The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) has recognised two Australian wineries with prestigious ‘Producer’ awards this week.
Morris of Rutherglen was named Fortified Wine Producer of the Year and the Outstanding Wine Producer of the Year, while Wolf Blass Wines was recognised as the International Red Producer of the Year.
Morris was shortlisted for both top gongs alongside some outstanding global wine producers from countries including; Spain, Portugal, England, France, Australia and Canada.
Sweeping the board with their world-class wines, Morris of Rutherglen NV Cellar Reserve Grand Tawny and NV Cellar Reserve Grand Muscat were also awarded wine trophies along with five gold medals at this year’s IWSC.
Fifth-generation and current Morris family Chief Winemaker, David Morris, said: “It’s a great privilege to accept these trophies. These are some of the most significant wine awards we have received in our 160 year history and I am proud and delighted to accept them on behalf of five generations of Morris family winemakers.
“We are immensely proud of these accolades and excited to showcase the quality wine that Rutherglen and Australia have to offer. There were some excellent world-renowned wine producers that were shortlisted so it was gratifying to achieve these wins. A massive thank you to the team at Morris of Rutherglen who have helped make this all possible.”
It is the fourth time Wolf Blass has received its award, after being named IWSC Winemaker of the Year award for the first time in 1992, followed by 2002 and then again in 2013.
Wolf Blass Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher, said: “We are very proud with the continued recognition we have received at one of the most respected and prestigious wine competitions in the world. It is particularly exciting that our wines continue to be honoured and recognised for their quality and value.
“As a winery, we thrive on producing award winning wines and it is humbling that Wolf Blass continues to be so well received at an international level, helping pave the way for Australian wines.
“This is a very special reward and recognition of the dedication and hard work our winemaking and viticultural teams put into making exceptional quality wines and I am extremely proud of them.
“We treasure awards won at respected international wine competitions as they are a true, independent assessment of our wines from some of the most experienced and respected wine judges in the world.”
The IWSC was established in 1969 and is recognised as one of the world’s most prestigious and influential wine competitions with exhibitors from almost 90 countries as well as boasting one of the most highly qualified and trained group of international judges of any wine and spirit competition.