Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 International Trophies

Once again Portugal performed well at last night’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). Two of my panel’s four Regional Trophy wines scooped International Trophies.

I wasn’t at all surprised about the Bacalhoa Moscatel de Setubal 2007, because it’s so damned delicious, knock out value for money, plus I was sitting next to its winemaker, Filipa Tomaz da Costa! Filipa, pictured with her award, also won it last year for the 2004 vintage.

However I was thrilled that the international trophy panel selected Adega de Monção Deu la Deu Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2010 from Moncao e Melgaco for the super-competitive category which is White Single Variety International Trophy over £10. It’s Portugal’s first white wine to receive a DWWA Gold Medal, let alone a regional and international trophy. Great to see this fabulous combination of grape variety and sub-region get its dues on the world stage, plus it’s another feather in the cap of this co-operative whose 2011 Vinho Verde (a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura) was one of Julia Harding MW’s 50 Great Portuguese Wines.

Of those other regions on which I focus, South Africa also had a great night. Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2010 from Stellenbosch won the Chardonnay over £10 International Trophy, while Bellingham The Bernard Series Pinotage 2010 scooped the Red Single Variety over £10 International Trophy – quite a coup for this controversial crossing.

Australia’s trophy winners satisfy the sweet of tooth and lovers of searingly dry wines alike. O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2009 bagged the Riesling under £10 International Trophy, while Grant Burge 20 Year Old Tawny NV won the sweet fortified over £10 International Trophy.

The full results are published in this month’s edition of Decanter magazine and online – click here for details.