The judging is over, and the results are out for the largest and most influential international wine competition in the United States.
Seifried Estate was awarded ‘Best Sauvignon Blanc’ with a 98 point review from the judges and a Double-Gold medal at this year’s San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) for their Old Coach Road Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015. Seifried was also awarded ‘Best Late Harvest White’, with a 94 point Double-Gold medal for their Seifried Winemakers Collection Sweet Agnes Riesling 2015.
Now in its 36th year, the SFIWC maintains the highest level of integrity with a blind-tasting system performed by a highly experienced panel of internationally acclaimed wine experts.
Two ‘best in class’ wines at an international wine competition is the perfect way to celebrate 2016 for this pioneering family winery in a year that marks forty years since their very first vintage.
Harvested from their own Estate grown, Sustainably Accredited vineyards in the heart of Nelson’s fruit growing region, Seifried Estate prides itself on wines truly reflective of the soils and sunshine in which they are grown.
Founder and Viticulturist to the family winery, Hermann Seifried credits the warm summer temperatures during the growing season, along with close attention to detail in everything from clonal selection and canopy management, to cropping levels in the vineyard. “We were able to cruise into vintage, and wait for the desired balance of fruit ripeness and that sought after acidity” Hermann said. “Both of these wines rely on a purity of flavour, there is no opportunity to hide behind malolactic fermentation or oak. We work hard in the vineyard to ensure these natural fruit flavours are prominent right from the start. Old Coach Road is an expression of everything we love about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – brightness, exuberance, intensity; all beautifully balanced to give a refreshing glass to enjoy.”
Winemaker, Chris Seifried says, “This recognition confirms what we’ve known for many years – that Nelson’s climate and soils are the perfect home for New Zealand’s favourite grape. This level of accolade for two very different wine styles makes the weeks and months of hard work in the vineyards and winery worthwhile, and means a lot to Dad, and his vineyard crew, as well as our winemaking team.”
Hermann adds, “Old Coach Road is a range of wines made with the same love and attention as all our wines, with the focus on approachability, and just great examples of what the variety can do in our climates and soils here in Nelson.” He adds, “It’s always a great thrill to be recognised with any of our wines, but to receive two accolades from such a high calibre international wine competition is a great endorsement for our team.”
