Savoring the Essence of Excellence: The IWSC Wine Trophy Awards

Step into the world of luxury and indulge in the finest wines from around the globe. Every year, the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) gathers the crème de la crème of wine winners from various categories to determine the best of the best. Think of it as a captivating all-star edition of the most exceptional vintages, all competing for the highly coveted Wine Trophy Awards.

The IWSC follows a dual judging approach to connect with the ever-evolving wine world. The first is a traditional event where producers ship their wines for a panel of international judges to taste. The second facet of the competition is the unique “in situ” judging. Teams of judges are dispatched to the field to taste wines on-site, uncovering hidden gems in unlikely places. Every year, the selection of regions for “in situ” judging changes, adding an element of surprise to the competition.

In 2023, the IWSC embarked on a journey through Turkey, Argentina, South Africa, Georgia, and Australia, with a particular focus on the prestigious Margaret River appellation. Among the 7,000+ wines tasted, gold, silver, and bronze medals were bestowed upon remarkable bottles. These accolades alone are a cause for celebration for many wineries. However, only the gold medal winners advance to the final round of tastings to compete for the ultimate honor – a Wine Trophy.

This year’s lineup of twenty-four trophy-winning wines is truly diverse. Among them are five sweet/fortified wines, fourteen still wines (including five white, eight red, and one orange), and five sparkling wines. Wine enthusiasts and collectors should make haste in seeking out these exceptional bottles, as they represent the pinnacle of winemaking expertise.

Several regions excelled in the competition, with Australia and South Africa leading the way, securing four and three trophies respectively. Of particular note was Turkey, which, for the first time in the IWSC’s 54-year history, claimed a well-deserved trophy. The IWSC applauded the exceptional quality of the wines tasted this year, declaring it one of their finest selections in recent memory.

Without further ado, let’s unveil the twenty-four trophy winners:

Sparkling Wines:

– De Saint-Gall Orpale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008

– Rare Champagne Rosé Brut 2012

– Piper-Heidsieck Brut 2014 (Magnum)

– Carpenè Malvolti 1868 Rive Di San Pietro Di Barbozza Brut 2021

– RAIMES English Sparkling Classic Brut 2018

Sweet/Fortified Wines:

– D’Oliveiras Tinta Negra 1995

– D’Oliveiras Malvazia 2009

– Bodegas Fundador Palo Cortado Medium Blend VORS NV

– González Byass Noé VORS Pedro Ximénez NV

– Inniskillin Icewine Riesling 2021

Red Wines:

– Clairault Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

– Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Syrah 2018

– Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Cabernet Merlot 2020

– A.G. Oatley Wines Robert Oatley The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

– Bodegas Bianchi Gran Famiglia Corte 2020

– Antigal Winery & Estates Aduentus Cabernet Franc 2019

– Corporation Georgian Wine Akido Mukuzani 2021

– Akberg Wines Akberg Lethe Ercis Karasi 2021

White Wines:

– Leo Buring Leonay Mature Release Riesling 2017 from Eden Valley

– Mont Rochelle Miko Chardonnay 2018

– Capensis Wines Capensis Silene 2021

– Distell Limited Durbanville Hills The Tangram White Blend 2020

– Weingut Johann Schneeberger Kittenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Orange Wine:

– Chelti Winery Qvevri Kisi 2020

These wines represent the epitome of craftsmanship and excellence in winemaking. Each bottle is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its origin and delight the senses of those fortunate enough to indulge.

The IWSC Wine Trophy Awards not only celebrate exceptional wines but also highlight the ever-evolving nature of the wine world. With its “in situ” judging approach, the competition unearths remarkable wines from unexpected locations, promising delightful surprises for wine connoisseurs.

Raise a glass to the remarkable journey that each wine took to claim its trophy. These wines are not merely liquid in a bottle but rather the embodiment of passion, skill, and dedication. Let them transport you to the beautiful valleys, rolling vineyards, and sun-kissed landscapes from which they hail.

As you savor each sip, remember that you are experiencing the pinnacle of winemaking artistry – a taste of perfection. Cheers to the IWSC Wine Trophy Awards and the wineries that have achieved the highest honor in the wine world.