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CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE OUTCOME OF THIS..... :-)

A flood of South African red wine entries into the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (Hong Kong IWSC) has prompted organisers to add a dedicated 'Best Red from South Africa' award category.


The addition of the Best Red from South Africa category takes the total trophy categories in the Hong Kong IWSC to 31, which include varietals, stylistic, food and wine pairing, regional and best value categories.

Simon Tam, director of the Hong Kong IWSC said, "We are thrilled by the terrific response from South African producers to the inaugural Hong Kong IWSC.

"We believe the dedicated award category we've just added will not only mean increased awareness of South Africa's terrific range of reds, including its particularly notable indigenous varietal, Pinotage, but offer invaluable guidance on choosing quality reds to the community of Asian wine lovers.

"The competition results will be publicised extensively in Hong Kong, across Asia and internationally to the media, hospitality trade, wine lovers and wine trade. Additionally, to assist award winners to capitalise on their success and gain maximum business benefits, the Hong Kong IWSC has devised a targeted marketing and publicity campaign to promote award winners across Asia and internationally for the 12 months following the competition."

As the Hong Kong IWSC will be judged by predominantly Asian judges, winners will reflect the unique taste preferences of the Asian palate, so results are expected to differ significantly from those of many other wine competitions. This will make the Hong Kong IWSC the premier wine voice of Asia, offering the Asian market sound guidance on the top wines available in the region.

"Over the last few weeks, due to a high number of entries and demand from different sectors of the international wine community, we have added several other categories," said Debra Meiburg MW, director of the Hong Kong IWSC.

New to the line up, along with the fantastic addition of the Best Red from South African category, are a world first Asia's Best series of awards, recognising the best wines from Thailand, Japan and India (added to the previously included China); Best Touriga Nacional and Touriga Blends; Best Australian Shiraz; Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; three Best New World categories - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling; Best White Wine in Hong Kong below HK$150; and Best Red Wine in Hong Kong below HK$200.

The Hong Kong IWSC is run in partnership with the prestigious London-based International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009. Judging and the announcement of the awards will be held conjunction with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Wine & Spirits Fair, held from the 4-6 November 2009.

For more information visit www.asiasbestwinesandspirits.com.