With Easter fast approaching, it’s time to bring you all the medallists from this year’s Spring Tasting, which saw Austrian whites and Spanish reds perform strongly, along with some refreshing expressions from Niagara and the Douro. By Patricia Stefanowicz MW
THE SPRING Tasting is always one to anticipate, reminding us of what’s to come in the months ahead as daffodils and Japanese cherry trees blossom, as well as the wines available to drink amid all this new life.
Importantly, it is a chance to taste delicious wines that may fall outside the remit of our Global Masters categories (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, etc), or expressions that may not have been released in time for a specific tasting.
Kicking us off was a diverse selection of sparkling wines, including myriad grape varieties and blends. Busi Jacobsohn’s Blanc de Blancs from East Sussex won a Gold, and there were Silvers dished out for Cava, as well as fizz from the Veneto, the Loire, Austria, Canada and South Africa.
Then came the white wines, both oaked and unoaked, which impressed the judges. Austria is, perhaps, the shining star this year for still whites. Leth (Wagram), for its Riesling, and Spusu Wein (Niederösterreich), for its blend of Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Weissburgunder, were both awarded Master medals.
Riesling golds were also bagged by Müller (Kremstal), Preiss (Traisental), and Gritsch (Wachau), and a couple of gently oaked Sauvignon Blancs from Kodolitsch in Südsteiermark also made the cut. A Muscat Ottonel from Crama Gabai (Romania), a Raw Chenin Blanc from Lipinski (Canada) and Undurraga’s Viognier/Riesling/Weissburgunder blend from Chile added more delight. There were a few wines from the Iberian Peninsula, and Quinto do Noval’s Blanco, made from Viosinho and Gouveio grapes grown in the Upper Douro signals the possibilities for excellent white wines from those regions.
Moving onto red wines, and judges found a fair few easy-drinking, crowdpleasing unoaked reds for under £10, including Félix Solís’ Mucho Más and The Guv’nor VIP from La Mancha. It seems, however, that most red wines benefit from careful ageing in some form of wood. In the oaked red section, Keringer (Burgenland) and Arnáiz (Castilla-León) are affordable, quaffable wines.
Real excitement among the oaked red wines, though, starts at £20–£30, where there were Gold winners from Hare’s Chase (Shiraz) in the Barossa, VIK (Cabernet Sauvignon) in Chile, and Leth (Pinot Noir) in Burgenland.
Above £30, the reds we tasted were fantastic and hailed from a wide range of areas, including Rioja (Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza and Viña Pomal) and Stellenbosch (Koehlenhof). Viña Maquis and VIK are two Chilean producers showing particularly high quality at this price point. Santa Carolina’s VSC, a fascinating blend based on Petite Sirah, is another intriguing wine. And it is only fair to mention Lipinski Family Wines’ Pinot Noir from Ontario, a beautifullyrendered example of that notoriously fickle variety.
At stratospheric prices, Tuscany stands out. There was an outpouring of Master and Gold medals for some rather wellrecognised producers. Banfi Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and its Riserva wines, plus Ruffino Riserva Ducale and Romitorio di Santedame, were all brilliant examples.
We finished off with some sweet wines. Sonnenmulde’s Scheurebe TBA is an exceptional wine from Neusiedlersee; another is a little gem from Nottinghamshire, Eglantine’s North Star, made from Madeleine Angevine grapes. Either would be exquisite with apricot tart or creamy goat’s cheese to mark the Spring Equinox on 20 March.
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The best white wines for Spring
White Sparkling
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Johann Kattus |
Grüner Veltliner Organic |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
NV |
Silver |
Veuve Amiot |
De Meyran Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs |
Loire Valley |
France |
NV |
Silver |
Félix Solís |
Mucho Más Sparkling White |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Pata Negra Brut |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Bouquet Semi Seco |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Pata Negra Organic Brut |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Pata Negra Semi Seco |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
Félix Solís |
The Guv’nor Sparkling |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Semi Seco |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Bouquet Brut |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
Johann Kattus |
Chardonnay Organic |
Burgenland |
Austria |
NV |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Codorníu |
Ars Collecta Blanc De Blancs Organic |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
£15-£20 |
Jordan |
Grüner Veltliner Reserve Méthode Traditionelle |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Johann Kattus |
Welschriesling Pet-Nat |
Österreich |
Austria |
NV |
Silver |
£20-£30 |
Foss Marai |
Della Vite Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG |
Veneto |
Italy |
NV |
Silver |
18K – Sensi Vini |
18K Prosecco Gold |
Treviso |
Italy |
2022 |
Silver |
Johann Kattus |
Grüner Veltliner/Welschriesling Reserve Heritage |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
NV |
Bronze |
£30-£50 |
Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate |
Cuvée Brut |
Southeast Sussex |
UK |
2019 |
Silver |
£50-£70 |
Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate |
Blanc de Blancs |
Southeast Sussex |
UK |
2018 |
Gold |
Johann Kattus |
Grüner Veltliner Große Reserve Ried Ralessen Kunststück |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2018 |
Silver |
£100+ |
Lipinski Family Wines |
Olusia |
Niagara Peninsula |
Canada |
NV |
Silver |
Rosé Sparkling
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Johann Kattus |
Zweigelt Organic |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
NV |
Silver |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Rosado Brut |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Pata Negra Rosado Brut |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Jaume Serra |
Cava Bouquet Rosado Brut |
Catalonia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Félix Solís |
The Guv’nor Sparkling Rosé |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Félix Solís |
Mucho Más Sparkling Rosé |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
£15-£20 |
Jordan |
Zweigelt Blanc de Noirs |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2021 |
Bronze |
£20-£30 |
Foss Marai |
Della Vite Prosecco DOC Treviso Rosé |
Veneto |
Italy |
2021 |
Silver |
18K – Sensi Vini |
18K Pinot Noir |
Trivento |
Italy |
NV |
Bronze |
Johann Kattus GmbH |
Zweigelt Reserve Heritage |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
NV |
Bronze |
Still White Unoaked
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Bodegas Gran Feudo |
Blanco |
Navarra |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Hagn |
Grüner Veltliner Ried Atlasbergen |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Mayor de Castilla |
Pata Negra Rueda Sauvignon Blanc-Verdejo Special Edition |
Castilla y León |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Viña Undurraga |
Altamar Sauvignon Blanc |
Leyda Valley |
Chile |
2023 |
Silver |
Félix Solís |
Mucho Más Blanco |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Félix Solís |
The Guv’nor Blanco |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
J García Carrión La Mancha |
Opera Prima Chardonnay |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Marqués de Carrión |
Antano Blanco |
Rioja |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Mayor de Castilla |
Viña Arnáiz Rueda Verdejo |
Castilla y León |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
J García Carrión La Mancha |
Opera Prima Verdejo |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Bodega Cuatro Rayas |
Four Lines |
Rueda |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Bodega Cuatro Rayas |
Pámpano Semisweet |
Rueda |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
Marqués de Carrión |
Pata Negra Rioja Blanco |
Rioja |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
Adama Wines |
Amandla Sauvignon Blanc |
Western Cape |
South Africa |
2023 |
Bronze |
Adama Wines |
Her Wine Collection Sauvignon Blanc |
Western Cape |
South Africa |
2023 |
Bronze |
Adama Wines |
Her Wine Collection Chenin Blanc |
Western Cape |
South Africa |
2023 |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Sensi Vini |
Vermentino |
Chianti |
Italy |
2022 |
Gold |
Viña Undurraga |
Cauquenes Estate |
Maule Valley |
Chile |
2023 |
Gold |
Crama Gabai |
MO |
Dobrogea |
Romania |
2022 |
Gold |
Celler Peralada |
Només Garnatxa Blanca |
Empordà |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Fuse Wine Services |
Beneficio Winemakers Selection Sauvignon Blanc |
SE Australia |
Australia |
2022 |
Silver |
Domaine Skouras |
Moscofilero Skouras |
Peloponnese |
Greece |
2023 |
Silver |
Bodega Cuatro Rayas |
Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios |
Rueda |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Laurenz V |
Grüner Veltliner Singing |
Kamptal |
Austria |
2022 |
Bronze |
Mouton Cadet |
Blanc |
Bordeaux |
France |
2023 |
Bronze |
Raimat |
Albariño |
Catalonia |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
Sensi Vini |
Vernaccia di San Gimignano |
Chianti |
Italy |
2022 |
Bronze |
£15-£20 |
Müller |
Riesling Ried Leiten |
Kremstal |
Austria |
2022 |
Gold |
Bodega Cuatro Rayas |
Longverdejo |
Rueda |
Spain |
2022 |
Gold |
Weinwurm |
Grüner Veltliner Tradition |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Viña Undurraga |
TH Terroir Hunter Riesling |
San Antonio Valley |
Chile |
2021 |
Silver |
Domaine Skouras |
Salto Wild Yeast |
Peloponnese |
Greece |
2022 |
Silver |
Domaine Skouras |
Assyrtiko Wild Ferment |
Peloponnese |
Greece |
2022 |
Silver |
Disznóko |
Tokaji Dry Furmint |
Tokaj |
Hungary |
2022 |
Silver |
Culmina Family Estate Winery |
Unicus |
Okanagan Valley |
Canada |
2022 |
Bronze |
Tenuta Montemagno |
Solis Vis |
Piedmont |
Italy |
2022 |
Bronze |
Celler Peralada |
Obsequi |
Empordà |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
£20-£30 |
Spusu Wein |
Gemischter Satz The First |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2022 |
Master |
Leth |
Riesling Ried Schillingsberg |
Wagram |
Austria |
2021 |
Master |
Weinkultur Preiß |
Riesling Ried Pletzengraben |
Traisental |
Austria |
2022 |
Gold |
Big Head Wines |
Raw Riesling |
Niagara |
Canada |
2019 |
Gold |
Weinkultur Preiß |
Grüner Veltliner Ried Brunndoppel |
Traisental |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Tschermonegg |
Sauvignon Blanc |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Aigner |
Riesling Ried Kremser Weinzierlberg 1ÖTW |
Kremstal |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Netzl Franz & Christine |
Chardonnay |
Carnuntum |
Austria |
2023 |
Silver |
Mehofer – Neudeggerhof |
Roter Veltliner |
Wagram |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Leth |
Grüner Veltliner Gigama |
Wagram |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Aigner |
Grüner Veltliner Tradition 1773 |
Kremstal |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Aigner |
Grüner Veltliner Ried Kremser Obere Sandgrube Privat |
Kremstal |
Austria |
2019 |
Silver |
Leth |
Roter Veltliner Ried Scheiben 1ÖTW |
Wagram |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Mehofer – Neudeggerhof |
Grüner Veltliner |
Wagram |
Austria |
2022 |
Bronze |
Jurtschitsch |
Grüner Veltliner Urgestein |
Kamptal |
Austria |
2022 |
Bronze |
£30-£50 |
Jordan |
Grüner Veltliner Steinzeit |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Still White Oaked
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
£10-£15 |
Hagn |
Grüner Veltliner Green Hunter |
Weinviertel |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Schneeberger |
Sauvignon Blanc Reid Kittenberg |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Schneeberger |
Chardonnay Ried Flamberg |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Keringer |
Chardonnay 100 Days |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Hammeken Cellars |
Gotas de Mar Fermentado en Barrica |
Ribeiro |
Spain |
2022 |
Bronze |
£15-£20 |
Koelenhof Winery |
Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc |
Stellenbosch |
South Africa |
2022 |
Silver |
Koelenhof Winery |
Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc |
Stellenbosch |
South Africa |
2020 |
Bronze |
£20-£30 |
Gritsch FJ |
Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Klaus |
Wachau |
Austria |
2022 |
Gold |
Krispel |
Grauburgunden Ried Hochstrandl Alte Reben Große Lage Eruption |
Vulkanland Steiermark |
Austria |
2020 |
Silver |
Krispel |
Sauvignon Blanc Reid New Setzberg Erste Lage Eruption |
Vulkanland Steiermark |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Krispel |
Sauvignon Blanc Ried Hochstrand I Alte Reben Große Lage Eruption |
Vulkanland Steiermark |
Austria |
2020 |
Silver |
Krispel |
Weißburgunden Ried Stradener Rosenberg Erste Lage Eruption |
Vulkanland Steiermark |
Austria |
2020 |
Silver |
Keringer |
Cuvée White Massiv |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2020 |
Silver |
Jurtschitsch |
Riesling Ried Heiligenstein 1ÖTW |
Kamptal |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Aigner |
Grüner Veltliner Ried Kremser Frechau Elitar 1ÖTW |
Kremstal |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Tschermonegg |
Sauvignon Blanc Reid Lube Kogel |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Tschermonegg |
Sauvignon Blanc Ried Oberglanzberg |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2020 |
Silver |
Tschermonegg |
Chardonnay Ried Oberglanzberg |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Mehofer – Neudeggerhof |
Roter Veltliner Ried Wadenthal |
Wagram |
Austria |
2021 |
Bronze |
£30-£50 |
Kodolitsch |
Sauvignon Blanc Ried Leibnitzer Kogelberg Alte Reben |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2021 |
Gold |
Gritsch FJ |
Riesling Smaragd Ried Kalkofen |
Wachau |
Austria |
2022 |
Gold |
Kodolitsch |
Sauvignon Blanc Ried Leibnitzer Rosengarten TMS |
Südsteiermark |
Austria |
2021 |
Gold |
Anton Bauer |
Grüner Veltliner Grande Reserve Limited Edition |
Wagram |
Austria |
2021 |
Bronze |
£50-£70 |
Quinta do Noval |
Quinta do Noval Reserva Branco |
Douro |
Portugal |
2021 |
Gold |
Lipinski Family Wines |
Chenin Blanc |
Niagara Peninsula |
Canada |
2022 |
Gold |
Lipinski Family Wines |
Viognier |
Niagara Peninsula |
Canada |
2022 |
Silver |
Still Rosé Unoaked
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Mouton Cadet |
Mouton Cadet Rosé |
Gironde |
France |
2023 |
Bronze |
Adama Wines |
Amandla Blush |
Greater Cape |
South Africa |
2023 |
Bronze |
Félix Solís |
Mucho Más Rosé |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Mouton Cadet |
Rosé X Mathilde Bio |
Bordeaux |
France |
2023 |
Bronze |
£15-£20 |
Viña Maquis |
Maquis Gran Reserva Rosé |
Colchagua Valley |
Chile |
2023 |
Silver |
Fattoria di Calappiano – Sensi Vini |
Collegonzi Rosé |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2022 |
Silver |
Sensi Vini |
Tua Rosa |
Chianti |
Italy |
2022 |
Silver |
£20-£30 |
Johann Kattus |
Rosé Hanni’s |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2022 |
|
Still Rosé Oaked
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
£15-£20 |
Herrenhof Lamprecht |
Blauburgunder Rosé f(p)unky |
Steirerland |
Austria |
2022 |
Bronze |
Still Red Unoaked
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Félix Solís |
Mucho Más Black Edition |
La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Gold |
J García Carrión La Mancha |
Opera Prima Merlot |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Silver |
Keringer |
Every Days Zweigelt |
Neusiedlersee |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Adama Wines |
Her Wine Collection Shiraz |
Western Cape |
South Africa |
2022 |
Bronze |
J García Carrión La Mancha |
Opera Prima Cabernet Sauvignon |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
Félix Solís |
The Guv’nor Tinto |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
Bodegas 1890 |
Pata Negra Apasionado |
Murcia |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
Adama Wines |
Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel |
Western Cape |
South Africa |
2022 |
Bronze |
J García Carrión La Mancha |
Opera Prima Tempranillo |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Félix Solís |
The Guv’nor VIP |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2023 |
Gold |
Hammeken Cellars |
Sancta Yusta |
Cebreros |
Spain |
2022 |
Bronze |
£15-£20 |
Weinwurm |
Zweigelt Ried Schilling Glücksmoment |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2022 |
Silver |
Sensi Vini |
Chianti Bio |
Chianti |
Italy |
2022 |
Silver |
Sensi Vini |
Vegante |
Chianti |
Italy |
2020 |
Bronze |
Fattoria di Calappiano Sensi Vini |
Vinciano Chianti DOCG |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2022 |
Bronze |
£20-£30 |
Tenuta Montemagno |
Invictus |
Piedmont |
Italy |
2021 |
Gold |
Fattoria di Calappiano – Sensi Vini |
Ciliegiolo |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2022 |
Silver |
Still Red Oaked
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
J García Carrión La Mancha |
Pata Negra La Mancha Roble Special Edition |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2022 |
Silver |
Marqués de Carrión |
Pata Negra Rioja Crianza Special Edition |
Rioja |
Spain |
2018 |
Silver |
Bodegas Gran Feudo |
Gran Feudo Crianza |
Navarra |
Spain |
2020 |
Silver |
Belhara |
Baya Morada Special Selection Malbec |
Mendoza – Uco Valley |
Argentina |
2022 |
Silver |
Sietecerros |
Pata Negra Toro Roble Special Edition |
Castilla y León |
Spain |
2022 |
Silver |
Marqués de Carrión |
Antaño Vendimia Seleccionada |
Rioja |
Spain |
2021 |
Silver |
Marqués de Carrión |
Pata Negra Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada |
Rioja |
Spain |
2021 |
Silver |
Bodegas 1890 |
Pata Negra Apasionado Organic |
Murcia |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Señorío de los Llanos |
Pata Negra Valdepeñas Roble |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2021 |
Bronze |
Marqués de Carrión |
Antano Crianza |
Rioja |
Spain |
2018 |
Bronze |
Señorío de los Llanos |
Pata Negra Valdepeñas Crianza |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2020 |
Bronze |
Señorío de los Llanos |
Pata Negra Valdepeñas Reserva |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2018 |
Bronze |
Señorío de los Llanos |
Pata Negra Valdepeñas Reservado |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2014 |
Bronze |
Marqués de Carrión |
Pata Negra Rioja Crianza |
Rioja |
Spain |
2018 |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Viña Arnáiz |
Pata Negra Ribera del Duero Crianza |
Castilla y León |
Spain |
2020 |
Gold |
Hammeken Cellars |
Creencia Virtud |
Jumilla |
Spain |
2019 |
Silver |
Viña Arnaiz |
Pata Negra Ribera del Duero Roble |
Castilla y León |
Spain |
2022 |
Bronze |
Viña Arnaiz |
Pata Negra Ribera del Duero Reserva |
Castilla y León |
Spain |
2019 |
Bronze |
Marqués de Carrión |
Pata Negra Rioja Reserva |
Rioja |
Spain |
2017 |
Bronze |
Casa Gran del Siurana |
GR-174 |
Priorat |
Spain |
2022 |
Bronze |
Mouton Cadet |
Sélection Côtes de Bordeaux |
Bordeaux |
France |
2021 |
Bronze |
Viña Undurraga |
Undurraga Cinsault |
Maule Valley |
Chile |
2022 |
Bronze |
Still Red Oaked continued
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
£15-£20 |
Viña Maquis |
Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc |
Colchagua Valley |
Chile |
2022 |
Gold |
Viña Maquis |
Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon |
Colchagua Valley |
Chile |
2022 |
Gold |
Keringer |
Syrah 100 Days |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2020 |
Gold |
Keringer |
Cabernet Sauvignon 100 Days |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2021 |
Silver |
Hammeken Cellars |
Abrigo Edad de Bronce Limited Edition |
Almansa |
Spain |
2019 |
Silver |
Boutinot |
Soleil, Pierres et Vent Lirac Rouge |
Rhône |
France |
2021 |
Silver |
Keringer |
Zweigelt 100 Days |
Neusiedlersee |
Austria |
2020 |
Bronze |
Keringer |
Merlot 100 Days |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2020 |
Bronze |
Banfi |
Cum Laude Toscana IGT |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2021 |
Bronze |
Sonnenmulde |
Zweigelt Alte Reben |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2021 |
Bronze |
£20-£30 |
Leth |
Blauburgunder |
Wagram |
Austria |
2021 |
Gold |
Hare’s Chase |
The Springer |
Barossa Valley |
Australia |
2021 |
Gold |
VIK |
A (Cabernet Sauvignon) |
Cachapoal Valley |
Chile |
2022 |
Gold |
Hare’s Chase |
Vigilance |
Barossa Valley |
Australia |
2021 |
Gold |
Vignobles Famille André Lurton |
Divinus de Bonnet |
Bordeaux |
France |
2019 |
Silver |
Crama Gabai |
Blend |
Dobrogea |
Romania |
2020 |
Silver |
Hare’s Chase |
Ironscraper |
Barossa Valley |
Australia |
2021 |
Silver |
Koelenhof Winery |
Stellenbosch 1679 Cabernet Sauvignon |
Stellenbosch |
South Africa |
2020 |
Silver |
Koelenhof Winery |
Koelenbosch Director’s Reserve Pinotage |
Stellenbosch |
South Africa |
2021 |
Silver |
Koelenhof Winery |
Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage |
Stellenbosch |
South Africa |
2021 |
Silver |
Domaine Skouras |
Nemea Grande Cuvée |
Peloponnese |
Greece |
2020 |
Bronze |
Crama Gabai |
FN Oak Cask |
Dobrogea |
Romania |
2020 |
Bronze |
Spusu Wein |
Cuvée Red The Fusion |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2022 |
Bronze |
Hammeken Cellars |
Tosalet Old Vines Carignan |
Priorat |
Spain |
2019 |
Bronze |
£30-£50 |
Koelenhof Winery |
1679 The Legacy |
Stellenbosch |
South Africa |
2020 |
Gold |
Jordan |
Zweigelt 42 |
Niederösterreich |
Austria |
2019 |
Gold |
Bodegas Bilbaínas |
Viña Pomal Gran Reserva |
Rioja |
Spain |
2015 |
Gold |
Ruffino |
Riserva Ducale Oro |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Gold |
Legaris |
Alcubilla de Avellaneda |
Rioja |
Spain |
2020 |
Gold |
VIK |
Milla Cala |
Colchagua Valley |
Chile |
2021 |
Silver |
Big Head Wines |
Raw Malbec |
Niagara |
Canada |
2020 |
Silver |
Scala Dei |
Cartoixa |
Catalonia |
Spain |
2019 |
Silver |
Culmina Family Estate Winery |
Hypothesis |
Okanagan Valley |
Canada |
2018 |
Silver |
Viña Maquis |
Maquis Lien |
Colchagua Valley |
Chile |
2020 |
Silver |
Keringer |
Cuvée Red Massiv |
Burgenland |
Austria |
2019 |
Silver |
Tenuta Montemagno |
Mysterium |
Piedmont |
Italy |
2018 |
Silver |
Hammeken Cellars |
Oraculo |
Ribera del Duero |
Spain |
2021 |
Silver |
Domaine Skouras |
Megas Oenos |
Peloponnese |
Greece |
2020 |
Silver |
Banfi |
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Bronze |
Domaine Skouras |
Synoro |
Peloponnese |
Greece |
2020 |
Bronze |
£50-£70 |
Banfi |
Poggio alle Mura Riserva Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2018 |
Gold |
Tenuta Montemagno |
Soranus |
Piedmont |
Italy |
2018 |
Gold |
Ruffino |
Romitorio di Santedame |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Gold |
Santa Carolina |
VSC |
Cachapoal Valley |
Chile |
2019 |
Gold |
Banfi |
Poggio Alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino DOCG |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Gold |
VIK |
La Piu Belle |
Cachapoal Valley |
Chile |
2021 |
Gold |
Culmina Family Estate Winery |
Le Chant du Cygne |
Okanagan Valley |
Canada |
2021 |
Silver |
Banfi |
Vigna Marrucheto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Silver |
£70-£100 |
Ruffino |
Alauda |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Master |
Ruffino |
Modus Primo |
Tuscany |
Italy |
2019 |
Gold |
Bodegas Remirez de Ganuza |
Gran Reserva |
Rioja |
Spain |
2011 |
Gold |
a Maquis |
Maquis Viola |
Colchagua Valley |
Chile |
2019 |
Gold |
Lipinski Family Wines |
Pinot Noir |
Niagara Peninsula |
Canada |
2021 |
Gold |
£100+ |
Bodegas Remirez de Ganuza |
María |
Rioja |
Spain |
2009 |
Gold |
Lipinski Family Wines |
Genia Red Blend |
Niagara Peninsula |
Canada |
2020 |
Bronze |
Lipinski Family Wines |
Lonia – Red Blend |
Niagara Peninsula |
Canada |
2020 |
Bronze |
Sweet White Wine
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
£20-£30 |
Sonnenmulde |
Scheurebe TBA |
Neusiedlersee |
Austria |
2020 |
Gold |
£30-£50 |
Eglantine Vineyard |
North Star |
Nottinghamshire |
UK |
2018 |
Silver |
White Sparkling Sweet (12g/l+) – No Alcohol (<0.5%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Brau |
Cypher Baby |
Languedoc |
France |
2023 |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Brown Brothers |
Prosecco Zero |
SE Australia |
Australia |
2023 |
Silver |
Juan Ramón Lozano |
Zeno Alcohol Liberated Sparkling |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Rosé Sparkling Sweet (12g/l+) – No Alcohol (<0.5%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Bottega |
Zero |
Veneto |
Italy |
NV |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Brown Brothers |
Prosecco Rosé Zero |
Victoria |
Australia |
2023 |
Silver |
Juan Ramón Lozano |
Zeno Alcohol liberated Sparkling Rosé |
Castilla-La |
Mancha Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Rosé Sparkling Sweet (12g/l+) – Lower Alcohol (<11%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Brown Brothers |
Sparkling Moscato Rosé |
Victoria |
Australia |
2023 |
Bronze |
Unoaked Still White – No Alcohol (<0.5%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Brau |
Cypher Baby – White Sauvignon Blanc |
Languedoc |
France |
2023 |
Silver |
LGCF |
Nozeco Chardonnay |
Spain |
Spain |
NV |
Silver |
Brown Brothers |
Moscato Zero |
Victoria |
Australia |
2023 |
Silver |
£10-£15 |
Brau |
Cypher White |
Languedoc |
France |
2023 |
Silver |
Juan Ramón Lozano |
Zeno Alcohol Liberated White |
Castilla-La Mancha |
Spain |
2022 |
Silver |
Unoaked Still White – Lower Alcohol (<11%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Domaines Bonfils |
Folie |
Languedoc-Roussillon |
France |
2023 |
Silver |
Brown Brothers |
Moscato |
Victoria |
Australia |
2023 |
Silver |
Unoaked Still Rosé – No Alcohol (<0.5%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
LGCF |
Nozeco Rosé |
Penedès |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Brau |
Cypher Rosé |
Languedoc |
France |
2022 |
Silver |
Unoaked Still Rosé – Lower Alcohol (<11%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Domaines Bonfils |
Folie |
Languedoc-Roussillon |
France |
2023 |
Silver |
Unoaked Still Red – No Alcohol (<0.5%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Brown Brothers |
Cienna Zero |
Victoria |
Australia |
2023 |
Silver |
LGCF |
Nozeco Merlot |
Penedès |
Spain |
NV |
Bronze |
£10-£15 |
Juan Ramón Lozano |
Zeno Alcohol Liberated Red |
Castilla-La |
Mancha Spain |
2022 |
Silver |
Unoaked Still Red – Lower Alcohol (<11%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Brown Brothers |
Cienna |
Victoria |
Australia |
2023 |
Bronze |
Oaked Still Red – Lower Alcohol (<11%)
Winery |
Name of wine |
Region |
Country |
Vint |
Medal |
Under £10 |
Coop. Agrícola de Santo Isidro de Pegões |
Number Ten |
Península de Setúbal |
Portugal |
2021 |
Silver |
Spring tasting: beers
Brewerey |
Name |
Country |
Medal |
Beer – Low & No |
Nirvana Brewery |
Cloudy Lemon Lager |
UK |
Master |
Hofmeister Brewing Company |
Hofmeister Ultra Low |
Germany |
Silver |
Nirvana Brewery |
Bavarian Helles Lager |
UK |
Silver |
Nirvana Brewery |
Dark & Rich Stout |
UK |
Silver |
Nirvana Brewery |
Classic IPA |
UK |
Bronze |
Lager |
Prime Time |
Low Calorie Lager |
UK |
Gold |
Hofmeister Brewing Company |
Hofmeister Helles |
Germany |
Silver |
Prime Time |
Caffeine Infused, Low Calorie Lager+ |
UK |
Silver |
Abyss Brewing |
Gonzo Pilsner |
UK |
Silver |
Pale Ale |
Abyss Brewing |
Superpale |
UK |
Gold |
Ale – Hop Forward |
Abyss Brewing |
Dark Marvin |
UK |
Master |
Abyss Brewing |
Tropic Thunder |
UK |
Master |
Prime Time |
Session IPA |
UK |
Bronze |
Ale – Other |
Hofmeister Brewing Company |
Hofmeister Weisse |
Germany |
Silver |
About the competition
With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Spring Tasting Masters provides a chance for your wines to shine. The 2024 competition was judged on Thursday, 8 February at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, London, employing experienced judges. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Spring Tasting Master. This report features the medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information or, to enter future competitions – giving you the chance to feature online and in print – please call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com