3rd Apr 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
Thousands of corks will be pulled at the Barbican later this month as the International Wine Challenge (IWC) begins its annual task of selecting the world's best wines.
Now in its 26th year, the internationally renowned competition, which will be kicking off on 12 April, will judge entries from 41 countries. Surprise new players for 2009 include Holland and Russia.
During the contest, over 9,000 wines will undergo the competition's thorough judging process that will see each medal winning wine individually tasted at least three times by expert panels
The judging panel includes Co-Chairmen Tim Atkin MW, Sam Harrop MW, Charles Metcalfe, Derek Smedley MW and guest Co-Chairman for 2009, US Wine & Spirits Magazine Editor, Joshua Greene.
Andrew Reed, managing director of William Reed Business Media, said: "The IWC is leading the way in green initiatives among UK wine competitions by putting the environment high on our priority list. All opened wine will be donated to catering companies for culinary use and all bottles/cardboard will be efficiently recycled."
The results of the competition will be announced at the London International Wine Fair at Excel in May and will be available to view online from May 12th by visiting www.internationalwinechallenge.com