We’re absolutely delighted to share that Black Chalk Wine has been awarded a Sparkling Wine Trophy at the IWSC Awards 2026 for our Eighty Nine Point Six 2020 Blanc de Blancs Magnum.
The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) is one of the world’s most respected wine and spirits competitions, bringing together producers from across the globe and judging entries through a rigorous process focused on quality, craftsmanship and consistency. To receive a Trophy, the highest level of recognition awarded within a category, is a hugely significant achievement, and one that makes this moment particularly special for all of us at Black Chalk.
Recognition from the IWSC is a wonderful endorsement of the work that goes into every bottle. More than anything, though, it’s a celebration of the people behind the wine: the dedication in the vineyard, the care in the winery, and the countless decisions and details that come together to create something we’re truly proud to share.
In the words of our winemakers, it’s safe to say we’re buzzing!
“Shocked but absolutely ecstatic! This is the first time we’ve ever made this wine, so it’s always nerve-wracking to put something new out into the world and see what people think. To be awarded this trophy is incredibly gratifying. I’m so proud of our little team and all the hard work that goes into what we do. It’s amazing to be recognised in this way.”
Zoë Driver, Winemaker
For Jacob Leadley, CEO and winemaker, the award is a proud moment for the whole Black Chalk team — and a reflection of the philosophy and ambition behind our wines.
“Winning this trophy is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Black Chalk. We’ve always believed that our ethos has the potential to produce wines of genuine world-class quality, and this recognition is a wonderful endorsement of that belief.
It’s particularly special because this wine is the result of an enormous amount of work in both the vineyard and the winery, and of a team who care about every detail. To have a wine recognised at this level by an international competition with such a strong reputation is incredibly rewarding.
We’re immensely proud to see a Black Chalk wine receive this recognition, and excited about what it says about our approach to winemaking, our team and the potential of English wine on the world stage.”
Jacob Leadley, CEO and Winemaker
Above all, this award belongs to the people behind the wine. From the hard work in the vineyard to the care taken in the winery, it’s a reflection of the dedication, passion and attention to detail that shape everything we do at Black Chalk.
And there’s something especially fitting about seeing Eighty Nine Point Six 2020 receive this recognition. As the first vintage of the wine, it represents a leap of faith, a huge amount of work and our ambition to make exceptional English sparkling wine. To have that ambition recognised with an IWSC Trophy is a moment we’ll remember for a long time.
To our team, our customers and everyone who has championed Black Chalk along the way: thank you. Your support means a great deal to us, and we’re thrilled to share this moment with you.
Here’s to Eighty Nine Point Six 2020, to the people who made it possible, and to the continued rise of English wine on the world stage.
Cheers from all of us at Black Chalk Wine!
