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CHILEAN WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR TROPHY, SUPPORTED BY WINES OF CHILE:
VIÑA CONO SUR
One of Chile’s most recognised and awarded wineries, Cono Sur was founded in 1993 with the aim of producing “premium, expressive and innovative wines”.
The name itself is a reference to the winery’s position in the ‘Southern Cone’ of South America (incorporating Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay). From the start Cono Sur has applied new ideas and technology to its winemaking to capture the spirit and terroir of the New World.
In a short space of time the winery has achieved a number of ‘firsts’, such as being the first Chilean winery to produce and export Viognier, and the first to attain a Designation of Origin for both Riesling and a sparkling wine from Bío Bío.
It is one of the largest Pinot Noir producers in the world, with a range that spans its entry-level Bicicleta label to top-of-the-line Ocio, produced in partnership with noted Burgundian winemaker Martin Prieur, from Domaine Jacques Prieur.
It’s not just in its wines that Cono Sur tries to lead the way either. In 1995, just two years after its founding, it became the first winery in South America to use synthetic corks. Since 2002 it has bottled its aromatic white wines under screwcap to maintain their intensity and prevent oxidation. Its entry-level red, white and rosé wines have also been bottled under screwcap for the past 15 years.
In the vineyards too, Cono Sur has been at pains to remain committed to the environment and developing environmentally friendly policies; including embracing natural
vineyard management, organic production and
balancing CO2 emissions.
ENGLISH WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR TROPHY, SPONSORED BY THE VINTNERS’ COMPANY: GUSBOURNE ESTATE
Founded in 2004 on an estate dating back to 1410 Gusbourne, in Kent, has emerged as one of the brightest lights of the burgeoning English wine industry.
Focusing on the three main traditional Champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – the Gusbourne estate spans 40 hectares in Kent and a further 22ha in West Sussex.
Bottling its first vintage in 2006, Gusbourne’s inaugural commercial release came in 2010. Today the estate makes a trio of sparklers: its flagship blanc de blancs, which is aged on its lees for 36 months; a brut reserve blending the three Champagne grapes; and a pale pink rosé made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Last October the 2007 vintage of Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs made its way onto the menu at a Buckingham Palace banquet. In addition to fizz Gusbourne also produces two still wines: Guinevere Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir – one of the most promising still reds in England.
In 2013 Gusbourne was bought by investment company Shellproof for £7 million, which has given the estate the cash to invest in a new winery. Master Sommelier Laura Rhys was hired in 2015 to look after the brand’s domestic and global development. In keeping with the brand’s luxury approach, Gusbourne can be found at high-end retailers such as Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason, and fine-dining restaurants like Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Bray and Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in Cumbria. While still in charge of winemaking, last October Charlie Holland was promoted to the role of
chief executive.
Gusbourne increased its sales last year by 35%, while gross profits grew by 47%. Its latest development is the opening of a new tasting room, while key objectives for 2018 include expanding production and exports.
English Wine Producer shortlist
 Chapel Down
 Gusbourne Estate  Kingscote Estate  Nyetimber Limited  Wiston Estate
Chilean Wine Producer shortlist
 Carolina Wine Brands
 Viña Cono Sur
 Hacienda El Condor SA
 Casas del Bosque (ABS Wine Agencies)
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