Australia has been honoured in the the influential independent wine competition, the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

A record 122 wines were awarded a trophy this year, along with 13 Great Value Wine Awards, including an under £5 sparkling wine from UK chain, Morrisons.

France came top of the country board, with 21 wines being awarded a trophy, followed by Australia (15) in second place and in joint third Italy and Japan (12). A record eight wines from Chile were promoted to trophy status. The Camel Valley Bacchus 2007 is England’s hero for 2009, winning the English trophy.

Andrew Reed, International Wine Challenge director said the trophies were awarded for region, variety or style or a combination of all three.

“I am pleased to say the IWC has upheld its reputation for representing the international wine market by awarding a number of inaugural trophies, which demonstrate improved quality of wines from the region or in its style,” he said.

Supermarkets excelled in the Great Value Wine Awards. Morrisons were stockists for both the Great Value Wines under £5, firstly for Red - Misterio Malbec 2008 and secondly for Sparkling Wine – Canti Asti Fratelli Martini Secondo Luigi Spa. Marks & Spencer enjoyed triple award success for its Manzanilla Sherry NV (Great Value Fortified Wine between £5 and £10), Scheurebe 2005 (Great Value Sweet Wine between £10 and £15) and Bluff Hill Brut NV (Great Value Sparkling Wine between £5 and £10). Sainsbury’s was awarded the Great Value Sparkling Wine between £15 and £20 for its Blanc de Noirs Champagne NV.