Gallo Of Sonoma Wins "best Chardonnay Worldwide" From International Wine And Spi

For the second time in three years, Gallo of Sonoma has been honored for producing the "Best Chardonnay Worldwide" by the London-based International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). Gallo of Sonoma's single vineyard 1997 Stefani Vineyard Chardonnay took the top honor this year. In 1998, the trophy, called the Mission Hill Trophy, went to Gallo of Sonoma's 1995 Northern Sonoma Estate Chardonnay.

In announcing the Gallo of Sonoma award at VinExpo, Europe's largest gathering of leaders of the wine world, the judges said, "This wine has a glorious combination of fruit and well-integrated oak, a fine, creamy, buttery texture with balancing acidity and rich concentration. Soft and smooth in the mouth, yet assertive, too."

Gallo of Sonoma Winemaker Gina Gallo said, "This award recognizes the dedication and artistry of our winegrowing team, and confirms our belief that Sonoma County is the best place in the world to grow grapes for fine wine.

Stefani is a small, distinctive benchland vineyard tucked into a little hanging valley near the north end of the Dry Creek, Valley. It's one of my favorite places. We are still learning about the unique qualities of t

The IWSC is one of the oldest and most respected wine-judging competitions in the world, attracting entries from the very best winemakers in every corner of the globe. The IWSC employs a rigorous two-step judging process, with the completely blind tasting by expert panelists being followed by chemical analysis that guarantees taste and quality are aligned under traditional winemaking criteria.

David Wrigley, master of Wine (MW), heads the Technical and Judging Committee. According to Wrigley, "The IWSC has the most highly qualified judges of any wine and spirit competition in the world...We make sure that our 40 MWs and our prominent trade judges from all over the world are balanced by knowledgeable consumer judges who ensure that products are evaluated with consumer expectations in mind."

The IWSC, started in 1969, saw a 30% increase in wine entries for the 2001 competition. Judges evaluated more than 3,000 wine and spirits entries. Spain, South America, and Australia accounted for most of the increase. South Africa and New Zealand were among the leading medal winners.

Trophy winners will receive their awards during the IWSC Awards Banquet on October 30 in the City of London's historic Guildhall.