The results of the Decanter World Wine Awards were announced this morning at the London International Wine Fair.
Steven Spurrier and Sarah Kemp, Decanter's Publishing Director, opened the ceremony by highlighting the main focus of the competition - the consumer.
'Our job is to spread the results worldwide under the Decanter banner to as many consumers as possible,' said Kemp.
'We believe there is no point having a tasting as an academic exercise it has to influence the people that matter most – the consumers – the people that buy the wine.'
Of the 10,285 wines entered, over 6,000 won an award and 2.8% won a gold or a trophy and 12.5% won silver.
Slovenian wines faired extremely well in the competition with the Dveri Pax winery winning an impressive nine medals including four silvers, while the Ptujska Klet winery obtained seven medals with one gold for their Laski Rizling Sladko 2008.
'It's one of the greatest feelings for the winemaker,' said Bojan Kobal, from Ptujska Klet, of his medals. 'It's the biggest compliment to the region and the wine.'
It was also a momentous day for English wine as it was announced that Camel Valley Wines had won eight medals, including one gold for its white Pinot 2005.
Bob and Sam Lindo, the father and son team behind Camel Valley Wines could barely contain their excitement as they spoke to decanter.com.
'It's really fantastic, we're practically paralysed with excitement,' said Sam Lindo.
'The main thing is it proves a powerful track record, it brings up our credibility and that's what it's all about,' added Bob Lindo.
Dow's Crusted 2003 NV, a category that very few Port houses produce, won the Port over £10 Trophy.
'Decanter is such an iconic brand around the world and to be able to say we've won their Port trophy is absolutely fantastic news,' said Paul Symington of Symington Family Estates, who own Dow's Port.
Among many other unexpected awards, the Jacob's Creek Johann Shiraz Cabernet 2001 won the Australian Red Blend over £10 Trophy, and the 2006 Kaapzicht Estate Steytler Pinotage – a normally much-maligned varietal - won the South African Red Single Varietal over £10 Trophy.
The full list of results, with tasting notes and stockist details, will be available to consumers on decanter.com on 2 September.
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It is indeed an academic exercise since a competition is only as good or meaningful as the wines taking part, and very probably the acknowledged leaders were not there. So the award and medal winners have to be seen in this light!!!
Qatra, Malta
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