Two Central Otago wines have won medals in the annual New World Wine Awards.
Bendigo vineyard’s Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir Rose 2018 won the champion rose section and Alexandra’s Shaky Bridge Pioneer Series Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 won the champion pinot noir title.
The pinot was also voted the pinot noir the champion red wine of the competition due to its "long, clean, precise finish that makes this wine a knock-out".
The judges described the rose as "a very well balanced and elegant wine with a tiny suggestion of sweetness on the finish".
However, the chardonnays impressed the most, judges’ chairman Jim Harre said.
"While a record number of rose wines entered ... it was the enduring chardonnay category that particularly pleased the judges this year.
"Now, we have well-managed wines that reflect the true quality of the chardonnay fruit, with a judicious use of oak, and a fine elegance brought about by considered winemaking.
"They are simply a delight to drink, and a must-try even for those who may not typically choose chardonnay."
The wines go through "rigorous" testing and are randomised. Judges can only know the variety, the country of origin, and when the grapes were harvested.
A gold-medal-winning wine ends up being tasted about 19 times, and a trophy wine will be tasted at least 36 times.
There were 17 independent experts involved in judging over the three-day event this year.
To be eligible for the competition, the wines must retail for $25 or less, meaning buyers can get an affordable bottle of wine and know it is still high quality.
Champion wines
Winners from the 2018 New World Wine Awards
Sauvignon blanc: Vidal Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Pinot gris: Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018
Aromatic: Mount Brown Estates North Canterbury Riesling 2018
Chardonnay: Wither Hills Marlborough Chardonnay 2017
Sparkling wine: Morton Estate Black Label Brut
Rose: Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir Rose 2018
Pinot noir: Shaky Bridge Pioneer Series Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017
Single varietal red: Grant Burge Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Red blend: Mo Sisters Red Blend 2016
Shiraz and syrah: Zonte’s Footstep Chocolate Factory McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016