Wild Earth Wines Named World’s Best Pinot Noir at IWC

Wild Earth Wines, a Central Otago winemaker, has been awarded the Trophy for Top International Pinot Noir at the International Wine Challenge in London. The trophy winning 2006 pinot noir was only the third vintage for the young winery. With almost 10,000 wines competing, International Wine Challenge is the world’s largest wine competition. The Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2006 took four trophies in total at the event, adding these to its recent trophy at the Decanter Awards, the second largest wine show globally.

The Trophies awarded to Wild Earth at the International Wine Challenge are: Top International Pinot Noir, Top New Zealand Red Wine, Top New Zealand Pinot Noir, Top Central Otago Pinot Noir.

In total wines from New Zealand were awarded eight trophies, with half of these going to Wild Earth Wines.

The Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2006 has previously been awarded Gold Medals in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the USA, with this new set of accolades reconfirming the impressive standard set by this young winery. The owners of Wild Earth, Quintin and Avril Quider, are elated with the awards, “The trophies belong to our vineyard and winemaking teams who put in an amazing effort each and every vintage. We’re equally delighted for Central Otago, as these awards once again emphasise the exceptionally high standard of pinot noir from this region.”

Wild Earth Wines is a family owned winemaker, located at the very end of Felton Road in Bannockburn, Central Otago. Established in 1998, it has produced wines under the Wild Earth label since 2004.

Vintage 2007: High Quality Harvest Bodes Well for Year Ahead

The 2007 New Zealand grape harvest has commenced with prospects for a high quality vintage following ideal February weather and an encouraging forecast for March. Commenting on the harvest outlook Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Winegrowers, said at this stage industry expectations for the vintage are extremely positive.

“Recent weather has been perfect with fine, warm days setting the scene for an excellent vintage in all regions,” said Mr Gregan.

In terms of quantity, the 2007 vintage will be harvested from a record producing grape area of around 24,000 hectares, an increase of 2,000 hectares on last year. Mr Gregan said current expectation is for a vintage slightly larger than 2006, despite the substantial increase in the producing area.

“This year the vintage will be restricted following spring frosts in some areas and a cool December, which affected vine flowering. As a result, our current view is that the harvest will be between 190,000 and 210,000 tonnes of grapes, up from 185,000 tonnes in 2006. This increase is less than earlier expectations,” said Mr Gregan.

“Any vintage larger than last year will be a record for the industry, but a harvest in this range will struggle to keep pace with export growth, which is currently at 30 per cent per annum. A number of companies are already indicating they will be supply constrained into the key markets over the next year.,” said Mr Gregan.

Mr Gregan stressed there were more than two months to pass before growers and wineries would celebrate a successful vintage.

“Vintage is only in the very early stages and won’t be over until mid-May. Only after the final grapes are harvested and the vintage total is known, will the celebrations start,” Mr Gregan said.

USA Freight Now Available

We can now freight to any state in the USA. Freight is by air and takes approximately 3 weeks. The cost is $330.00 per 12 bottle case and this includes all taxes, duties and delivery to your door.