Champagne Indage Ltd. came home with a cache of awards at the 11th Japan Wine Challenge held from 9th to 11th July 2008 at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel in Tokyo. Over 1,700 wines from 27 different countries participated in the Japan Wine Challenge, one of Asia's most prestigious wine competitions. The awards ceremony took place on 11th July at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Roppongi, and the trophies were presented by Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado.

Headed by Chairman Steven Spurrier, consultant editor, Decanter magazine (and Sommelier India contributor), and Co-Chair Lynne Sherriff MW, deputy vice chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine, top international wine figures including Michel Bettane from France, Anthony Rose from UK, Rowald Hepp from Germany, Eduardo Chadwick from Chile, Jim Harre from New Zealand, Andrew Caillard MW from Australia, David Wrigley MW from UK, Mireya Torres from Spain, Roberto Bava from Italy, Robert Joseph from UK, Rowald Hepp from Germany, Andy Dias Blue from US, Robin Kelly O'Connor from US, and Andrew Caillard MW Australia judged the wines.

The judges awarded a total number of 67 Gold Medals, 223 Silver Medals, 582 Bronze Medals and 427 Seals of Approval. Indage was the only winner from India receiving five bronze medals and eight Seals of Approval; these awards were received for wines produced by Champagne Indage Ltd in India as well their international acquisition- Thachi Wines Pty Ltd. in Australia.

Pleased with the results, Ranjit Chougule, Managing Director, Champagne Indage Limited, said, “This is an emphatic victory for Indian wines and Indage. Winemaking in the tropics has never been more exciting or challenging and receiving awards such as this will only spur every Indian wine producer to achieve higher and greater heights.”

The wines that were singled out are:
Bronze India – Chantilli Chenin Blanc 2007 Champagne Indage Ltd
Bronze India – Indage Vineyard Reserve Merlot 2006 Champagne Indage Ltd
Bronze India – Marquise De Pompadour Champagne Indage Ltd
Bronze Australia – Broken Earth Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Thachi Wines Pty Ltd
Bronze Australia – Red Skies Shiraz Thachi Wines Pty Ltd

Seal of Approval Australia – Broken Earth Rose 2007 Thachi Wines Pty Ltd
Seal of Approval Australia – South Bay Sauvignon Blanc Thachi Wines Pty Ltd

Seal of Approval India – Chantilli Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Champagne Indage Ltd
Seal of Approval India – Chantilli Chardonnay 2007 Champagne Indage Ltd
Seal of Approval India – Chantilli Merlot 2006 Champagne Indage Ltd
Seal of Approval India – IVY Brut NV Champagne Indage Ltd
Seal of Approval India – Mist Of Sahyadri Syrah 2006 Champagne Indage Ltd
Seal of Approval India – Tiger Hill Syrah 2006 Champagne Indage Ltd

For the complete results of the Japan Wine Challenge, download the pdf.