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The International Wine Challenge, the world’s most influential, impartial and rigorously judged wine competition, has announced the results of its 2022 competition, with medals being awarded to wine producing countries across the globe, from Spain and New Zealand to India and Georgia.

Thousands of wines from over 50 countries entered the competition which was judged by an international panel of wine experts in a series of rigorous blind tastings held in London last month.

The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2022 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here.

New Zealand back on top with the grape that made it famous
After being pipped to the post for two years running, New Zealand reclaimed the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy this year, with Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2021 scooping the prize. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc shone in this year’s Challenge, winning three of the five Gold Medals that went to wines made from this grape variety.

New Zealand was also recognised for its world-class Chardonnay, being awarded the International Chardonnay Trophy for the very first time, a category that has traditionally been dominated by French wines.

‘In this year’s results, more than 20 countries were recognised for their Sauvignon Blanc wines and so competition for this trophy is becoming increasingly stiff. New Zealand winemakers will be particularly pleased with the results this year, having lost out to Austria last year and South Africa the year before,’ explained IWC Co-chair Tim Atkin MW.

Australian Grenache makes history
Australia was awarded an impressive 54 Gold Medals in this year’s competition, coming second only to France.

South Australian producer, Pinnacle Drinks won the International Grenache Trophy for its The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache 2020 – the first time in IWC history that an Australian wine has won this accolade.

Meanwhile, Tasmania burnished its reputation as one of the nation’s leading wine producing regions with the Australian Sparkling Trophy once again awarded to the House of Arras, for its EJ Carr Late Disgorged 2006.  The region has now triumphed in this category for every one of the last ten years.

The Australian White Trophy also went to a Tasmanian producer, with Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 also claiming both the Australian and Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophies.

International Wine Challenge Co-chair, Jamie Goode, explains, ‘Globally, Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties but it has not always been popular in Australia. In recent years, it has experienced a resurgence thanks to winemakers switching their focus towards lighter styles which are becoming increasingly sought after worldwide. It is great to see Australia take the trophy for the first time this year.’

Shop our selection of this year’s International Wine Challenge award winning wines:

GOLD MEDALS

GOLD & TROPHY 2020 Bouchard Finlayson Tete de Cuvee Pinot Noir – SA Red Trophy 95 pts (2020 vintage available Autumn 2022)
GOLD & TROPHY 2020 Golden Amrita Single Estate Shiraz – Barossa Valley Shiraz Trophy 95 pts
GOLD 2020 Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 95pts*
GOLD 2020 Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 95 pts

SILVER MEDALS

2021 Babylonstoren Chardonnay 90 pts*
2013 Bon Courage Cap Classique Jacques Bruére Cuveé Brut Reserve
2020 Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair (Kaaimansgat) Chardonnay 93 pts
2019 Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 93 pts*

2020 Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 91 pts*
2020 Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Chardonnay 92 pts
2021 Capel Vale Mount Barker Regional Riesling 90 pts
2019 DeMorgenzon Maestro White 90pts
2020 Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 90 pts
2019 Golden Amrita Single Estate Shiraz 93 pts*
2018 Jordan Cobblers Hill 94pts
2020 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 90pts*
2020 Jordan Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Kirrihill Regional Cabernet Sauvignon 90pts*
2021 Kirrihill Regional Riesling 92pts*
2019 Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 90 pts*
2020 Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 90 pts*
2021 Paul Cluver Estate Riesling 90 pts*
2021 Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 90 pts*
2018 Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 92 pts
2021 Paul Cluver Village Chardonnay 92 pts
2020 Rustenberg John X Merriman 91 pts*
2020 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 92pts*
2019 Tokara Cabernet Sauvignon 92pts
2020 Tokara Reserve Collection Chardonnay 93pts
2018 Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 91pts
2018 Trentham Estate Reserve Chardonnay 92 pts*
2015 Trentham Estate Reserve Noble Taminga 92 pts*

BRONZE MEDALS

2020 Babylonstoren Cabernet Sauvignon*
2019 Babylonstoren Shiraz*
2020 Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer
2020 Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir*
2021 Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc*
2020 Capel Vale Regional Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Capel Vale Regional Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Darling Cellars Old Bush Vines Chenin Blanc
2019 DeMorgenzon Maestro White
2019 Greystone Organic Pinot Noir
2021 Kaapzicht Bush Vine Chenin Blanc*
2019 Kaiken ‘Mai’ Mendoza Malbec
2020 Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir*
2020 Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay*
2021 Rustenberg Fortified Muscat Blanc*
2021 Rustenberg Fortified Old Vine Muscat of Alexandria*
2019 Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon*
2021 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay*
2021 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc*
2021 The Doctors’ Rose
NV Trentham Estate Reserve Blanc de Blanc

* Awarded vintages currently in stock.

Now in its 39th year, the International Wine Challenge is accepted as the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition. The International Wine Challenge assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards. Trophies are awarded to the very best wines in each category. The International Wine Challenge is committed to helping consumers discover great wine, and the medals displayed on winning bottles offer a trusted guarantee of quality.