North Canterbury’s Greystone Wines is celebrating not just one, but three distinguished trophies for its 2021 Organic Chardonnay at the 2023 International Wine Challenge (IWC).
The IWC, one of the longest running international wine shows which is based in London and is renowned for its rigorous judging process and esteemed panel of experts, has recognised Greystone Wines with the highest honours in three separate categories: New Zealand White Trophy, New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy and the Canterbury Chardonnay Trophy.
Winemaker Dom Maxwell says it’s a huge achievement, given these awards are judged blind by some of the world’s most respected wine experts. “This is really significant for us. We have won multiple Trophies and awards over the years, but it’s amazing to win three trophies at a single wine show for the same wine. This is a special first for the team and the region.”
Dom says the recognition serves as a testament to Greystone’s commitment to the environment and farming organically.
“Working organically and regeneratively is the foundation behind everything we do here at Greystone. Being recognised on such a prestigious stage really rewards the dedication, work and effort of the vineyard team and our winery crew.
“To receive this prestigious award is a real credit to our whole team. This is proof that you can have a sustainable, organic approach and still make incredible wines that stand up to the classic wines of the world.”
It also gives the Chardonnay its moment in the sun.
“Pinot Noir has taken the limelight for a long time, and I think this shows the potential of the North Canterbury region to produce so many different varieties of wine to a high standard.”
“There is a really delicate balance in the layers where we get a beautiful combination of maximum fruit characters but also complexity, and I think that interplay between the two is a real hallmark of a great Chardonnay.” Dom says he’s proud to put North Canterbury on the world wine map yet again. “It gives us heart and motivation to carry on our journey of making premium organic wines that people can love and enjoy.”
The 2021 Greystone Organic Chardonnay has yet to be released but is available to taste at the Greystone Cellar door…ask them nicely and they might even sell you a bottle.
2021 Organic Chardonnay accolades:
5 Stars- Winestate Magazine (Michael Cooper)
95pts- ‘Outstanding’- Cam Douglas MS
97pts- ‘Gold’ IWC (international Wine Challenge) 2023
Trophy New Zealand White Wine- IWC 2023
Trophy New Zealand Chardonnay- IWC 2023
Trophy North Canterbury Chardonnay- IWC 2023
About Greystone
Greystone is a 33-hectare vineyard in North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley. It is certified organic with BioGro New Zealand and carbon zero certified through Toitu. It has clocked up numerous awards including for its Vineyard Ferment, which is produced using an age-old outdoor winemaking method, which sees grapes handpicked and fermented outside in the vineyard rows where the fruit is grown.