Lidl private brand wines recognized by Sommeliers Choice Awards
As if being recognized for its own brand beer wasn’t enough, Lidl’s private brand wines have earned 47 medals at the recent Sommeliers Choice Awards.
The Beverage Trade Network’s Sommeliers Choice Awards are in its third year and the wines are judged according to five parameters: Food Parability, Typicity, Quality, Value and Packaging. This year’s awards saw entries from nearly 30 countries, covering 142 varietals.
Lidl took home 47 gold, silver and bronze medals from the competition for its wines that are priced at less than $10. Sales of private brand wines have been increasing steadily, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis data, up over 6% in 2019, and Kate Helms, senior manager of private brands, E & J Gallo said in a recent Store Brands wine report that the supplier has seen double-digit volume growth the last two years.
“We are thrilled that our wines have performed so highly at the recent Sommeliers Choice Awards,” said Stefan Schwarz, Lidl’s chief product officer. “With the guidance of our master of wine, Lidl works to offer high-quality wines at remarkably low prices. These awards prove that when done right, great taste and great prices can go together.”
Lidl’s master of wine is Adam Lapierre. Becoming a master is the highest designation a wine expert can receive, and it takes years of studying, serving and sipping to earn the prestigious title. Not only does Lapierre taste and rate Lidl’s wines, but he also offers his expertise when handpicking each bottle in the retailer’s collection.
Three wines won a gold medal: Dundalgan Irish Country Cream, Rosecreek Riesling Washington and Allini Asti Spumante DOCG. Here’s a list of all 47 wines.
Now in its third year, the Sommeliers Choice Awards have become a top seal of approval in the industry, with wines being reviewed by buyers and experts from the marketplace. Lidl’s wines are no stranger to awards. Judges from USA Wine Ratings and the San Francisco International Wine Competition awarded its wines a total of 142 medals in 2020.
The retailer has also received accolades for its private label beers, winning 11 medals in the New York International Beer Competition.