Summary of contest rules

Rules Concerning Wines
  • All countries and all French regions
  • Syrah/Shiraz wines that contain at least 85% of this varietal, depending on the wine regulations in effect in the country of origin.
  • At least 1000 litres of the wine should have been produced.
  • Samples must be presented in glass bottles from 375 ml to 1000 ml in volume.
  • Labelling should be in conformity with EU regulations, with mention made of the following:
    - Geographical origin
    - Vintage year
    - Identification of the bottler.
  • Each sample set should consist of the following :
    - A description of the growing and winemaking conditions (soil type, climate, harvesting conditions, winemaking practices, ageing).
    - An analytical report established at the time of bottling by an official laboratory in the wine's country of origin.
    - Two labels.
    - Six bottles of the wine.
Rules Concerning Tasters
  • Judges: persons with proven competence in sensory analysis and a good knowledge of Syrah wines.
  • Their level of competence is verified by prior attendance at an evaluation session.
    The qualification of the tasters are verified systematically.
  • Panel of judges is composed of qualified persons.
Rules Concerning the Tasting
  • The tasting is conducted blind
  • In conformity with the international Wine Competition Standard.
  • The number of samples is limited to 20 per panel.
  • Optical and automatic data processing of tasting sheet.
Rules Concerning the Medals
  • Gold Medal
  • Silver Medal
  • Bronze Medal
Rules Concerning the Contest
  • Contest held under the auspices of SAQ.
Other Rules
  • Official languages : French, English.
  • Documents are available in: French, English.
  • Application of the International Wine Competition.