Christie’s International Director wins coveted Noval Award
Tim Triptree MW, recently appointed International Director of Wine at global auction house Christie’s, has won the sought-after Noval Award for the best research paper at the Institute of Masters of Wine annual awards ceremony this week. The research paper is the final stage of the Master of Wine examinations. This international qualification is the wine trade’s highest accolade, and the result of over many years of study, tasting, and examinations. This year, just 14 students, from nine countries, were accorded the privilege of adding MW to their name – bringing the total to 380 world-wide.
Tim was presented with the prestigious Noval Award, by Christian Seely, Managing Director of Port shippers Quinta do Noval. He wins a cheque for £1000, and a trip to the spectacular Quinta do Noval estate to collect a very rare bottle of vintage Port.
Tim, 43, a former City banker, joined Christie’s in 2005 and was based in Hong Kong for four years – returning last year to take up his new appointment. His award-winning paper Reserve Wine Use in Brut Non-Vintage Champagne: Trends, causes, implications focusses on his expert knowledge of Champagne – with great success. He has a particular interest in the region after winning the Trinity Champagne Scholarship during his Master of Wine studies.
“Each year, we are always so excited to find out who has won the Noval Award. It is such a fitting tribute to the hard work that goes into writing the research paper – and Tim’s is a fascinating read. We hope our research papers continue to be of great value to the whole wine industry.” said Penny Richards, the IMW’s Executive Director.
Meanwhile Christian Seely commented, “The subject is a fascinating one for lovers of Champagne, and the study was both extremely informative and thought provoking. It did not just confine itself to analysis of data, but also provided stimulating reflections on possible consequences of trends that were identified. As well as all this, it was also well written and very enjoyable.”
On receiving his award – marked by a framed print of the Quinta he will visit – Tim said, “I am absolutely elated to win the Noval Award, as Port is such an important part of Christie’s business. Visiting the Douro has always been on my bucket list – and now I am going to the home of the legendary Quinta do Noval Nacional. It is truly amazing!”
Picture shows: Tim Triptree MW, receiving his Noval Award, and picture of Quinta do Noval, from Managing Director Christian Seely.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Fiona Campbell (Quinta do Noval PR): fionaccampbell@btopenworld.com
Tim Triptree MW: +44(0)2077523130 / ttriptree@christies.com
Sarah Kirkpatrick: skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org