Joshua Grainer MW from the US wins the 2023 Quinta do Noval Award
At the Institute of Masters of Wine Annual Awards Ceremony this week at Vintners Hall, London, Joshua Grainer MW, MD and winemaker of RDV Vineyards in Virginia, USA, was given the prestigious 2023 Quinta do Noval Award for the best research paper (RP) by a new MW. This was judged by Christian Seely, Managing Director of AXA Millesimes, Quinta do Noval’s owners, who presented Joshua with his Award at the Ceremony (pictured).
He wins a cheque for £1000, a framed print of Quinta do Noval, and a trip to the iconic property in the Douro to collect a case of wines and ports – including Noval’s fabled Nacional Vintage.
The Research Paper is the final stage of the Master of Wine Exam. It is an individual project, of between 6,000 and 10,000 words, on a topic chosen by the student. Commenting on Joshua’s paper entitled ‘Evaluating phenology shifts of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Merlot in Virginia by the mid-21st Century’’ Christian Seely said: ‘This was an excellent thoroughly well researched study, clearly written and a pleasure to read. Although the subject was extremely specific in terms of place and varieties studied, there are many other regions and varieties to which the conclusions of the paper could apply. A precise study with general validity.’
Joshua, who creates Bordeaux-style reds from a small 7ha hillside terraced vineyard in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, said afterwards: ‘It’s a dream come true! I’ve never had the chance to visit Porto and the Douro. I feel so honoured to win this Award, and to receive it from Christian Seely who has always been one of my wine heroes. It will be fascinating to meet Quinta do Noval’s technical director and learn more about the grape varieties and winemaking on the estate. I can’t wait to take my wife Sarah there – she’s been my rock, supporting me all the way in my MW studies over the past five years. What a result!’
ENDS
For further information, contact
Gurpreet Raulia, Marketing and Communications Officer
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9139
graulia@mastersofwine.org
or
Fiona Campbell, Quinta do Noval’s UK PR
+44 (0)1225 782095
fionaccampbell@btopenworld.com