The best of the best from The Global Wine Masters 2025

Having assessed almost 4,000 wines across 33 standalone competitions this year, we have picked out the best bottles from The Global Wine Masters 2025 – those few labels that were declared the leaders of their category.

The range of wines is broad, taking in our top performer from a competition solely for wines under £10, to the ultimate expression of rosé, Rioja, Champagne, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, along with Chardonnay and Riesling, then fortified and sweet wines, as well as small formats, organic drinks and zero-alcohol fizz.

As for the source regions featured, these too are varied, from the established classics such as Provence and Chianti Classico, to the less famous, such as Styria in Austria, or Orange in Australia.

The only uniting factor for the following wines is that they are all outstanding examples of their type, be it canned wine or Cabernet Sauvignon.

So read on to find out who gained the ultimate accolade of Grand Master in 2025, and click here to read more about our competition series – The Global Wine Masters.

Best rosé: Garrus

• Producer: Château d’Esclans
• Region: Provence
• Country: France 
• Grape varieties: 67% Grenache, 33% Rolle 
• ABV: 14%
• Residual Sugar: 1g/l
• Vintage: 2023
• Approx. retail price: £100

A wine that wows for its subtle complexity, Garrus is the ultimate rosé, and a drink  for all occasions, impressing for its instantly appealing characters, as well as intriguing complexity. Whether you sip it slowly or find yourself swallowing it quickly, you’ll experience its complementary layers of flavours, starting with fresh ripe yellow and red fruits, followed by creamy, nutty notes, then some vanilla and toast, and finally lingering tinges of orange zest and grapefruit pith, with a touch of grilled lemon to boot. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best Champagne: Piper-Heidsieck 2018 

• Producer: Piper-Heidsieck
• Region: Champagne
• Country: France 
• Grape varieties: 50% Chardonnay, 47% Pinot Noir, 3% Meunier
• ABV: 12%
• Residual Sugar: 7g/l
• Vintage: 2018
• Approx. retail price: £80 

The word I repeated over and over in my note for this wine was “elegant”. On the nose it has a subtle, yeasty, biscuity aroma, with complex layers of peaches, pink grapefruit and cherries. The palate is crisp and elegant, with at the same time real depth and concentration, and a remarkably long finish, maintaining that elegance despite the power. Absolutely gorgeous, utterly delicious. (Siobhan Turner MW) 

Best sparkling wine: Ayala La Perle, 2015

• Producer: Champagne Ayala 
• Region: Champagne 
• Country: France 
• Grape varieties: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir 
• ABV: 12% 
• Vintage: 2015
• Approx. retail price: £140

Gaining the highest average scores of the competition was this Chardonnay-dominant top expression from Champagne Ayala. Mature and mouthwatering, it is rich in flavours of Brazil nut and toasted bread, baked apple and brown sugar, with some bitter lemon bite on its bone-dry finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW) 

Best Prosecco: Bisol 1542 Valdobbiadene Cartizze DOCG Dry 2024 

• Producer: Bisol 1542
• Region: Veneto
• Country: Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape varieties: 100% Glera
• ABV: 11.5%
• Residual Sugar: 20g/l
• Approx. retail price: £36

In the tradition of the families that have tended these vines in this enclave of the Valdobbiadene area since 1542, this wine expresses everything that is gorgeous about Cartizze. A very small sub-zone  of Conegliano-Vadobbiadene, Cartizze has ancient friable soils on steep slopes, which means that vineyard work is all undertaken by hand–‘heroic viticulture’, indeed. The result is this stupendous wine, pale lemon-green in hue, showing tiny bubbles and a mid-width cordon. Aromatics of orchard fruits are accented by light yeast and a chalky mineral note. Medium-dry (20g/l r.s.) and light-bodied, the round palate flavours are balanced by refreshing acidity and satin-mousse texture. A lingering, serious wine suited to gastronomy, it will work very nicely with a saffron-infused Northern Italian risotto. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best wine from the under £10 Masters: Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier

• Producer: Viña Cono Sur
• Region: Central Valley
• Country: Chile 
• Grape variety: 100% Viognier
• ABV: 11%
• Vintage: 2024
• Approx. retail price: £5 

The strapline for Viña Cono Sur’s Bicicleta Range is ‘Follow Your Road’. Viognier certainly follows a different path from other international grape varieties, only thriving in some terroirs. Chile is one of the more successful for this temperamental variety. This example took our top award in this Global Masters… and rightly so. Pale lemon-yellow in colour, the wine shows expressive yellow peach and apricot fruit with a tangerine zest accent. Just dry, the palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with moderate acidity supporting the appealing fruit. A hint of astringency adds extra grip to the finish. A delicious wine to match Chinese dim sum or Thai curry. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Chenin Blanc: Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023

• Producer: Spier Wine Farm Management (Pty) Ltd.
• Region: Coastal Region
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Abv: 14.0%
• Vintage: 2023
• Approx. retail price: £25.00

These bush-trained vines are nick-named the ‘Lazarus vines’ because Johann Jordaan, the Spier cellarmaster, resurrected these dry-farmed vines at the ripe age of 37-years from obscurity. A perennial Award-winner, this vintage was given our top award in 2025, Grand Master of Chenin Blanc. Pale lemon-yellow in colour, the wine shows yellow peach, apricot and quince fruit with toasty oak notes. The palate is light-bodied bolstered by brisk acidity with creamy texture and a butterscotch nuance. A fine quality wine that will match fresh salmon soufflé. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW) 

Best Pinot Gris: La Roncaia Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali 

• Producer: La Roncaia
• Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Country: Italy 
• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Grigio 
• ABV: 13.5% 
• Vintage: 2023
• Approx. retail price: £30 

From tiny churches and shrines to impeccably cared-for vineyards, La Roncaia is a Friuli Orientali gem. The grapes are grown on sandy marl soils, perfect for fine quality Pinot Grigio. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place in French Allier barriques, adding delicate oak notes and spice. The resulting wine, our Grand Master in this year’s competition, shows a pale lemon-green colour and white peach, white cherry fruit and golden apple fruit, with buttery croissant and honey nuances. Dry, the mid-weight palate has lovely definition and lively acidity. Rich, possibly with a little late harvest, botrytised grapes, with the scent of honey on the palate and finish. A wine made for goat’s cheese. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW) 

Best Sauvignon Blanc: Potzinger, Ried Pössnitzberg, Sauvignon Blanc  

• Producer: Potzinger
• Region: Steiermark
• Country: Austria 
• Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc 
• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2024
• Approx. retail price: £25 

Mid-straw in colour with a touch of gold, the pronounced nose bursting with vanilla and coconut notes leads into a palate characterised by ripe tropical fruit and creamy oak flavours. Hints of pineapple, mango and baked apple are layered with subtle spice and toasted almond, giving the wine both richness and depth. A rounded, silky texture is balanced by fresh acidity, carrying the flavours through to a long, polished finish with lingering notes of vanilla pod and gentle oak sweetness. (Jonathan Pedley MW)

Best Riesling: Dr Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese Tradition

• Producer: Weingut Dr Loosen 
• Region: Mosel 
• Country: Germany 
• Grape variety: 100% Riesling 
• ABV: 7.5% 
• Vintage: 1993
• Residual sugar: 42g/l 
• Approx. retail price: £45 

Ürziger Würzgarten comprises very steep slopes of red sandstone soil and forms an amphitheatre extending down to the river. The iron-red soil gives exotic flavours, as shown in this wine. Quite deep yellow-gold in colour, the wine exhibits dried apricots, pink grapefruit, honey and orange marmalade redolent of botrytis, with an overlay of buttercream. Quite sweet on entry, medium-bodied, the palate shows excellent concentration, depth of flavour and development, balanced by wellintegrated, lively acidity. Beautifully defined with lovely texture and a lengthy finish, this wine is a nearly perfect example of its style. Probably auslese really, but with a savoury finish after long ageing. This wine would work well with baked venison and dried apricot-prunedate loaf wrapped in puff pastry. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Chardonnay: Platt Vineyard Estate Reserve Chardonnay West Sonoma Coast 

• Producer: Platt Vineyard
• Region: Sonoma Coast
• Country: USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay 
• ABV: 14.3%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l
• Approx. retail price: £185

It’s extremely rare, but sometimes you just can’t find any fault in a wine. And this new expression from AXA Millésimes, named after the vineyard the fruit is sourced from, is pretty much the perfect Chardonnay – a complete wine, albeit in a youthful state. Aromas of grilled lemon, creamy caramel and subtle oak toast lead into a zesty, vibrant palate, rich in ripe, juicy citrus, fresh apple and lemon curd. The texture is spot-on, showing fine phenolics and a beautifully balanced mid-palate viscosity. There’s bite and precision, yet harmony and depth too, ensuring this is appealing to sip now, but also age-worthy – clearly a Chardonnay with a long life of gradual evolution ahead of it. (Patrick Schmitt MW) 

Best spring tasting wine: Pommery Cuvée Louise 2006

• Producer: Pommery
• Region: Champagne
• Country: France 
• Grape varieties: 65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir 
• ABV: 12.5%
• Vintage: 2006
• Approx. retail price: £200 

As Madame Pommery once commented: “Our Champagne is joyful and light.” And no words can better describe this cuvée, named in honour of the lady herself. Coming from the three grands crus of Avize, Aÿ and Cramant, Cuvée Louise is quintessential elegance. Pale gold in hue with minuscule bubbles and a defined cordon, the nose is packed with white and yellow fruits, and gently toasty and floral notes adding complexity. Distinctive, the brut-style palate is ethereal but intense, with layers of flavour, refreshing acidity and silky mousse texture. Precise and delicious, the length counts 20 caudalies (seconds). A brilliant wine to pair with beluga caviar, or simply to sip. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Pinot Noir: Cloudy Bay Te Wahi

• Producer: Cloudy Bay
• Region: Central Otago
• Country: New Zealand
• Grape Variety: 
• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2021
• Approximate retail price: £73

A truly lovely wine.  Creamy cherries, violets and complex nutty aromas with a hint of sous-bois on the nose.  The palate has very well-structured, fine and elegant tannins, with a beautifully silky texture and a ripe, fresh fruit core. Bold yet fresh, this wine has a delicious balance of lightness and depth, with a lingering finish. (Siobhan Turner MW)

Best Cabernet Franc: Jade Moon

• Producer: Hoosegg by Philip Shaw
• Region: Orange
• Country: Australia
• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
• ABV: 13.4%
• Vintage: 2019
• Approximate retail price: £75

An absolutely stunning wine, perfectly poised now but with years ahead of it.  Deep ruby with just a touch of purple showing its youthfulness, despite six years of age.  The nose is gloriously complex, with hints of rhubarb, black cherries and plums, tobacco leaf and peppercorn, dried herbs and a touch of dark chocolate and citrus zest.  The palate is lively and silky, fresh with a lovely textured finish, long and spicy.  It develops beautifully in the mouth, with an elegant balance and wonderful length.  I was lucky enough to take our sample bottle home, and it was still utterly delicious two days later, showing the life ahead for this fabulous wine.  We all felt this was the deserved “best in show”, and a true showcase of what fantastic vines, brilliant winemaking and a glorious grape can do together. Well worth the money. (Siobhan Turner MW)

Best Merlot: Black Stallion Estate Winery Merlot 

• Producer: Black Stallion Estate Winery
• Region: Napa Valley, California 
• Country: USA
• Grape variety: 100% Merlot
• ABV: 15% 
• Vintage: 2021
• Approx. retail price: £75 

The former home of the Silverado Western Center, the equestrian centre at the southern end of the Silverado Trail on the eastern side of Napa Valley, Black Stallion Estate Winery has top-quality vines instead of prize-winning horses. This masterful wine is equal to the winning horse of the Kentucky Derby or the Epsom Derby – a classic three-year-old with a great future. Very deep ruby-coloured, the wine displays concentrated dark cherry and blackberry fruit with toasty oak and an aromatic violet nuance. Dry, but sweet-fruited, the palate shows very ripe flavours, balanced by lively acidity and velvet-textured tannins, accented by black pepper, myriad spices and warming alcohol. Beautifully integrated, even now, this wine is complex and complete. An excellent choice for roasted quail in a red wine and juniper berry sauce. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

• Producer: Penfolds, Treasury Wine Estates, 
• Region: South Australia Country Australia   
• Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 
• ABV: 14.5% 
• Vintage: 2022
• Approx. retail price: £450 

Our best Cabernet of 2025, Bin 707 blends grapes from Coonawarra, Barossa, Padthaway and McLaren Vale to create an expression that is hard to fault. Indeed, it is complete, even in its youthful state, although for those who wait, it will deliver a different and delicious experience, be it in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time. Right now, this 2022 vintage will leave one smiling long after it’s been sipped, as one processes the layers of complementary flavours and palate-pleasing textures. In terms of the latter, there’s a wonderful, ripe, fleshy depth, giving a feeling of intensity and power, balanced so evenly by the dry but fine, dense tannins that emerge slowly as sweetness from the fruit fades. Characters come and go, ranging from an initial hit of blackcurrant, then cherry, followed by coconut and white chocolate, which pass the baton to a touch of delicate peppermint. It’s so Cabernet, but neither over nor underdone. Just amazing in its vigour, complexity and ability to, despite it all, refresh. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best Sangiovese: San Felice Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 

• Producer: San Felice Toscana AD 714
• Region: Tuscany
• Country: Italy 
• Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese
• ABV: 15%
• Vintage: 2020
• Approx. retail price: £65 

San Felice AD 714 is a high-end producer of Tuscan wines in the eponymous borgo, about 18km north-east of Siena. Head winemaker Leonardo Bellaccini was one of the driving forces behind the 2014 introduction of the Gran Selezione designation. And this exquisite wine, awarded our Grand Master accolade, is one of his team’s successes. Deep ruby-hued, the wine displays intense morello cherry and blackberry fruit, with smoky oak and leather accents. Quite full, rich and concentrated, the palate flavours are supported by brisk acidity and dense, satin-textured tannins. A complete wine, integrated, layered and lingering. A good match for grilled medallions of venison. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW) 

Best Syrah: Wakefield The Pioneer Shiraz  

• Producer: Wakefield Wines
• Region: Clare Valley, South Australia 
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Shiraz
• ABV: 14.5% 
• Vintage: 2021
• Approx. retail price: £85 

The Pioneer is named to commemorate Bill Taylor, who had the foresight to plant Shiraz in the Clare Valley, when most of the vineyards were being planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is this practically perfect wine. Deep rubycoloured, the wine shows blackberry and dark cherry fruits, with violets and forest floor undertones. The flavourful palate is rich and complex, displaying coconut and cashew nuts, accenting the concentrated sweet fruit. Great structure of silky tannins and tangy acidity balance the warm alcohol. Lingering and elegant, the wine is a perfect fit for roast goose. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best organic wine: Acciaiolo

• Producer: Castello di Albola
• Region: Tuscany
• Country: Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Grape varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• ABV: 14.5%
• Approx. retail price: £72

This incredible organic Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Chianti Classico is bursting with wonderful characters and textures, making it complex and complete. At its heart is plenty of ripe black fruit, from berries to currants, giving a sweet and fleshy core to the wine, allied to barrel-sourced flavours of toast and cigar box, then some dark chocolate too. Beyond this are notes of cherry stone and then firm fine tannins, bring a dry mouth-watering edge to what is a rich red. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best from La Place de Bordeaux: Morlet Family Vineyards Coeur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon 

• Producer: Morlet Family Vineyards
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Country: USA
• Grape varieties: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
• Abv: 15.3%
• Vintage: 2022
• Approx. retail price: £290.00

Based in St. Helena, Napa Valley, Luc, a fifth-generation member of a Champagne family, and his native Californian wife Jodie have vineyards and vine-growing partners in Napa Valley and in Sonoma County, from which they have been crafting fabulous wines since 2006. The Morlet-owned 20-acre Coeur de Vallée vineyard on the Oakville Bench, the ‘Heart’ of Napa Valley Cabernet terroir, is the source for this quintessential wine, and the Coeur de Vallée wines are now sold on La Place in Bordeaux, an honour indeed. Deep ruby-coloured, the wine exudes blackcurrants, dark berries and a violet note with a gentle creamy oak hint. Dry but sweet-fruited with fresh acidity and dense satin-textured tannins, the palate is intense, refined and lingering. Layered, elegant and persistent. A beautiful wine to pair with seared breast of duck with pomegranate molasses and okra on the side. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW) 

Best orange wine: Signature Limited Edition Torrontés de Raíz Naranjo

• Producer: Susana Balbo
• Region: Valle de Uco
• Country: Argentina
• Grape Variety: 100% Torrontes
• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2022
• Approximate retail price: £70

A stunning wine, made with passion and great care. Pale gold in colour, it has a wonderfully complex nose of lime and orange blossom, lemon zest, wildflowers and garrigue herbs with a touch of white cherry and cream. On the palate it has bright acidity, good concentration and a touch of grip adding structure. Lovely long finish, with a hint of hazelnut and clove spice from well-integrated oak. Refined, elegant, and delicious. (Siobhan Turner MW)

Best wine packaging design: STONEVIK

• Producer: VIK
• Region: Cachapoal
• Country: Chile
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape varieties: 74% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenere
• ABV: 14%
• Approx. retail price: £180

This year’s ultimate piece of wine packaging was Stonevik, a top-end Bordeaux blend from the Vik Winery in Chile. Garnering universal praise from the judges, the package was loved for its beautiful box with blind-embossed external surface, and the appealing use of matt foil on the capsule and fine paper stock for the label. Both striking and tactile, the design was deemed extremely high-end as well as memorable, making one want to reach for the package. While the bottle was clearly extremely heavy, it felt justifiable for such a luxury wine made in tiny quantities. Meanwhile, the image of stacked stones, carefully balanced, was in keeping with the wine’s natural positioning, and thought to be a clever way of communicating that. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best Malbec: Luigi Bosca Los Nobles Malbec 

• Producer: Luigi Bosca
• Region: Mendoza
• Country: Argentina
• Grape varieties: 94% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot
• Abv: 14.5%
• Vintage: 2021
• Approx. retail price: £60.00

Established as a winegrower in 1900, Luigi Bosca produces a very fine range of wines. This is the flagship, produced from a field blend of very old Malbec and Petit Verdot. And, yes, indeed, the wine delivers everything one could want in top-quality Malbec. Deep ruby-purple in colour with just a touch of garnet development on the rim, the wine is packed with mixed black and red fruits and gentle tobacco and milk chocolate notes on the nose. Dry, and almost European in style, the full-bodied palate is framed by fresh acidity and dense silky-textured tannins giving an air of je ne sais quoi. Complex with nuances of sweet spices, balsamic and just a hint of earthiness, this is an intriguing wine. Incredibly long and refined. A fabulous choice for duck breast, seared with Malbec wine and crushed blueberries. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW) 

Best wine in Travel Retail: Vulcaia Fumé Sauvignon

• Producer: Inama
• Region: Veneto
• Country: Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape varieties: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• ABV: 14%
• Residual sugar: 1.56g/l
• Approx. retail price: £58

This outstanding white wine from Inama was our highest scoring sample of this year’s competition, gaining a Grand Master accolade. Hailing from the volcanic soils of Soave, but using Sauvignon Blanc – in place of Garganega – it breaks the appellation rules, and hence the Soave name does not feature on the label. But clearly Sauvignon Blanc is well-suited to the area, based on this wine’s amazing array of appealing flavours. Barrel-influenced, there is some creaminess to the taste, and toastiness to the aromatics, but the core characters are passion fruit and peach, apricot and mango, complemented by candied citrus, while the finish features a mix of grilled lemon, salt crystals and crushed rocks – and even a touch of chalky-textured tannins to make the mouth water. (Patrick Schmitt MW) 

Best Carmenere: Obliqua

• Producer: Ventisquero Wine Estates
• Region: Colchagua
• Country: Chile
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape varieties: 90% Carmenere, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
• ABV: 14%
• Residual sugar: 2g/l
• Approx. retail price: £40

This year’s best Carmenere, which ensured its Grand Master status, is an outstanding example, showcasing the quality that can be obtained from this hard-to-perfect grape. Not only is it spicy and intensely flavoured, but there’s freshness too. Furthermore, it offers immediate appeal, but clearly has the structure and power to age for a long period as well. Right now, in its youthful state, there’s rich black and red berry fruit in spades, pure and concentrated, allied to cedar and cocoa, then cracked pepper and plums too. The tannins are present, firm and dry, but serve to frame the fleshy fruit, not dominate the finish. In short, it’s big, but balanced, as well as delicious. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best wine from the Autumn Tasting: Gloria Chardonnay

• Producer: Kollwentz
• Region: Burgenland
• Country: Austria
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 14%
• Residual sugar: 1.1g/l
• Approx. retail price: £73

‘Wow’ is the best single word to describe this wine after just one sip. Worthy of grand cru Burgundy status, yet cheaper than your average village-level Meursault, this Austrian Chardonnay is certainly not cheap, but affordable considering the quality – that is relative to the benchmarks. Aromatically, it’s all subtle smokiness, with a whiff of freshly-struck matchstick, then hazelnuts and citrus. In the mouth, it’s layered, mouth-filling and refreshing, with toast and cedar wood mixing with white peach and fresh grapefruit, then a finish with some chalkiness to the texture, and lingering notes of grilled lemon and crushed rocks. One glass won’t be enough, and a wine to serve blind if you enjoy surprising those wedded to high-end Bourgogne blanc. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best Tuscan: Poggio al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore DOC 

• Producer: Poggio al Tesoro
• Region: Tuscany
• Country: Italy
• Grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Abv: 15.0%
• Vintage: 2021
• Approx. retail price: £75.00

A brilliant Super-Tuscan, comprising the usual Bordeaux ‘suspects’, the wine is aged in French oak barriques for 18 months. Deep ruby-coloured with a cherry-hued rim, the wine is just beginning to develop. Earthy, with lovely blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum fruit is accented by cedarwood and notes of crushed roses and violets. Dry, sweet-fruited, the palate has racy acidity and linen-textured tannins framing the flavours. Beautifully integrated the wine develops across the palate, giving layers of flavours and an intriguing note of exotic Indian spices adding complexity on the lingering finish. Exciting to match grilled sweetbreads with mustard seed glaze. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Rioja: Hinia

• Producer: Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta 
• Region: Rioja 
• Country: Spain
• Vintage: 2021
• Grape varieties: 100% Viura
• ABV: 13%
• Approx. retail price: £80

For the first time, our best wine of the competition was white, a reflection of the quality potential of barrel-aged Viura, and confirmation that Rioja’s blancos are on the ascendant. As for the character of our Grand Master, called Hinia, this Reserva white Rioja is an outstanding wine, with layers of wonderful flavours, combined in a way one tends to only find in this Spanish region. By that I mean there are notes of caramel and baked apple, toast and almond, combined with grilled lemon and blood orange, along with a touch of beeswax. As for the texture, it’s an appealing mix of oak-influenced richness and grape-derived freshness, with a citric edge, along with a fine dusting of tannins too, ensuring the finish is dry and mouth-watering – as well as suitable for a range of foods, particularly Spanish tortilla with a runny centre, or aged Manchego with fried Padron peppers. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

Best Grenache: Perelada Aires de Garbet 

• Producer: Perelada
• Region: Catalunya
• Country: Spain
• Grape variety: 100% Garnacha Tinta
• Abv: 15.0%
• Vintage: 2021
• Approx. retail price: £69.00

With a winemaking tradition at the Castello in Empordà spanning six centuries, Caves i Vins Perelada, under the direction of the Mateu family since 1923, strives to reflect the personality of each of its single vineyard sites. Now under the direction of Javier Suqué Mateu, the wines are achieving the goal of recognition as a top-quality Spanish wine producer.  The terraced Garbet vineyard overlooks the Mediterranean and combines the north Tramontane winds, the warmth from the sea and slate soils. An fantastic example of pure Garnacha, the wine has a deep ruby-purple colour and dark cherry and blackberry fruit overlaid with toasty French oak and herbal, slightly balsamic nuances. Dry, the palate shows vibrant fruity, abundant silky tannins and lively acidity. Integrated, layered and really attractive, this wine will be an excellent partner for red-wine and herb marinated wild boar steaks. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Fortified Wine: Florio Marsala Dolce Superiore Riserva SD0294 

• Producer: Cantine Florio 
• Region: Sicilia
• Country: Italy
• Grape variety: Grillo
• Abv: 18.5%
• Vintage: 1994
• Approx. retail price: £200.00

Like the rest of the Florio Marsalas, this wine is based on Grillo with support from Catarratto, Inzolia and Damaschino, often in field-blends.  Deep tawny-hued with a green rim, the bouquet displays dried prunes, raisins and dates with forest honey, caramel, milk chocolate and roasted coffee beans. Really rather sweet (125g/l r.s.) but well-structured with lively acidity and silky tannins, the palate flavours are accented by a mélange of kitchen spices (cinnamon, cardamom, white pepper, mace). Complex, layered and long, the wine forms a good foil for chocolate délice with Marsala prunes and Madagascar vanilla ice cream. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Sweet Wine: Hermann Moser Welschriesling Trockebeerenauslese

• Producer: Weingut Hermann Moser 
• Region: Niederösterreich 
• Country: Austria 
• Grape variety: 100% Welschriesling 
• Abv: 9.5% 
• Residual Sugar: 215g/l
• Vintage: 2023
• Approx. retail price: £50.00/375ml

Owned and managed by Martin and Carmen Moser in Rohrendorf, Kremstal, this 300-year old estate produces a fantastic range, including this stellar Trockebeerenauslese. Medium-deep orangegold in hue, the wine shows grapefruit marmalade, apricot and ripe yellow peach fruit with lime juice and macadamia nut accents. Very sweet (215 g/l r.s.) and slightly raisined, yet elegant, the palate flavours are balanced by bracing acidity and rich, creamy texture and a chalky underlying note. Absolutely superb, the wine will be a perfect match for cream-stuffed Crêpes Suzette, flamed with Grand Marnier. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Small Format wine: Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Red NV

• Producer: Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône
• Region: Rhône Valley
• Country: France
• Vintage: NV
• Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
• ABV: 12.0%
• Approx. retail price: £3.50/250ml can

Based in the southern Drôme and the Haut-Vaucluse, the Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône was established in 1965 and has been producing excellent wines ever since. Red wines are prominent and this one, a single-serve version of the inimitable Côtes du Rhône AOC red wine, is delectable. The wine has a deepish ruby coloured core with a hint of garnet on the rim and crunchy red berry fruits with hints of spicy black and white pepper and a tinge of chocolate. Dry, but juicy, the palate is medium-bodied and the fruit is supported by lively acidity and supple tannins. Easy-drinking, this wine is a perfect accompaniment to barbecued (or grilled) meats, or for those Stateside, autumn tail-gate parties. The celebratory packaging, a smaller version of the bottle-label, is an added attraction. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

Best Low & No Wine: Chavin Zero Rosé Zero Sparkling Vin de France Désalcoolisé

• Producer: Pierre Chavin
• Region: France
• Country: France
• Vintage: NV
• Grape varieties: 60 Cinsault%, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache
• ABV: 0.0%
• Residual Sugar: 25g/l
• Approx. retail price: £18.00

Based in Béziers in the south of France, Chavin is an innovative producer of wines with a focus on lighter, lower alcohol wines and no-alcohol wines. Under the direction of Mathilde Boulachin, a native of Champagne with extensive experience in Sweden, the company is setting a serious bar in the world of non-alcoholic white and pink wines. This wine is a ‘practically perfect’ example. Pale vieux-rose in hue with gentle effervescence, the wine displays strawberry, cherry and pomegranate fruit with a hint of smoky yeast character. Medium-dry (25g/l r.s.), the palate is mid-weight, well-defined with bracing acidity, crunchy mousse texture and linearity across the mid-palate. Long and savoury on the finish, this is a no-alcohol wine that actually tastes like the ‘real deal’. The light-ish style is absolutely stunning to pair with Beijing Chinese cuisine, especially where chicken or prawns form parts of the dishes. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

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