The
International Wine & Spirit Competition is an annual wine competition
founded in 1969 by the [German/British] oenologist Anton Massel. He had the
idea of creating a competition which was based not just on organoleptic
judgement, but where all entries also had to undergo chemical analysis. A set
of technical controls was implemented in order to ensure that the highest
quality standards were achieved and maintained year after year
The IWSC
receives entries from nearly 90 countries worldwide. No matter where the entry
originates, whether it is youthful or aged, it is judged according to its class
and treated with respect and consideration. The awards given by the competition
are considered as high honours in the industry.
The event occurs annually in November, in London
Chief South
African Judge Dave Hughes with Maryna Strachan, who is the local IWSC representative and Michela Nassiz, the international representative, explains to us how the competition works
The eminent Mr
Hughes always prefers informal attire
The large
crowd of winemakers, growers, wine trade and media listens to the speeches
One gold and three silver MCC winners of the international
competition were indeed available for tasting, Grande Roche’s labels misleading everyone
It was agreed
that the venue was too small for the very large amount of interest the wines
received and tasting did become a bit of a scrum at times. The white wines were on the right hand side
of the table and the many reds were on
the left. Sweet wines were on another
table at the end of the room and brandies and whiskies had another table on the opposite
side of this one
Lots of
informed tasting and note taking and, of course, lots on conjecture as always
when competition wines are being tasted
A selection of
dessert wines being kept cool
