Villa Maria Named 'Best Value Riesling' In International Wine Awards

9 July, 2009

In tightening economic times, Villa Maria has proven it can still deliver value for money, scooping the trophy for ‘Best Riesling’ (Private Bin Riesling 2008) in the 2009 Wine Access International Value Wine Awards (IVWA) - Canada's premiere value wine competition.

The Wine Access IVWA, which takes place annually, seeks to identify the best wines under $25 available for purchase in Canada. More than 1,100 wines were entered into this year’s competition representing 12 countries.

As well as the Champion Riesling trophy, Villa Maria received Judge’s Choice awards for its Private Bin Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008 and Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008.

Ian Clark, Export/PR Manager for Villa Maria, was especially pleased with this latest win: “This is a significant result for Villa Maria, particularly as Canada is the fourth largest export market for New Zealand wines and a market that has experienced huge growth in recent years.

"We have won many awards for our wines across the range, but it is particularly pleasing to be recognised for our Private Bin wines, which deliver quality at an affordable price for the consumer,” he says.

"These results will certainly help encourage sales of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand’s predominant varietal overseas, but most importantly will continue to boost the profile and sales of other great varietals such as Pinot Noir and Riesling, which New Zealand is becoming known for,” Ian Clark added.

The competition, run by prominent Canadian publication Wine Access Magazine, was judged by some of Canada's most influential wine writers, journalists, sommeliers, buyers and industry professionals.

Villa Maria Private Bin wines are widely available in New Zealand
(Sauvignon Blanc/Riesling RRP NZ$18.99, Pinot Noir RRP NZ$23.99).

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