France dominates IWC trophy leaderboard

France dominates the trophies honours list in this year's International Wine Challenge, coming first for the third consecutive year with 34 wines being awarded a trophy - a 62% increase on last year.

Spain followed with 13 trophies - almost double compared to 2010, with Italy (11) third, closely followed by Australia (10).

The trophy stage is the final round for these award-winning wines. Having achieved a gold medal already through the Challenge's rigorous judging process, the wines are tasted once more by an elite panel of judges, against other wines in the same category.

This year four trophies were awarded to Champagnes compared to only two last year, including a supermarket own-label: Marks & Spencer Herbert Beaufort NV France (Non Vintage Champagne Trophy); Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie 1981 France (Mature Vintage Champagne Trophy); Charles Heidsieck Millésime Brut 2000 France (Vintage Champagne Trophy) and Pierre Paillard Grand Cru Brut Rosé NV France, (Rosé Champagne Trophy).

As Fortified Winemaker of the Year 2010, Spain's Emilio Lustau scooped five trophies including Fino Trophy (Fino La Ina NV), Manzanilla Trophy (Manzanilla Papirusa NV), Palo Cortado Trophy & Sherry Trophy (Palo Cortado VORS NV) and Pedro Ximénez Trophy (Pedro Ximénez VORS NZ).

Winemaker Miguel Torres lived up to his IWC 2010 Lifetime Achievement award by being awarded two trophies, Penedès Trophy for Reserva Real 2007 and Priorat Trophy for Perpetual 2008 Spain.

The IWC also revealed 15 Great Value Awards, judged on style, availability and price.

Tesco continued its winning streak by enjoying a triple award success for its Tesco Finest Dessert Semillon 2007 De Bortoli Wines (rrp £6.49, Great Value Sweet Wine Under £10); Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV Union Champagne, (rrp £19.99, Great Value Champagne Under £22); Tesco Finest Navarra Rosé 2010 Principe De Viana, (rrp £6.99, Great Value Rosé).

Asda celebrated with two awards, taking the Great Value Sparkling under £10 crown from last year's winner Marks & Spencer with Asda's Asti NV Araldica (rrp £4.99).

Waitrose rose to the occasion for a second year in a row gaining a Great Value Award for its Champagne Brut NV P&C Heidsieck (rrp £19.99, Great Value Champagne under £22).

Co-Chairman Charles Metcalfe said: "The IWC is the world's most carefully judged wine competition with judges rewarding faithfulness to region, country, variety and vintage. Now in its 28th year, the IWC saw the highest number of countries entering the competition, with 48 nations taking up the Challenge.

"The high calibre of wines reaching the Trophy stage in this year's Challenge has truly impressed the judges. With so many deserving Great Value accolades as well, the IWC recognises true excellence, helping consumers identify and enjoy some of the world's best wines."