North Canterbury’s Greystone Wines is celebrating three trophy wins for its 2021 Organic Chardonnay at the 2023 International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London. One of the longest running international wine shows, IWC is known for its rigorous judging process and top panel of experts. They awarded Greystone Wines the highest honours in three separate categories: New Zealand White Trophy, New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy and the Canterbury Chardonnay Trophy.
Winemaker Dom Maxwell says it’s a huge achievement, given these awards are judged blind by some of the world’s most respected wine experts: “This is really significant for us. We have won multiple Trophies and awards over the years, but it’s amazing to win three trophies at a single wine show for the same wine. This is a special first for the team and the region.”
Dom says the recognition serves as a testament to Greystone’s commitment to the environment and farming organically.
“Working organically and regeneratively is the foundation behind everything we do here at Greystone. Being recognised on such a prestigious stage really rewards the dedication, work and effort of the vineyard team and our winery crew. To receive this prestigious award is a real credit to our whole team. This is proof that you can have a sustainable, organic approach and still make incredible wines that stand up to the classic wines of the world.”
It also gives the Chardonnay its moment in the sun.
“Pinot Noir has taken the limelight for a long time, and I think this shows the potential of the North Canterbury region to produce so many different varieties of wine to a high standard. There is a really delicate balance in the layers where we get a beautiful combination of maximum fruit characters but also complexity, and I think that interplay between the two is a real hallmark of a great Chardonnay.”