Yealands Wins Coveted International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at Influential International Wine Challenge 2022
Yealands Wine Group (YWG) are celebrating a double trophy win for their 2021 Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc at the highly respected International Wine Challenge (IWC). Taking home the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and reclaiming the coveted International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy; Yealands were up against more than 20 countries recognized for their Sauvignon Blanc.
The IWC has been running for 39 years and is regarded as one of the most rigorous and influential wine competitions in the world. Yealands Chief Winemaker Natalie Christensen said of the win, “We are incredibly excited to win the Marlborough and International trophies at this show for our 2021 Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc. The IWC is such a well-regarded international competition.
“Seeing our top Sauvignon Blanc from our Seaview Vineyard gain international recognition is a real buzz for the team. We love our vineyard, and the unique characters we get from here, and it’s awesome that our special little part of the global wine world came out on top.”
The judges described Yealands’ trophy winning 2021 Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc as, “Sauvignon Blanc at its glorious, scintillating best from New Zealand’s chilly Awatere Valley. Enough passionfruit, grapefruit and lime zest, stinging intensity, aided by salty sea spray, to sweep away the cares of the world.”
Thousands of wines from over 50 countries entered the competition in a series of rigorous blind tastings held in London last month. With a judging panel consisting of wine experts and influencers from the international wine industry, as well as local commercial decision makers, buyers and MWs, an IWC medal-winning wine is tasted by no less than eight judges before being awarded.
“It’s also great to have the trophy back in New Zealand, with the trophy having been awarded to Austria last year and South Africa the year before.” says Christensen. Alongside the Trophies and Gold medal winning wine, Yealands also picked up two Silver medals and seven Bronze medals.