Consumers win as supermarket wines awarded nearly 500 medals at IWC 2015

By Erin Smith

Published: 13 May, 2015

Consumers are the real winners this year, with almost 500 medals from the 2015 International Wine Challenge being awarded to supermarkets' own-brand and exclusive wines.

Retailers took home 498 medals in total, with Marks & Spencer getting the largest haul, claiming 169 awards.

"Year on year, supermarket own-brand ranges continue to improve and impress the IWC judges," Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC said.

"Shoppers really are spoiled for choice in the wine aisles, with medal winners to be found in all major supermarket chains. Supermarket buyers have demonstrated their talent for sourcing fantastic wines from all around the world, usually at pretty keen prices."

Supermarkets' wine offerings are clearly improving as 138 more wines won medals this year compared to last year. All the major supermarkets, as well as some of the discounters, took home gold medals. Aldi, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, The Co-operative and Waitrose all picked up a total of 33 gold medals.

M&S had a few stand out wines including their Marks & Spencer Bluff NV Sparkling Chardonnay that is priced at £13m. The judges were also impressed by the Marks & Spencer Very Rare Dry Oloroso NV and Marks & Spencer Dry Old Palo Cortado NV produced by well-respected sherry aficenado Emilio Lustau, which is a consumer-friendly £8 per half-bottle.

Tesco scooped a number of golds including the Tesco finest* Vintage Grand Cru Champagne 2007, Tesco finest* Chablis 2013 and Tesco finest* Sancerre 2013.

Metcalfe said: "We have never awarded so many medals to own-brand wines before, which demonstrates the vast improvement in supermarket ranges. It is fantastic that supermarkets are offering such extensive ranges of different styles and that UK shoppers can get top quality wine on their doorstep."

Marks & Spencer

Gold: 12

Silver: 52

Bronze: 105

Tesco

Gold: 5

Silver: 22

Bronze: 48

Sainsbury's

Gold: 4

Silver: 16

Bronze: 40