Man O' War Vineyards said on the 30th that its premium red wine "Dreadnought" won the grand prize in the New World red wine category (100,000 won and above) at the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards in 2026.
Dreadnought is a 100% Syrah wine based on the maritime climate and terroir of Waiheke Island, New Zealand, characterized by traditional winemaking that maximizes the grape's character and a natural fermentation process. Hand-harvested grapes from steep hillside vineyards undergo partial whole-cluster fermentation, and gentle pump-overs in open-top fermenters create fine tannins and structure.
In particular, natural fermentation with indigenous yeast and about 18 months of aging in French oak barrels enhanced the wine's depth and complexity. Blending and stabilization then completed a balanced flavor profile.
The 2022 vintage Dreadnought features aromas of black pepper, violet, herbs, and graphite, along with concentrated dark plum and blackberry fruit. A silky texture, taut acidity, and minerality harmonize to deliver structure with a long finish.
Dreadnought is regarded as a wine with long-term aging potential that also shows excellent completeness in its youth, establishing itself as a premium red wine versatile enough to pair with everything from seafood to meat dishes.