Zephyr Gewürztraminer hits supreme status

Marlborough wine company Zephyr Wines has capped off a successful year with a rare achievement, securing one of New Zealand’s highly sought-after champion wine awards.

Zephyr’s 2019 Gewürztraminer was crowned Supreme Champion Wine of Show at the New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition last month – a rarity for the Gewürztraminer varietal.

Zephyr Wines winemaker Ben Glover says the varietal is a labour of love for the Zephyr Wines team.

 “For a Gewürztraminer to come through the judging process and outshine the usual suspects of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris and come out on top is a phenomenal result for any wine competition,” Ben says.

 Zephyr’s 2019 Gewürztraminer previously scored 95 points at the 2019 Marlborough Wine Show, and was noted by Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas as one of his favourite Gewürztraminers.

 The win came off the back of other Zephyr successes in October, including the 2019 Pinot Noir receiving Double Gold and 2019 Chardonnay winning Gold at the 2020 New Zealand International Wine Show, and the 2019 Pinot Gris awarded Gold at the 2020 Marlborough Wine Show. Earlier in the year, Zephyr’s ‘Mark I’ Organic Rose 2019 was also named Champion Rose at the 2020 NZ Organic Wine Awards.

Ben says the year ahead is looking even healthier for the family-owned company and its wines as it moves to organics, with much of the 2020 vintage to be certified organic.

“We’re passionate about keeping things simple throughout the growing and winemaking process, and letting the fruit do its job.”