News
Greater competition for prestigious Bell Gully sustainable wine award
This year's Bell Gully Sustainable Wine Trophy winner was up against increased competition as the New Zealand wine industry increases its commitment to sustainable wine production.
The Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009 was named the top sustainable wine and Bell Gully prize winner at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards held in Christchurch on Saturday.
David McGregor, Bell Gully senior partner and long-time counsel to New Zealand Winegrowers, organisers of the country's premier wine competition, presented the award to the Central Otago-based Olssens Winery.
This year 112 'pure' medals, awarded to sustainable wines, were given – nearly twice the number awarded last year and a sign of the growth in sustainable wine production.
Chair of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards judges Steve Smith, Master of Wine, described the Olssens winning riesling as a world-class wine that left a lasting impression on the judging panel.
"It has a beautifully intense nose of flowers, lime and spearmint leaves and delivers a brilliantly juicy start to the palate."
Bell Gully's sponsorship of the sustainable wine award continues the firm's long association with the wine industry, including working with New Zealand Winegrowers and other partners to establish a framework for the industry's sustainable growth in 2007.
