Decanter World Wine Awards results

France was celebrating as it scooped six trophies at the Decanter World Wine Awards - its biggest haul since 2007. What was particularly noteworthy of their wins were the number of outsiders who won against some of the more established names. The Sparkling Over £10 Trophy, for example, went to Palmer and Co’s Blanc de Blancs. Palmer saw off competition from names such as Tattinger, Heidsieck and England's Gusbourne Estate.

Another unusual win was the Chateau Routas Wild Boar Rosé from Provence – the first time a rosé has ever won an International Trophy at the DWWA. The great wine regions of France were not to be left out, however. Neither a white Rhône nor a white Bordeaux have received an International Trophy since 2006 – a six-year drought that was broken last night.

There was also jubilation from the South American tables as a clutch of medals from Argentina and Chile were announced: the two countries won eight ‘Best in Show’ International Trophies between them. One of these winners included Viña San Pedro 1865 Single-Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, praised by the judges for its ‘layers of guava, passion fruit and savoury, salty minerals.’ This saw off competition from a Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Reserve 2011 from Wairau Valley in New Zealand, and the renowned Nepenthe Sauvignon 2011 from Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Argentina’s International Trophy winners were Amalaya 2011, an ‘intensely floral’ Torrontes from Cafayete which won Dry Aromatic Under £10, Bodegas Santa Ana Unánime 2007 red blend from Mendoza, and Bodegas Salentein Portillo Malbec 2011 from Uco Valley.

In the Retailer Awards, the 2012 Supermarket of the Year title went to Marks and Spencer, whilst The Wine Society retained its National Wine Merchant of the Year crown, winning for the second time in two years.