Final Results 2009
14 October 2009
This year has proved to be a tough one for many in the industry and we have seen some companies fall. At the IWSC we kept our heads down and forged ahead doing what we do to the best of our ability. Apart from running the Competition between March and September, we also kept up the promotions, planned new events and celebrated our 40th year in style!
It was hectic, with the celebrations, additional ‘anniversary’ awards and making our own ‘Anniversary Blended Scotch Whisky’ but we can honestly say that it has been a very successful one.
PERFORMANCE & ANALYSIS
Obviously some countries were affected more than others by both worldwide economic pressures and more local factors such as fires and climate changes. Many countries outperformed previous years and for the first time in a while, France became the largest country in terms of wine entries. It was also pleasing to see growth from Canada and Germany particularly as our President for 2010 is Prince Michael zu Salm-Salm!
With top winners going for chemical analysis, we see certain trends coming through and it was disappointing to see some Southern Hemisphere whites affected by high copper levels. This is a perfectly sound procedure and possibly exacerbated with the increased use of screw caps but needs to be watched. Even so, the overall quality in Competition entries was stunning; one small producer [Feudi di San Marzano] from Italy entering only two wines and taking two of the top trophies!
TV and internet coverage in South Africa was buzzing over the fact that the same winemaker made the winning Eagle's Nest Shiraz 2007 [Shiraz trophy] and Ken Forrester’s Chenin – [The FMC 2007 – trophy winner]. Martin Meinert deserves a mention for such an achievement!
Its tough to get gold at this Competition with just 5.5% making the grade, so those who come through can be truly proud.
CELEBRATIONS
Celebrations for our 40th year were exciting and we were happy to be able to serve our 40th Anniversary Blend at a special dinner held at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh. It was a great evening with a 16 piece pipe band beating the retreat. As part of the celebrations, we honoured 20 people from the production side of the business who had been in the industry for over 40 years.
A big ‘thank you’ to all those companies who participated in the blend and the blenders who supported us in the making of it.
JUDGES
A big thank you too to all our judges who are very supportive and loyal travelling from a range of countries. As last year, with the support of the WSET, we continue with our Associate Judge Programme, which is tremendously popular and gives the IWSC access to a pool of new talent, keeping our panels supplied with new blood.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
With another successful year behind us and in order to raise standards further we will be moving the local round of tastings for the USA to California from 2010.
What does this mean?
Tastings for all WINES from the USA will be tasted at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at the end of March in exactly the same way they are tasted here in the UK. Judges recruited locally with some long-standing Chair judges in attendance to induct and guide them.
Top winning products back by the IWSC to the UK for chemical analysis and trophy tastings. What are the benefits? For many this will mean cheaper shipping costs and with an agent in place, higher profile for winners and local promotions. We feel that this will benefit not only the producer but also the Competition with a closer association with local judges and producers.
For more information: Emma Calland – Marketing: emma.calland@nexusmediaevents.com