Pinot Noir named best NZ wine

A Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region has been named Champion Wine at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 prevailed over 1,500 wines from ten of New Zealand’s wine growing regions.

Chair of judges Steve Smith described the wine as “the finest example of the finest red wine variety in this country”.

Judges at the event, which was organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, awarded nineteen trophies in total, with renowned regions Hawke’s Bay picking up a total of six and Marlborough and Central Otago both achieving five.

Sustainability continued to be an important focus at this year’s awards with the Gibbston Valley China Terrace Central Otago Pinot Noir scoring highest in the category.

David Cox, european director of New Zealand Winegrowers said: “Our credible sustainability programme can give New Zealand wines a competitive edge in key overseas markets and demonstrates further our commitment to leadership in this area.”