003 - Sacred Hill Brokenstone Hawkes Bay Merlot 2002 - Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Merlot 2002 - Vidal Estate Hawkes Bay Syrah 2003. * Denotes International Trophy Winners - Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Noir

Regional split: Auckland 1 gold, Central Otago 1 gold, Hawkes Bay 6 golds, Marlborough 6 golds, Wairarapa 1 gold.

- NZPA