County vineyard strikes gold at 'Wine Olympics'

At the International Wine Challenge, Shrewsbury's Hencote vineward struck gold with its Mark I 2018 red wine, made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Précoce and Rondo grapes. The winemaker also received two silvers and four bronzes for other tipples in its selection, helping Great Britain to eighth place.

The International Wine Challenge, is considered the world’s most influential, impartial and rigorously judged wine competition. Wines from 21 counties across England and Wales were awarded medals including 12 gold, 48 silver, 58 bronze and 18 commended.

Oz Clarke, one of the six co-chairs for the International Wine Challenge and author of English Wine, said: "Over the past few decades, it’s been incredible to witness the progress Great Britain has been making on the world stage for its wine, especially the sparkling wines from southern England. What’s really exciting to see now however, is the quality of wines we are tasting from other regions in the UK and the diverse styles being produced there."

Kent led the medal wins for English wines with 30 medals, three of which were gold and also took home the English Sparkling Trophy with The Squerryes Partnership Squerryes Blanc de Blancs 2014, which also won the English Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Trophy. The English Sparkling Classic Blend Trophy was awarded to Squerryes Brut 2011.

In Hampshire three gold medals went to Hattingley Valley, Raimes English Sparkling Wine and Grange Estate Wines. The latter was also awarded the English Non-Vintage Sparkling Rosé Trophy for The Grange Hampshire Pink NV.

Roebuck Estates and Artelium in Sussex, Greyfriars Vineyard and High Clandon Estate Vineyard in Surrey and Camel Valley in Cornwall were also recipients of Gold medals. Roebuck Estates also received the English Vintage Sparkling Rosé Trophy for its Rosé de Noirs 2016.