The Wine Awards at the Berlin International Wine Competition are world renowned!
The Berlin International Wine Competition (BIWC) is part of the International Beverage Competitions group, founded by Adam Levy in 2009. Later in 2014, Adam founded the BIWC and held the first wine awards in the same year.
BIWC differs from other European wine awards in two major ways. First, it is the only competition judged by judges with purchasing power and an ability to impact brand sales. Notably, the judges are real trade buyers who include wine distributors, wine importers, sommeliers, retail store buyers and restaurant owners. For example, Christine Parkinson, the Group Head of Wine with restaurants worldwide has been a judge at the completion. Moreover, Andrea Briccarello, the Galvin’s restaurants wine buyer.
Second, the price and the category of the wine play an important role in the judging process. Because the judges know the price and category of each wine, they appraise although it’s a blind tasting wine contest. As well, the judges get the information as they interact with wine consumers in their various professions. So, their interactions enable them to know the wine consumers want and the price they will pay for it. Therefore, the judges use the knowledge of their interactions with customers, to judge the wine.
Each of the judges in The Berlin Wine Competition has extensive experience and is from a different discipline in the wine industry. Therefore, they bring expert knowledge and different viewpoints on the judging process at the international competition. As a result, 50% of the wines submitted in the competition win, unlike other competitions where 84% submissions win a medal.
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During the wine contest, the judges appraise the wine based on product and price category, by answering the following key questions.
1. Would they import the wine?
2. Would they distribute the wine?
3. Would they sell the wine in their businesses?
The answers and consequent discussion by the judges determine the award to give. In case they disagree and can’t reach a consensus, the judges seek counsel from the Head Judge, Adam Levy.
BIWC awards have three levels, Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. To give any of the medals, the judges follow the criteria below.
1. If a unanimous decision by the judges declares a wine phenomenal, it receives a Double Gold award.
2. If the judges agree that they love the wine, it receives a Gold award
3. If the judges agree they like the wine, it receives a Silver award
4. If the judges agree they would buy the wine, it receives a Bronze award
18 countries submitted over 300 wines during the 4th Annual BIWC which took place in March 2018. Consequently, 42 of the wines received Gold medal wine awards, including;
The supple, full-flavored wine from Australia received the award under the category “All Other Red Varietals.” It has a fantastic deep color with vibrant purple hues, and on the nose its dark, yet youthful with notes of blackberry. Once you taste it, it has a fruity flavor complimented by a rustic tannin and velvet finish. As well, it’s a great wine to pair with a red, juicy filet or an Italian Osso Bucco.
The tropical and balanced Riesling from Finger Lakes upstate New York received the award under the Riesling category. It’s a delicious, slightly sweet wine with hints of citrus, stone fruits, and a slightly tart mineral finish. This juicy wine is an excellent accompaniment to white fish or spicy Thai food.
The classic, savory wine from Spain received the award under the Rioja Category. A herbaceous, light wine with a good depth of flavors, this wine is perfect with a serving of Paella. Drank on its own, it gives a powerful and layered experience of goodness with a strong firm length and silky finish.
Wineries that submit their wines to the international wine contest enjoy various benefits that include;
The Berlin International wine award takes place at the beautiful Berlin Kempinski Hotel. Therefore, the 5th BIWC will take place at the same hotel from 3rd–4th March 2019.
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