Five Trophies in One Week! Four Champion Trophies awarded in one day, then another trophy awarded a few days later, across three different varietals.
We have been awarded three champion trophies from the Marlborough Wine Show 2022, one at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2022 and one at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022 across three different varietals.
Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Chardonnay 2018 took out Champion Chardonnay, Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2021 won Champion Other Red Wine and Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Chardonnay 2018 was crowned Champion Organic at the Marlborough Wine Show 2022.
We were also awarded Champion Sweet Wine at the New Zealand International Wine Show for our Giesen Late Harvest The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc 2017.
It doesn’t stop there, Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2021 was awarded Champion Syrah at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa.
Chief Winemaker, Duncan Shouler, says he is immensely proud of his team.
“It’s not every day you win awards, let alone four on the same day and then five in one week, across three different varietals. It speaks to the diversity of quality we offer at Giesen – something our team works hard to achieve.”
“We are thrilled to be able to put our hard work forward to these prestigious awards, celebrating viticultural talent across New Zealand and to be honoured alongside our peers in the industry.”
The New Zealand International Wine Show is the largest wine competition held in New Zealand each year with around 1,750 entries each year. The 2022 competition was conducted under the Chairmanship of Bob Campbell MW, New Zealand’s most experienced senior wine judge and this country’s leading wine educator.
The Marlborough Wine Show is held by Wine Marlborough with more than 540 entrants and is an opportunity to connect with global adorers of the region’s wine, with stories of diversity, provenance and pedigree honouring brilliant winemakers from the region.
Emerging from the Royal Easter Show, the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand, a new national wine award are recognizing, identifying and celebrating excellence in New Zealand Wine.
All of these award shows are important in their own right.
“The New Zealand International Wine Show, the Marlborough Wine Show and now the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand have a long-standing history in the wine community both regionally and nationally, we are proud to be recognised at both levels.”
Duncan thinks it’s fabulous to have these wines recognised, as these wines are true labours of love.
“Certified organic Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Chardonnay 2018 is from a north-facing hillside vineyard and is nurtured by meticulous hands-on viticulture. The clay soils, varied rootstocks, high density planted 30+-year-old vines reduce vigour and promote root structure, delivering highly concentrated fruit with great tannin and minerality.”
“Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2021 is special in its own right, the Syrah variety is not commonly associated with Marlborough. It is usually found in warmer climates, such as Waiheke Island and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand.”
“To win a trophy with a Marlborough wine against wines from these regions is a fantastic achievement, and truly a testament to the quality of the Clayvin Vineyard. It is also exciting for the future of this variety in Marlborough, and of course especially for Clayvin Syrah!”
“The Giesen The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is from Wairau Valley in Marlborough. The name late harvest derives from wine that is made from grapes left on the vine for longer than usual. The grapes left to hang on the vine for longer often end up looking more similar in appearance to raisins, the grapes have been naturally dehydrated which in turn gives concentrated sugars and flavours. We even hand pick and grape stomp the traditional way.”