Portugal takes 12 trophies at International Wine Challenge

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 14 May, 2014

Portugal has scooped 12 trophies at the International Wine Challenge, putting it in third position for trophy wines after France (28) and Australia (19).

The Iberian nation took home four trophies for Port and a further four for Madeira wine - with Justino's collecting three of these. The remaining four went to Quinta Do Passadoura Lda for its Passadoura Touriga Nacional 2011, while Douro's Jorge Nobre Moreira's 2011 Pó de Poeira won a regional Red trophy. The trophy for Portuguese Red went to the 2011 Quinta dos Roques. The prize for the best Portuguese white went to the 2011 Campolargo by Manuel dos Santos Campolargo, Herderos.

Spain, alongside New Zealand, brought in eight trophies, with wines from Sherry, Rioja, Cava and an Albariño from the Rías Baixas taking home awards. Four sherries won trophies: The Lustau Almacenista Oloroso del Puerto González Obregón produced by Emilio Lustau; Harveys Pedro Ximénez 30 Year Old VORS; while Williams & Humbert won two trophies for its Manzanilla created for Marks & Spencer and Palo Cortado 20 Year Old Solera Especial.

Argentina won seven trophies, with four of those going to its flagship grape Malbec from the 2012 vintage. Mendoza's Gran Mascota Malbec 2012 produced by Bodegas Santa Ana and the Estilo Pampas del Sur Malbec 2012 by Trivento Bodegas y Viñedos were each awarded Malbec trophies. Vinalba Patagonian Reserva Malbec 2012 from Bodegas Fabre won a trophy, as did the 2012 Colomé Auténtico Malbec from Salta based Bodega Colomé.

South Africa picked up six trophies, with red, white and sweet wines taking home awards. Nederburg Wine Masters Reserve Noble Late Harvest 2011 produced by Distell, won the Sweet Chenin Blanc trophy while Klein Constantia Estate wone the South African Sweet trophy for its Vin de Constance 2008, a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as the IWC judging panel.

English wine took home two trophies.

Charles Metcalfe, co-chairman of the IWC said: "If a shopper sees an IWC medal sticker on a bottle of wine, its quality can be trusted, as it has been selected by some of the world's best tasters. Whether you are a wine novice or an experienced wine-drinker, our stickers can help you find a great wine every time."

To read the entire list of trophy winners, and find out which wines have been shortlisted for Champion awards, visit the IWC site here. Champion winners will be announced at the IWC Awards dinner on July 16 in London.

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