MORRIS Wines has ended the year on a high with a standout result on the world stage.
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Morris of Rutherglen was named Outstanding Wine Producer of the Year and Fortified Wine Producer of the Year at the 2020 International Wine and Spirit Competition in London.
Now in its 51st year, the competition was announced in a virtual ceremony recently.
Morris of Rutherglen was shortlisted for both top gongs alongside producers from Spain, Portugal, England, France, Canada and Australia.
It had already bagged trophies for its Cellar Reserve Grand Tawny NV and the Grand Muscat wines as well as five gold medals, a silver and a bronze in this year's competition.
Fifth-generation and Morris family chief winemaker David Morris said he was honoured and humbled to win these international awards, which would help showcase the Rutherglen region and Australian winemaking expertise to the world.
"These are some of the most significant wine awards we have received in our 160-year history and I am proud and delighted to accept them on behalf of five generations of Morris family winemakers," Mr Morris said.
"There were some excellent world-renowned wine producers that were shortlisted so it was gratifying to achieve these wins."
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Mr Morris said it was a positive end to the year, which had been clouded by the coronavirus pandemic and newly-announced Chinese tariffs on Australian wine exports.
He said although Morris did not export to China, the development would impact the broader industry.
"It is a significant part of our Australian wine exports," Mr Morris said.
"Australian wine exports to China make up 42 per cent of Australia's total wine exports."
Mr Morris said ideal winter and spring rainfall and conditions boded well for the next vintage.
"We're looking very good going forward; the vineyard is looking very healthy," he said.
Morris of Rutherglen gained five trophies, four top/double-gold medals, 26 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze at wine shows this year.
Morris was also awarded a red 5-star winery rating in 2021 James Halliday Wine Companion. Old Premium Rare Liqueur Topaque scored 99 points, Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat 98 points and Cellar Reserve Grand Liqueur Rutherglen Topaque 97 points.
