The Best of English and Welsh Wines unveiled

London, England
The English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition organised by the United Kingdom Vineyards Association saw a significant gathering of UK’s growers and producers at the Vintners’ Hall on 29th July 2015 to celebrate the industry's annual national wine awards. It is the only competition in the world judged entirely and only ever by Masters of Wine. The wines were judged by a team of six Masters of Wine and marked to international standards.  Chaired by Anthony Foster MW, the panel also comprised: Dee Blackstock MW, Rebecca Hull MW, Sally Easton MW, David Bird MW and Robin Crameri MW. 

Welcomed by the Master of the Vintners’ Company, Simon Leschallas, and the Chairman of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association, Sam Lindo, the medals and trophies were presented to the winners, and the three most prestigious trophies: Winemaker of the Year, Wine of the Year and Communicator of the Year were unveiled. The event also gave cause to celebrate a record-breaking number of entries – and awards – gained in this year’s competition, reflecting not only the ongoing growth in the number of wines now being produced, but their consistent quality.  327 wines were entered from 93 vineyards. In total, 284 won an award, including 19 Gold, 124 Silver and 141 Bronzes, with winners including new entrants to other, longer-established producers reinforced their consistent award-winning credentials.

One Highlight of the winners was Bacchus England’s signature grape variety for still wines, Bacchus, proved to be a clear winner, scooping 6 of the trophies and 8 of the 19 Gold medals.   Anthony Foster MW declared “We must be truly proud of this variety which should be listed in every good restaurant in the land just as Marlborough Sauvignon is!”

Here is the list of winners:

Gore-Browne Trophy – The Wine of the Year
Albourne Estate Bacchus 2014
 
McAlpine Trophy – Winemaker of the Year
Piers Greenwood, New Hall Vineyard

English Wine Producers Communicator of the Year
Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW

Vintners’ Trophy - The most outstanding sparkling wine
Langham Wine Estate Classic Cuvée 2011

McNie Trophy - The most outstanding oaked white wine
Gusbourne Estate Guinevere 2013

Tom Day Trophy - The most outstanding single varietal wine
Albourne Estate Bacchus 2014

Waitrose Rosé Trophy - The most outstanding still rosé wine
Meopham Valley Vineyard Rosé 2014
 
Bob Lindo Trophy - The most outstanding sparkling rosé wine
Plumpton Estate The Dean Blush Brut NV

Bernard Theobald Trophy - The most outstanding red wine
Sharpham Vineyard Pinot Noir & Précoce 2013

Stefanowicz Tropy – The most outstanding sweet wine
Hattingley Valley Entice 2014

The complete results can be looked up on http://www.ukva.org.uk/

(Excerpt from a press release)

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