Decanter World Wine Awards Highlight Exceptional Wines on Busy Shelves

LONDON, September 8, 2011 -

The 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) were held last night awarding winemakers from around the world.

English version: en.prnasia.com/pr/2011/09/08/110879511.shtml

From over 12,000 entries this year, 25 top wines won International Trophies. These wines will now be able to display a medal sticker to show consumers that the wine they are buying is at the top of its class.

To bring these fantastic wines to consumers, Decanter has partnered with Enomatic to host wine tastings around the world. From Mumbai to San Paolo, New York to Paris, Shanghai to Moscow 21 countries will host DWWA Global Tastings to bring the highly acclaimed wines to the doorsteps of consumers.

Wines to be looking out for on the shelves which performed particularly well last night include the ‘traditional’ Old World Wine producers; Wines from France, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Spain, Greece and Slovenia all won International Trophies.

Traditionally famous for its wine, France won a total of 12% of the International Trophies, including a win in the Chardonnay under £10 category. Overall French wines were awarded medals for 63% of their wines entered, up by 2% from last year, proving once again that France is a force to be reckoned with.

However, the country that consumers and experts should look out for is Portugal, winning awards for more than 84% of their entries including 3 International Trophies - on par with France’s International Trophy wins this year and beating them in percentage of medals won.

This was a triumphant year for Spain also with its biggest entry - 1,200 wines - and the biggest crop of medals and commendations - 828 - in the history of the Awards. Emergent regions such as Arribes, Arlanza, Tierras de León and Monterrei have begun to show their mettle, and the prospects for the future are looking bright.

The International Red Italian Varietal Trophy was battled out by three Italian heavyweights from Piedmont, Tuscany and Veneto. The trophy went to Brunello, with Tuscan giant Piccini confirming it is indeed possible to marry quality and quantity. Piccini began to produce and trade wine in Chianti in the late 19th century. Now into the fourth generation of family management, the company is one of Tuscany’s major players.

Steven Spurrier, Chairman of the DWWA commented “These wines will be a great find for anyone picking out a DWWA winner in their local stores!”

www.decanter.com/dwwa/presscentre

Contact: Katie Siegel +44-(0)20-7471-8730

.