Jackson Triggs awarded two 'World's Best' Product Trophies and 29 Awards at
London's prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition

TORONTO, Oct. 22 /CNW/ - Jackson Triggs is thrilled to announce that Okanagan Estate winemakers Brooke Blair and Derek Kontkanen and Niagara Estate winemaker Marco Piccoli have won a total of 29 awards at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London, England. In addition, Brooke Blair, Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate Red Winemaker, has captured the 'World's Best' Product Trophy for Jackson Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Merlot 2007, whilst Okanagan Estate White Winemaker Derek Kontkanen has earned the 'World's Best' Product Trophy for Best Dessert Wine for the Proprietors' Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine 2007.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirits Competition is recognized as the world's premier competition of its kind. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such an amazing team.  Jackson Triggs continually strives to make exceptional VQA wines - to be recognized on an international scale like this, it's hard to put into words," says Brooke Blair, Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate red winemaker. Inspired by her father's career as vineyard manager, Blair has wine in her blood and her Aussie roots suit her well in crafting rich and robust red wines in the Okanagan. 

Okanagan Estate white winemaker Derek Kontkanen, a native of Southern Ontario, started his career as a vineyard assistant at Inniskillin while attending the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University Niagara, both fostering in him to learn and master the art of Icewine. "It is an extremely great honour to win this award.  This shows the dedication of our entire team, from the vineyard through to the cellar," adds Derek. 

Marco Piccoli, Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate winemaker, was thrilled to win 10 awards from 11 wines submitted, including Gold (Best in Class) for the Proprietors' Grand Reserve Syrah 2007 and Delaine Vineyard Riesling Icewine 2007. "To have my wines distinguished on the world stage amongst such other fine competitors is an honour," says Piccoli. A native of Northeastern Italy, one of the world's renowned wine regions, Piccoli has extensive experience working vintages in the Northern hemisphere, skills which result in the award-winning wines he produces at Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate.

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate earned a total of nineteen IWSC awards from the twenty wines submitted. Jackson Triggs Okanagan and Jackson Triggs Niagara are both also short-listed for this year's IWSC's 'Best Canadian Producer' award. Winemakers Brooke Blair and Derek Kontkanen will be attending the IWSC awards banquet to be held on November 17 in London, England. Vincor Canada's Chief Winemaker Keith Bown, a past recipient of the IWSC's 'Best Australian Producer' commented "I am thrilled with the team's success at the 2010 competition. To have such a level of consistency in almost all wines submitted winning an award speaks volumes for the skill of the winemakers and the quality of the wines crafted."

Eric Morham, President Vincor Canada, added "These prestigious IWSC awards are a testament to the talent and passion of the entire Jackson Triggs team and demonstrate that the superior quality of Jackson Triggs wines belongs on the world stage."

Jackson Triggs currently has the unprecedented honour of winning the 'Best Canadian Winery' title twenty times in global wine competitions, six of which were "Best Canadian Producer" at IWSC  - a feat no other Canadian winery can claim.  The entire Jackson Triggs team anxiously awaits the November 17 announcement, which could mark the 21^st "Best Canadian Winery" accolade for Jackson Triggs.

For complete results in the Tasting Category Icewine - Riesling - VQA Okanagan Valley - 2008-2006:http://www.iwsc.net/tasting-category/37515/icewine--riesling--vqa-okanagan-valley--2008-2006

For complete results in the Tasting Category : Merlot - VQA Okanagan Valley - 2007:
http://www.iwsc.net/tasting-category/35197/merlot--vqa-okanagan-valley--2007

Product information

• 2007 Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine- - Item# 597120
• 2007 Grand Reserve Merlot - Item# 572040

Purchasing Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate Wines:
Both trophy wines and other award-winning wines are available directly from the winery. Call 1-866-455-0559 or email [email protected] or at the BCLDB, VQA stores and private wine stores.

Purchasing Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate Wines:
Award-winning wines are available to purchase online for Ontario residents at jacksontriggswinery.com, or directly from the winery (product availability limited). Call 1-866 589-4637 or buy online at jacksontriggswinery.com.  Select wines available at Ontario Wine Rack and LCBO Vintages locations.

For high-resolution images of our winemakers, or product shots visit:
www.vincorbrands.com

For further information:

Deborah Pratt, Winery Public Relations [email protected]  1-888-466-4754 x 5410                    
Casey Howe, Jackson Triggs Marketing Manager,  [email protected]  1-800-265-9463 x 5722 www.jacksontriggswinery.com