By winning more than half of the gold and silver medals available, Italy was the clear winner at the 2025 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC). Tom Stevenson, the competition’s chairman, reports.
Now in its 12th year and the third year at the iconic Goodnestone Park in Kent, the 2025 edition of the CSWWC attracted 1,000 entries from 23 countries worldwide.
Out of the 175 gold and 279 silver medals awarded, Italy once again dominated the competition winning an impressive 93 golds and 173 silvers. France, which has been top of the leader board in the past, continued its recent trend of of coming second, taking 35 golds and 45 silvers in 2025. The fact that Champagne has won the Supreme Champion trophy every single year, however, confirms that its quality at the very top remains unmatched and continues to set the global benchmark for sparkling-wine excellence.
How we taste
The CSWWC is the ultimate wine competition for sparkling wines, judged by sparkling-wine specialists of unrivaled experience, for sparkling-wine consumers who truly appreciate that sparkling wine is not just a festive fizz but deserves its place at the table, where it is more flexible in partnering food than any other style of wine. Not that it replaces any other style of wine, but it should be given equal consideration. As soon as wine drinkers realize this, it opens a new world of opportunity for enhancing the dining experience.
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Rather than taking just days and using hundreds of judges of inevitably variable skill sets, the CSWWC takes weeks and uses the same three world-class sparkling-wine specialists for consistency and accuracy. When the number of entries jumps, we increase how long we judge, not how many judges we use.
Any wines received in clear glass bottles are immediately double-bagged in thick, lightproof plastic bags to protect the contents from light strike. We campaign against the insane use of clear glass, but we go to great lengths to ensure that we preserve the quality of the wines we receive, clear glass or not. All wines are also photographed front and rear to provide a definitive record of what was actually tasted to correct any errors made when producers enter the wines online.
The wines are chilled and poured into numbered glasses, with an empty numbered glass for any missing wines. We taste in silence, and only after our scores have been registered is any discussion allowed, which is essential for any wine that might split the panel. For most wines, the scoring of all judges is usually very tightly aligned, but sometimes the most distinctive wines can have a Marmite effect, which is why each judge enters into those discussions with a totally open mind, willing to go either up or down in scoring. Each judge has equal authority. There are three judges for a reason.
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A panel of three equal judges is better than having a panel of four and giving the chair a casting vote. This is not a TV show looking for drama. There is no chair to defer to. I am chair in name only. I declare how the competition should be run, and in that respect I ensure I have no additional powers in the judging room itself. Why cherry-pick experts if you don’t trust them to agree? We all listen to each other; we all respect each other’s knowledge and experience; and if we still cannot agree, we will have fresh pours and, sometimes, open a fresh bottle.
Fresh bottles are also called during the silent phase of tasting, and each judge—including the reserve judge—understands that it is his or her right to do this on behalf of the entire panel. Nobody questions it—it just happens.
In the background, two rooms away, our quality-control director diligently ensures no rogue bottle variation slips through undetected. Every judge in every competition in the world will have had the experience of looking at the crib sheet and wondering why he or she gave a particular wine such a low score. If those judges had seen the label at the time of tasting, they would have doubted the condition of that particular bottle and called for another. Well, we cannot be allowed to see the label, of course, but we can and do have someone totally segregated from the judging room going through every single bottle that is not awarded a medal—that is, every wine that does not win a silver or, in the case of deluxe Champagne, a gold. A fresh bottle is opened (even if two or three have already been opened due to a suspected fault), and it is tasted side by side with the bottle or bottles judged by the panel. If any sign of bottle variation is found, that wine is seamlessly fed back into the judging schedule for re-judging without prejudice.
The 2025 competition
This was the first competition under the stewardship of Paul Schofield, who had big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of Harriet Wright. Not that Harriet has big feet! Just that she was so brilliant in her job. No fear—Paul was outstanding, too. He also introduced a few Excel tweaks to the system, which might have slightly slowed a couple of the processes since he was doing this on the fly, but they will speed everything up in the future, and more importantly, they provide a more complete record of the entire judging process.
It is always satisfying to see that the medal-winning wines come from both the largest and the smallest producers, from private enterprises and high-flying cooperatives—from long-established entrants, to newcomers and, in recent years, from an ever-increasing number of organic producers. Although the CSWWC does not award medals that are lower than silver, we noted 326 theoretical “bronze medal” winners that came close to world-class status and that could one day win gold and silver medals
2025 CSWWC: Best in class
Altemasi 2020 Blanc de Noirs Magnum
Best Trentodoc Blanc de Noirs Brut Vintage
André Delorme NV Terroirs des Fruits
Best Burgundy Rosé Brut NV
Berlucchi Guido & C NV Berlucchi ’61 Extra Brut Magnum
Best Franciacorta Brut Blend NV
BiancaVigna 2024 Extra Dry
Best Prosecco Extra Dry Vintage
Bouvet Ladubay 2019 Ogmius Rosé Extra Brut Magnum
Best Loire Rosé Brut Vintage
Ca’del Bosco NV Cuvée Prestige Rosé Edizione 46 Magnum
Best Franciacorta Rosé Brut NV
Calatroni Vini 2019 Riva Rinetti
Best Oltrepo Pavese Blanc de Noirs Brut Vintage
Cantina Montelliana e dei Colli Asolani NV 57 Extra Dry
Best Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Cantine Ceci NV Otello Ceci 1813 Nerodilambrusco
Best Lambrusco Semisecco Vintage
Cantine Lombardini 2024 1925
Best Lambrusco Amabile NV
Cantine Lombardini NV Lombardini
Best Lambrusco Brut NV
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Blanc de Noirs
Best California Blanc de Noirs Brut Vintage
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Brut Rosé
Best California Rosé Brut Vintage
Carassia NV Blanc de Blancs Magnum
Best Romanian Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Carassia NV Classic
Best Romanian Brut Blend NV
Carassia NV Rosé
Best Romanian Rosé Brut NV
Chandon NV Brut
Best Australia Brut Blend NV
Chandon NV Dry Rosé
Best China Rosé Dry NV
Chandon NV Extra Brut
Best Argentina Brut Blend NV
Chandon NV Rosé
Best Argentina Rosé Extra Dry NV
Charles Heidsieck 2018 Rosé Vintage
Best Champagne Rosé Brut Vintage
Charles Heidsieck NV Blanc de Blancs Magnum
Best Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Charles Heidsieck NV Rosé Réserve Magnum
Best Champagne Rosé Brut NV
Col Vetoraz 2024 Coste di Levante
Best Prosecco Brut Vintage
Colombo 2021 Blanc de Noir
Best Alta Langa Blanc de Noirs Brut Vintage
Cuvage 2020 Brut Magnum
Best Alta Langa Brut Blend Vintage
Daffara & Grasso 2024 Chiaro di Luna
Best Asti Aromatic Dolce Vintage
Deutz 2018 La Côte Glacière
Best Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut Vintage
Di Sipio NV Brut Rosé
Best Italy Rosé Brut NV
Dubl NV Edition VI Magnum
Best Italy Brut Blend NV
Ferrari Trento 2004 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Magnum
Best Trentodoc Library Vintage
Ferrari Trento 2006 Giulio Ferrari Edizione Limitata Magnum Magnum
Best Trentodoc Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Ferrari Trento NV Brut Magnum
Best Trentodoc Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Ferrari Trento NV Maximum Rosé
Best Trentodoc Rosé Brut NV
Freccianera Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut Magnum
Best Franciacorta Brut Blend Vintage
G.H.Mumm NV Cordon Rouge Magnum
Best Champagne Brut Blend NV
Gusbourne 2020 Agrafe
Best England Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Gusbourne 2020 Blanc de Noirs
Best England Blanc de Noirs Brut Vintage
Gusbourne 2021 Brut Reserve
Best England Brut Blend Vintage
House of Arras 2006 Museum Release Blanc de Blancs
Best Australia Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
House of Arras 2008 EJ Carr Late Disgorged Magnum
Best Australia Brut Blend Vintage
House of Arras 2016 Vintage Rosé
Best Australia Rosé Brut Vintage
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé Magnum
Best Alto Adige Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Kettmeir 2020 Athesis Rosé Magnum
Best Alto Adige Rosé Vintage
Kettmeir 2021 Athesis Brut Magnum
Best Alto Adige Brut Blend Vintage
Kreinbacher Birtok 2017 Égoiste Magnum
Best Hungary Brut Blend Vintage
Louis Pommery England NV Brut Magnum Magnum
Best England Brut Blend NV
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva Magnum
Best Cava Brut Blend Vintage
Matteo Soria NV Dolce
Best Asti Aromatic Dolce NV
Midalidare Estate NV Blanc de Noirs Magnum
Best Bulgaria Blanc de Noirs Brut NV
Midalidare Estate NV Pas Dosé Magnum
Best Bulgaria Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Midalidare Estate NV Rosé Extra Brut Magnum
Best Bulgaria Rosé Brut NV
Milazzo 2017 Federico II
Best Sicilian Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Milazzo NV Riserva V38AG Magnum
Best Sicilian Brut Blend NV
Milazzo NV Terre della Baronia Gran Cuvée
Best Sicilian Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Moet Hennessy India Private Limited NV Délice
Best India Demi-Sec NV
Muratori 2020 Mille Magnum
Best Franciacorta Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
No.1 Family Estate NV No.1 Assemblé
Best NZ Brut Blend NV
No.1 Family Estate NV No.1 Cuvée
Best NZ Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Pago de Tharsys 2022 Rosé Reserva
Best Cava Rosé Brut Vintage
Palmer & Co 2013 Blanc de Blancs Magnum
Best Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Palmer & Co NV Blanc de Noirs Magnum
Best Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut NV
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage Magnum
Best Champagne Brut Blend Vintage
Pommery 2005 Cuvée Louise Magnum
Best Deluxe Champagne Library Vintage
Rare Champagne 2012 Rare Millésime
Best Deluxe Champagne Brut Blend Vintage
Reví 2021 Rosé Magnum
Best Trentodoc Rosé Brut Vintage
Ruinart 2009 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Magnum
Best Deluxe Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Sauska NV Brut Magnum
Best Hungary Brut Blend NV
Stoneleigh 2022 Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Brut Cuvée
Best NZ Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage
Szentpéteri Borpince NV Rosé Brut Magnum
Best Hungary Rosé Brut NV
Tenuta Gottardi 2017 Posad’Or Riserva
Best Trentodoc Brut Blend Vintage
Terre d’Aenòr NV Magnum Brut Magnum
Best Organic Franciacorta
Valdo NV Cuvée di Boj
Best Prosecco Brut NV
Weingut Kolm NV Muscatello Frizzante
Best Austria Aromatic Dry NV
2025 CSWWC: Regional trophies
FRANCE
BEST BURGUNDIAN SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
André Delorme NV Terroirs des Fruits
Crémant de Bourgogne AOC, Burgundy, France (75cl, 12% ABV) 37% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir, 30% Gamay, 6% Aligoté (Rosé, 10g/l RS)
Fresh and elegant, with ripe cherry and strawberry aromas; rich, structured palate, with brilliant fruit and a clean, juicy finish.
BEST NON-DELUXE CHAMPAGNE
The shortlist:
Charles Heidsieck NV Blanc de Blancs in Magnum
Palmer & Co 2013 Blanc de Blancs in Magnum
Palmer & Co NV Blanc de Noirs in Magnum
Deutz 2018 La Côte Glacière
GH Mumm NV Cordon Rouge in Magnum
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
Charles Heidsieck NV Rosé Réserve in Magnum
Charles Heidsieck 2018 Rosé Vintage
The winner:
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum Champagne, France
(150cl, 12% ABV) 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay (White, 7g/l RS)
Charred, coffee-tinged nose; full, rich, and juicy palate, with toasty complexity, crunchy fruit, and promising development.
BEST DELUXE CHAMPAGNE
The shortlist:
Ruinart 2009 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs in Magnum
Rare Champagne 2012 Rare Millésime
Pommery 2005 Cuvée Louise in Magnum
The winner:
Rare Champagne 2012 Rare Millésime Champagne, France
(75cl, 12% ABV) 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir (White, 8g/l RS)
Toasty, rich, and complex, with pastry and yeasty notes; seductive texture, fine mousse, and a long, refined finish.
BEST CHAMPAGNE
The shortlist:
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
Rare Champagne 2012 Rare Millésime
The winner:
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
See Best Non-Deluxe Champagne
BEST LOIRE SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Bouvet Ladubay 2019 Ogmius Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum Saumur AOC, Loire Valley, France
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 100% Cabernet Franc (Rosé, 5g/l RS)
Zesty, leafy Cabernet Franc character, with fresh, feisty fruit; charming, ripe, and well-made, with sweet citrus and a plump finish.
ITALY
BEST ABRUZZO SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Di Sipio NV Brut Rosé Abruzzo, Italy
(75cl, 13% ABV) 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay (Rosé, 7g/l RS)
Yeast-complexed, with a fresh finish; reductive toast on the nose, rounded, ripe fruit, and clean, attractive acidity.
BEST ALTA LANGA SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Colombo 2021 Blanc de Noir
Cuvage 2020 Brut in Magnum
The winner:
Cuvage 2020 Brut in Magnum Alta Langa DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay (White, 6g/l RS)
Toasty, with chocolate hints and reductive complexity; pristine fruit, long, juicy length, and elegant smoky structure.
BEST ALTO ADIGE SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé in Magnum
Kettmeir 2021 Athesis Brut in Magnum
Kettmeir 2020 Athesis Rosé in Magnum
The winner:
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé in Magnum Alto Adige DOCG, Trento-Alto Adige, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 100% Chardonnay (White, 0g/l RS)
Elegant, toasty restraint on the nose; creamy, citrusdriven palate, with a vanilla-dusted, long, juicy finish.
BEST ASTI
The shortlist:
Matteo Soria NV Dolce
Daffara & Grasso 2024 Chiaro di Luna
The winner:
Daffara & Grasso 2024 Chiaro di Luna Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
(75cl, 5% ABV) 100% Muscat (White, 100g/l RS)
Delicate, floral nose and pristine fruit; rather sweet on the palate but balanced by a lovely, restrained mousse and good carry.
BEST CAMPANIA SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Dubl NV Edition VI in Magnum VSQ, Campania, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 100% Greco (White, 4g/l RS)
Pronounced, toasty nose, with aged notes; round, powerful palate, with tropical hints, good acidity, and juicy complexity.
BEST FRANCIACORTA
The shortlist:
Muratori 2020 Mille in Magnum
Guido Berlucchi NV Berlucchi ‘61 Extra Brut in Magnum
Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut in Magnum
Terre d’Aenòr NV Brut in Magnum
Ca’del Bosco NV Cuvée Prestige Rosé Edizione 46 in Magnum
The winner:
Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut in Magnum Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardia, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir (White, 5g/l RS)
Bottle-mellowed mousse, with toasty, honeyed evolution; bright, vibrant palate, fresh, dry finish and energetic structure.
BEST LAMBRUSCO
The shortlist:
Cantine Lombardini 2024 1925
Cantine Lombardini NV Lombardini
Cantine Ceci NV Otello Ceci 1813 Nerodilambrusco
The winner:
Cantine Lombardini 2024 1925 Reggiano Lambrusco DOC, Emilia Romagna, Italy
(75cl, 11.5% ABV) 100% Lambrusco Salamino (Red, 38g/l RS)
Very fresh and juicy, with bright red-fruit aromas; a perky, wellbalanced palate, with fine tannic grip and very fine bubbles, finishing broad and rich, with deep blackfruit and raisin notes—very attractive.
BEST OLTREPO PAVESE SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Calatroni Vini 2019 Riva Rinetti Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, Oltrepò Pavese, Italy
(75cl, 12.5% ABV) 100% Pinot Noir (White, 2g/l RS)
Creamy and tangy, with a touch of toast; juicy, refined palate, with finesse, length, and a sweet, clean Pinot core.
BEST PROSECCO
The shortlist:
Valdo NV Cuvée di Boj
Col Vetoraz 2024 Coste di Levante
Cantina Montelliana e dei Colli Asolani NV 57 Extra Dry
BiancaVigna 2024 Extra Dry
The winner:
BiancaVigna 2024 Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy
(75cl, 11.5% ABV) 90% Glera, 10% Chardonnay (White, 16g/l RS)
Refined Glera fruit: rich yet light and elegant; supple, vibrant body, with balanced acidity and a broad, expansive finish.
BEST SICILIAN SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Milazzo NV Terre della Baronia Gran Cuvée
Milazzo 2017 Federico II
Milazzo NV Riserva V38AG in Magnum
The winner:
Milazzo NV Riserva V38AG in Magnum Campobello di Licata, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 70% Chardonnay, 30% Inzolia (White, 6g/l RS)
Super-fresh and delightful, with a stylish, toasty nose; lush, creamy palate, energetic and softly textured, with good length.
BEST TRENTODOC
The shortlist:
Ferrari Trento NV Brut in Magnum
Ferrari Trento 2006 Giulio Ferrari Edizione Limitata in Magnum [FR] in Magnum
Ferrari Trento 2004 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore in Magnum
Altemasi 2020 Blanc de Noirs in Magnum
Tenuta Gottardi 2017 Posad’Or Riserva
Ferrari Trento NV Maximum Rosé
Reví 2021 Rosé in Magnum
The winner:
Tenuta Gottardi 2017 Posad’Or Riserva Trentodoc, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
(75cl, 12.4% ABV) 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir (White, 4.5g/l RS)
Soft, terpenic, fruit with elegant spice and toast; fresh, feisty, and juicy, with a toasty, structured Pinot mid-palate.
BEST CAVA
The shortlist:
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum
Pago de Tharsys 2022 Rosé Reserva
The winner:
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum Cava DO, Penedès, Spain
(150cl, 11.5% ABV) 50% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, 20% Chardonnay (White, 1.6g/l RS)
Yeast-complexed, spicy, charred nose, with real complexity; textured, intense, and bright, with lively, crunchy fruit.
BEST CALIFORNIA SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Blanc de Noirs
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Brut Rosé
The winner:
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Brut Rosé Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, USA
(75cl, 12% ABV) 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir (Rosé, 6g/l RS)
Coconut oak and smoky char; big, bright fruit, brisk acidity, creamy mousse, and a long, energetic finish.
Special Lifetime Achievement Award
This award had been in the works for more than three years, but Fred had long-term arrangements to be in Japan when the CSWWC held its Awards Dinner in the previous two years, and it was not until 2025 that he managed to clear his calendar and promise to be with us, only for a tragic free-diving accident to intervene. The photo of Fred that was projected during the presentation of this award was about as appropriate as could be achieved in such sad circumstances. He was seen sitting at the foot of the steps leading down to Ruinart’s cellars, the only cellars in Champagne to be declared a National Monument. Fred is nosing a glass of Ruinart, the open bottle close by. It was as if he was waiting on the stairway to heaven, yet to make the climb. Surely St Peter will let him in—especially if he brings that bottle of Ruinart with him. I poured my heart out in his obituary (see WFW 89, pp.28–30). It was painful to write, and I have no more words left, other than Fred’s own words when talking about how a chef de cave is merely a temporary custodian. He said, “In 2030, my name will be forgotten,” but I am sure that will not come true. We were honored to have Fred’s partner Vineta Brutane, his successor as chef de cave Caroline Fiot, and CEO of Champagne Ruinart Frédéric Dufour on the stage to accept the posthumous award.
2025 CSWWC: National trophies
BEST ARGENTINE SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Chandon Argentina NV Extra Brut
Chandon Argentina NV Rosé
The winner:
Chandon Argentina NV Rosé Mendoza, Argentina
(75cl, 12.5% ABV) 55% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay, 4% Malbec (Rosé, 15g/l RS)
Not too sweet, with a lovely mousse; pale-salmon color, vanilla-strawberry nose, solid palate, and a long, fruity finish.
BEST AUSTRALIAN SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
House of Arras 2006 Museum Release Blanc de Blancs
Chandon Australia NV Brut
House of Arras 2008 EJ Carr Late Disgorged in Magnum
House of Arras 2016 Vintage Rosé
The winner:
Chandon Australia NV Brut Australia
(75cl, 12.5% ABV) 64% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 4% Meunier, 4% Pinot Gris, 3% Petit Meslier (White, 6g/l RS)
Gloriously toasty, orchard-fruit nose; full, textured, yet fresh palate, with creamy unctuousness and powerful fruit drive.
BEST AUSTRIAN SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Kolm NV Muscatello Frizzante Niederösterreich, Austria
(75cl, 8.4% ABV) 100% Gelber Muskateller (White, 39g/l RS)
Elegant orange-blossom and Muscatty grape aromas; sweet, airy palate, with a cushiony mousse and a long, sweet finish.
BEST BULGARIAN SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Midalidare Estate NV Pas Dosé in Magnum
Midalidare Estate NV Blanc de Noirs in Magnum
Midalidare Estate NV Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
The winner:
Midalidare Estate NV Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum Thracian Lowlands, Bulgaria
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 80% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 5% Meunier (Rosé, 2.3g/l RS)
Ripe strawberry and peach fruit; good structure and a creamy mousse, though the ripe sweetness is slightly dominant.
BEST CHINESE SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Chandon China NV Dry Rosé Eastern Foothills of The Helan Mountain, China
(75cl, 12.5% ABV) 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir (Rosé, 22g/l RS)
Fresh and elegant, grapey-Moscato aroma, with a delightful freshness and purity of exotic fruit. Sweet but not too sweet. Well-made, good carry, attractive.
BEST ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Gusbourne 2020 Agrafe
Gusbourne 2020 Blanc de Noirs
Louis Pommery England NV Brut in Magnum
Gusbourne 2021 Brut Reserve
The winner:
Louis Pommery England NV Brut in Magnum Hampshire, England, UK
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 50% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir (White, 7g/l RS)
A touch of toast, with a vanilla-scented, peach nose; supple, elegant palate, with excellent sugaracid balance and a silky midpalate.
BEST FRENCH SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Bouvet Ladubay 2019 Ogmius Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
André Delorme NV Terroirs des Fruits
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
The winner:
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
See Best Non-Deluxe Champagne
The shortlist:
Sauska NV Brut in Magnum
Kreinbacher Birtok 2017 Égoiste in Magnum
Szentpéteri Borpince NV Rosé Brut in Magnum
The winner:
Kreinbacher Birtok 2017 Égoiste in Magnum Balaton & Upper Pannon, Hungary
(150cl, 12% ABV) 50% Furmint, 50% Chardonnay (White, 5.6g/l RS)
Some class in the fruit, with a touch of creaminess on the nose; elegant, toasty character, ripe citrus drive, and an intense, long finish.
BEST INDIAN SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Chandon India NV Délice Nashik & Dhule, Maharashtra, India
(75cl, 12.5% ABV) 70% Muscat, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Trebbiano (White, 38g/l RS)
Delightfully fresh, perfumed Muscat, with pure grape aromas; balanced sweetness, good freshness, and attractive exotic notes.
BEST ITALIAN SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Di Sipio NV Brut Rosé
Cuvage 2020 Brut in Magnum
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé in Magnum
Daffara & Grasso 2024 Chiaro di Luna
Dubl NV Edition VI in Magnum
Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut in Magnum
Cantine Lombardini 2024 1925
Calatroni Vini 2019 Riva Rinetti
BiancaVigna 2024 Extra Dry
BiancaVigna 2024 Extra Dry
Milazzo NV Riserva V38AG in Magnum
Tenuta Gottardi 2017 Posad’Or Riserva
The winner:
Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut in Magnum
See Best Franciacorta
BEST NEW ZEALAND SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
No.1 Family Estate NV No.1 Cuvée
Stoneleigh 2022 Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Brut Cuvée
No.1 Family Estate NV No.1 Assemblé
The winner:
Stoneleigh 2022 Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Brut Cuvée Marlborough, New Zealand
(75cl, 11.5% ABV)100% Chardonnay (White, 8.5g/l RS)
Clean, fresh orchard fruits, with a toast-lined nose; juicy, vinous palate, with citrus acidity and a broad, easy style.
BEST ROMANIAN SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Carassia NV Blanc de Blancs in Magnum
Carassia NV Classic
Carassia NV Rosé
The winner:
Carassia NV Rosé Carastelec, Transylvania, Romania
(75cl, 12% ABV) 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay (Rosé, 9g/l RS)
Mellow fruit with a salmon color; complex, cherry-savory nose, vibrant creamy palate, and a long, elegant finish.
BEST SPANISH SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum
See Best Cava
BEST US SPARKLING WINE
The winner:
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Brut Rosé
See Best California Sparkling Wine
WORLD CHAMPION CLASSIC BRUT NV
The shortlist:
Guido Berlucchi NV Berlucchi ’61 Extra Brut in Magnum
Carassia NV Classic
Chandon Argentina NV Extra Brut
Chandon Australia NV Brut
Dubl NV Edition VI in Magnum
GH Mumm NV Cordon Rouge in Magnum
Louis Pommery England NV Brut in Magnum
Milazzo NV Riserva V38AG in Magnum
No.1 Family Estate NV No.1 Assemblé
Sauska NV Brut in Magnum
Valdo NV Cuvée di Boj
The winner:
Guido Berlucchi NV Berlucchi ’61 Extra Brut in Magnum Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardia, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir (White, 5g/l RS)
Outstanding Franciacorta: sweet toast and pristine fruit, full, rounded palate with a pencil-shaving finish and elegant length.
WORLD CHAMPION CLASSIC BRUT VINTAGE
The shortlist:
Cuvage 2020 Brut in Magnum
Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut in Magnum
Gusbourne 2021 Brut Reserve
Col Vetoraz 2024 Coste di Levante
House of Arras 2008 EJ Carr Late Disgorged in Magnum
Kettmeir 2021 Athesis Brut in Magnum
Kreinbacher Birtok 2017 Égoiste in Magnum
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
Tenuta Gottardi 2017 Posad’Or Riserva
The winner:
Gusbourne 2021 Brut Reserve Kent-Sussex, England, UK
(75cl, 12% ABV) 71% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier (White, 8g/l RS)
All too easy to drink, with oaklined nose and intense clean fruit; well-balanced and pristinely fruited, with a broad, sweet attack.
WORLD CHAMPION BRUT NATURE
The shortlist:
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé in Magnum
Midalidare Estate NV Pas Dosé in Magnum
The winner:
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé in Magnum
See Best Alto Adige Sparkling Wine
WORLD CHAMPION CLASSIC BLANC DE BLANCS
The shortlist:
Carassia NV Blanc de Blancs in Magnum
Ferrari Trento NV Brut in Magnum
Gusbourne 2020 Agrafe
House of Arras 2006 Museum Release Blanc de Blancs
Kettmeir 2018 Pas Dosé in Magnum
Midalidare Estate NV Pas Dosé in Magnum
Milazzo 2017 Federico II
Muratori 2020 Mille in Magnum
Palmer & Co 2013 Blanc de Blancs in Magnum
Stoneleigh 2022 Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Brut Cuvee
The winner:
Ferrari Trento NV Brut in Magnum Trentodoc, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 100% Chardonnay (White, 7g/l RS)
Soft, sumptuous mousse, with a rich, toasty nose; fluffy palate, citrus freshness, and a very long finish with attractive acidity.
WORLD CHAMPION CLASSIC BLANC DE NOIRS
The shortlist:
Altemasi 2020 Blanc de Noirs in Magnum
Calatroni Vini 2019 Riva Rinetti
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Blanc de Noirs
Colombo 2021 Blanc de Noir
Deutz 2018 La Côte Glacière
Gusbourne 2020 Blanc de Noirs
Midalidare Estate NV Blanc de Noirs in Magnum
Palmer & Co NV Blanc de Noirs in Magnum
The winner:
Palmer & Co NV Blanc de Noirs in Magnum Champagne, France
(150cl, 12% ABV) 53% Pinot Noir, 47% Meunier (White, 7.8g/l RS)
Delicious, spice and toast-complexed nose, with charred tones. A viscous palate, with good structure, toast, and a touch flinty. Very delicious, precise, and long. Nice drive.
WORLD CHAMPION CLASSIC ROSÉ
The shortlist:
Kettmeir 2020 Athesis Rosé in Magnum
Chandon Argentina NV Rosé
House of Arras 2016 Vintage Rosé
Midalidare Estate NV Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
André Delorme NV Terroirs des Fruits
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Brut Rosé
Pago de Tharsys 2022 Rosé Reserva
Charles Heidsieck 2018 Rosé Vintage
Chandon China NV Dry Rosé
Ca’del Bosco NV Cuvée Prestige Rosé Edizione 46 in Magnum
Szentpéteri Borpince NV Rosé Brut in Magnum
Bouvet Ladubay 2019 Ogmius Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
Carassia NV Rosé
Reví 2021 Rosé in Magnum
The winner:
Midalidare Estate NV Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
See Best Bulgarian Sparkling Wine
WORLD CHAMPION SPARKLING RED
The winner:
Cantine Lombardini 2024 1925
See Best Lambrusco
WORLD CHAMPION SPARKLING AROMATIC
The shortlist:
Chandon India NV Délice
Daffara & Grasso 2024 Chiaro di Luna
Weingut Kolm NV Muscatello Frizzante
The winner:
Chandon India NV Délice
See Best Indian Sparkling Wine
WORLD CHAMPION CLASSIC BRUT STYLE FROM NON-TRADITIONAL GRAPES
The winner:
Bouvet Ladubay 2019 Ogmius Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
See Best Loire Sparkling Wine
WORLD CHAMPION LIBRARY VINTAGE
The shortlist:
Ferrari Trento 2004 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore in Magnum
Pommery 2005 Cuvée Louise in Magnum
The winner:
Ferrari Trento 2004 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore in Magnum Trentodoc, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
(150cl, 12.5% ABV) 100% Chardonnay (White, 3g/l RS)
Gorgeous, sumptuous with reductive qualities; full, rich palate with depth, intense toast and juicy, structured complexity.
WORLD CHAMPION ORGANIC SPARKLING WINE
The shortlist:
Terre d’Aenòr NV Brut in Magnum
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum
The winner:
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum Cava DO, Penedès, Spain
(150cl, 11.5% ABV) 50% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, 20% Chardonnay (White, 1.6g/l RS)
Lovely, smooth mousse, with apple-purée fruit and a refreshing profile; smoky finesse, light creamy palate, and a long finish.
THE TONY JORDAN RISING STAR
André Delorme
There is a problem with all crémant appellations—not just in Burgundy or indeed France, but the crémant appellations that have popped up in Luxembourg, Belgium, and as a descriptive term rather than an appellation in Germany. The problem is a legal one that can only be resolved by the determination of individual producers to go above and beyond. All crémant appellations are region-wide, with no vineyards ring-fenced for sparkling-wine production only. No requirement that only suitable sparkling-wine clones should be planted. And no regulations that the vines should be trained, pruned, and harvested specifically for sparkling wine. This has resulted in the dregs of grape, must, and wine sold by brokers ending up in so many crémant wines or, at the very best, the most inappropriate grapes grown by a producer shunted into sparkling-wine production.
A growers’ organization in Burgundy has recently created two branded names as quality tiers to the Crémant de Bourgogne AOC: Eminent and Grand Eminent. This is good, but like appellations themselves, rules do not determine quality—people do. The quality of this André Delorme Crémant de Bourgogne (which does not claim to be either Eminent and Grand Eminent, by the way) made me think for the very first time that perhaps Crémant de Bourgogne could fulfil its destiny to be the second-greatest sparkling wine in France. It is for this reason that André Delorme deserves the Tony Jordan Rising Star award, and I hope the example it has set encourages others to be just as serious about crémant quality as they are.
SPARKLING WINE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
This is the one Trophy everyone knows in advance because it is very simply based on the most gold medals won and those are published in September. To win this trophy requires more consistency than any other sparkling winemaker on the planet. It is not just about entering the greatest number of wines—it is about entering the greatest number of wines that are capable of winning gold medals. That’s a big difference, and Ferrari has won this trophy more times than anyone else.
THE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY
With no fewer than six golds, Gusbourne is the UK’s Ferrari: the Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year for England. It is just so consistent across the board. I have never nominated an English Sparkling Wine producer for the Chairman’s Trophy before, but I am so proud to shout about the very best of English Sparkling Wine. This does, however, come with a warning on the packet, because it is still a relatively small number of English Sparkling Wines that are doing all the heavy lifting as far as creating the reputation of these wines is concerned. I will not list them all, but it certainly includes Nyetimber, without whom none of the others would even exist, as well as Simpson’s, Plumpton, Camel Valley, Louis Pommery, Squerryes, and, above all at the moment, Gusbourne. There are others, of course, and many that manage to produce the occasional exceptional wine (which means they could be in the list when consistency kicks in), but the majority are still hanging onto the coattails of the leaders, and they have to up their game because the marketplace will ultimately decide their fate. If they follow Gusbourne’s lead, they can’t go wrong.
SUPREME WORLD CHAMPION
The shortlist:
Chandon Argentina NV Rosé
Chandon Australia NV Brut
Kolm NV Muscatello Frizzante
Midalidare Estate NV Rosé Extra Brut in Magnum
Chandon China NV Dry Rosé
Louis Pommery England NV Brut in Magnum
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
Kreinbacher Birtok 2017 Égoiste in Magnum
Chandon India NV Délice
Fratelli Berlucchi 2018 Freccianera Brut in Magnum
Stoneleigh 2022 Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Brut Cuvée
Carassia NV Rosé
Maset 2020 1917 Gran Reserva in Magnum
Caraccioli Cellars 2019 Brut Rosé
The winner:
Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
See Best Non-Deluxe Champagne
In vino Veritas
The bowl of the Riedel Veritas Champagne glass is as elegant as it gets, with a paper-thin rim and an exquisitely slender stem that looks thinner than a Zalto. (Actually, it is an optical illusion, because Zalto’s stem is microscopically thinner for only a centimeter or so, from which it widens noticeably toward both the bowl and the base, whereas Riedel’s Veritas retains its slenderness for 95% of the length of its stem.) The Veritas stem-to-bowl ratio is perfect for swirling, nosing, and assessing, while the bowl-to-stem and stem-to-base are utterly seamless, thanks to machine-pulling technology that is unique to Riedel.
For personal use, I prefer the Riedel Veloce Champagne glass. Again due to Riedel’s proprietary machine-pulling technology, Veloce has the thinnest stem and rim of any machine-produced glass on the planet. It sets a new record with its 4.17mm stem (5.23mm on the Veritas); and with its slightly greater height, 20% thinner stem, wider base for increased stability, and 28% larger bowl (yet not so large as to be vulgar), I prefer the machine-produced Veloce to any other stemware in the world, including all the most expensive handmade and hand-finished glasses I have ever encountered. Its size and stem, though, make it impractical for the rigors of competitive judging, and I still adore Veritas for both judging and the table.
The CSWWC team
Judges:
Tom Stevenson
Essi Avellan MW
George Markus
Reserve judge:
Simon Stockton
Steward:
Paul Schofield
Quality control:
Orsi Szentkiralyi
Logistics:
Donald Mackenzie (SWS)
James Davies (SWS)
Chef and competition ambassador:
Roger Jones
PR and marketing:
Rachel Davey (director)
Accounts and data management:
Eva Derret (director)
