Villa Maria Wins Big at 2015 New Zealand International Wine Show

2,103 entries were received into this year’s New Zealand International Wine Show.

Judged by Chair Bob Campbell MW and Chief Judges Larry McKenna, John Hancock and Kym Milne MW, a total 25 trophies and 1,517 medals were awarded.

In addition, the Sir George Fistonich medal for a legend of New Zealand Wine was presented, to Clive Weston – Managing Director of Negociants in New Zealand.

Following the Sir George Fistonich medal, Champion Wine of the Show was awarded to Villa Maria’s Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2014.

And the success didn’t stop there for Villa Maria, who also picked up Champion Producer of the Show, Champion Wine of the Show, Champion Winemaker of the Show (Nick Picone), Champion Chardonnay and 14 gold medals.

“The Chardonnay trophy for Taylors Pass was especially pleasing as it continues a history of succession with this variety across the four regions we source from”, Group Chief Winemaker and winner of Champion Winemaker of the Show, Nick Picone said.

“The Taylors Pass Chardonnay is a beautiful wine produced by a very passionate Marlborough team from an outstanding site.”

Mr. Picone also said that the Producer of the Show trophy represented a significant achievement for the team of viticulturists and winemakers at Villa Maria, as well as the company’s approach to working with multiple varieties across sites in New Zealand.

The show also gave judges the opportunity to take a first look at the 2015 sauvignon blancs, which in total received 20 gold medals, while Vidal Estate’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 that took home Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc.

To see the full list of trophy winners and details of the winning wines, visit www.nziws.co.nz/awards/2015/

Image: Nick Picone with the Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2014

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