The annual Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) are about much more than awards. They’re about the trends revealed by the results and the stories they tell about people and places – and there was plenty to dig into in the Best in Show white & rosé styles.

Austria on the up

Two Best in Show medals came from Austrian producers, and both were notable for marking DWWA ‘firsts’.

This year marked the first time that an Austrian Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) from any region claimed a Best in Show award, with the excellent example from Domäne Roland Chan, Wösendorf Alte Reben Smaragd Weissburgunder, Wachau, Niederösterreich 2023.

The other ‘first’ came from Birgit Eichinger’s Ried Lamm 1ötw Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2024 – the first-ever Best in Show appearance by a wine from Austria’s Kamptal DAC. This outstanding wine is made by a mother-and daughter team, Birgit and Gloria Eichinger.

Gloria sums up their guiding winemaking principle in three short sentences: 'As little as necessary. As consciously as possible. Out of respect for what is there. We want our origin, the Kamptal, to be evident in every sip. Wines from the Kamptal region impress with their elegance and freshness. They are meant to bring joy and moments of pleasure without ever getting boring.'

This is not a wine that could ever be called boring. Judging the wine blind, tasters noted 'magnificently limpid winemaking with raw materials, which must surely come from a fine site or combination of sites'.

Single-vineyard wines

How right the judges were. The Eichingers have a laser focus on single-vineyards. As Gloria explains: 'We have many historic vineyards with a variety of soils, such as slate, gneiss, loess, sandstone… This results in wines that vary greatly in style, flavour and finesse. That’s what makes our wine-growing region so fascinating.'

The 23-hectare Ried Lamm is 'one of the most important vineyards in the Kamptal', she says, with a long history of winemaking, and planted almost exclusively to Grüner Veltliner. There is plenty of geological complexity and Gloria believes that it’s the interplay of calcareous soils resting on loess and sandstone that give this wine its minerality and body.

The significant role of single vineyards was also evident in an Assyrtiko from Greece – Santo Wines, Kontarades, Santorini, Aegean Islands 2024. It’s a wine that is produced exclusively a single vineyard in the Kontarades area of Megalochori on Santorini, which is home to some of the world’s oldest ungrafted vineyards.

Nikos Vargarios, who, along with Konstantina Argyrou, made this outstanding example, says, 'The vineyard is planted on the island’s distinctive volcanic soils, composed primarily of pumice stone and basaltic rocks. The single-vineyard origin allows the authentic expression of this site and its unique characteristics.' The result, he says, 'a clear reflection of Santorini’s exceptional volcanic terroir'.

Terra cotta

Maturing wine in clay vessels is as old as winemaking itself, but its reemergence in contemporary viticulture continues to make headlines, with qvevri, tinajas and amphorae being put to use in cellars around the world, from the Caucasus to California.

Just one amphora-matured wine was among the 50 Best in Show wines this year – this Greek example from Santorini. 'Clay amphorae are far more than archaeological artefacts,' says Vargarios. 'They represent one of the oldest winemaking vessels in history. We chose amphora ageing because it allows us to express both the vineyard and the grape variety without the flavour influence of oak, while still benefiting from some of the advantages associated with barrel maturation.'

The porous nature of these vessels, says Vargarios, 'enables gentle micro-oxygenation, contributing to complexity and texture while preserving the purity of fruit, the pronounced minerality and the freshness that define Santorini Assyrtiko.'

Chenin Blanc: the chameleon grape

Chenin Blanc is known for its ability to express a range of traits depending on where and how it’s grown, and this chameleon character was borne out by the two contrasting styles: the ‘classic’ from the Loire, Château D’Epiré, Clos De Rochepin, Savennières-Roche aux Moines 2022, and its South African counterpart, Stellenbosch Reserve, Hangbrug Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2025.

Stellenbosch Reserve was started by Jean Engelbrecht (owner of Rust en Vrede Wine Estate) in 2005, explains commercial director Warren Granat-Mulder. 'It was initially a small batch of a single wine made for friends and the odd restaurant. Over the years, the brand has evolved into what you see today – a winery next door to Rust en Vrede, with its own cellar, vineyards, winemaker and tasting room/restaurant.'

Of this wine, he says: 'We are looking to make a wine that is true to the varietal and the profile one would expect from a Stellenbosch Chenin. It should have texture and elegance, hence the short stint in the barrel, however there is a focus of keeping the wine fruit forward, yet fresh and zesty.' Granat-Mulder believes that, in South Africa, Chenin is 'definitely more respected today than it was even ten years ago', and that 'the trend of Chenin’s premiumisation and consumer appeal will continue in the coming years'.

Rosé: the future is bright for Provence

As was the case in 2025, there was just a single rosé Best in Show this year – Château De L'Aumérade, Marie-Christine, Côtes de Provence Cru Classé, Provence, France 2025. And, as last year, it came from Provence.

'We’re always looking out for new rosé stars, including from sources other than Provence,' the judging panel said before concluding, 'Year after year, though, it’s Provence that most impresses'.

Marie-Christine is the signature cuvée of this 300-hectare estate north of Pierrefeu-du-Var, and part of the family-owned Fabre Domains. A rosé specialist, about 90% of the production is dedicated to this style. Part of what sets this wine apart is its terroir: the grapes come from plots designated cru classé by the INAO in 1955 – a relative rarity (just 18 estates in Provence hold this title).

Classics never become classics without good reason, and the team at Aumérade have a few ideas about Provencal rosé’s continued popularity.

'The reason Provence rosés are so popular may well be down to the region’s heritage, which has historically been dedicated to rosé wines. For a long time, Provence was the only region in France to produce dry rosés. The local climate was ideal for the consumption of wines that are light on the palate. The people of Provence were therefore naturally inclined to drink this type of wine.'

It isn’t just people in Provence who are inclined to drink well-made dry rosé, of course, as this award proves, and Provence’s future continues to look rosé.

Find all winners at awards.decanter.com

DWWA 2026: Best in Show whites & rosé winners

Australia

Brokenwood, ILR Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2019

Best in Show, 97 points
Our eighth Best In Show Hunter Valley Semillon is every bit as classical as its predecessors. Lovers of the style will know that this isn’t a wine to broach early; indeed in most vintages the more time you can give the wine, the more you’ll be rewarded. The DWWA judges once daringly rewarded a two-year-old with Best In Show, but mostly this accolade has been reserved for wines between six and 13 years old; this year’s nine-year post-harvest storage means that it’s just beginning to sing. Look out for a bright silver-green colour, followed by oily scents of tropical and citrus (lemon and lime) fruits and vegetal notes, too – broad beans, parsley and courgette. On the palate, you’ll find a darting and quicksilver wine with the same aromatic repertoire and a light-textured, acid-freshened palate. Its delicacy and flavour purity keep it moving swiftly and cleanly through the mouth. If you’d like a little more improbable toasty richness to be magicked up out of nowhere … just wait. Alcohol 11.5%

Pewsey Vale, Estate Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia 2025

Best in Show, 97 points
This wine marks another debut appearance in our Best In Show selection – for Eden Valley Riesling, though we’ve featured Eden Valley Shiraz/Syrah here in the past. It’s a young wine and light on its feet (just 11.5%). Riesling here manages, remarkably enough, to deliver full-season fruit complexities at this strength since phenolic ripeness continues, in the High Eden’s skeletal soils, even after sugar ripeness has slowed, including in very warm vintages like that of 2025. It’s an enticingly aromatic wine with a tumble of blossom blowing about an aromatic core of zesty lemon, lime, fresh dessert apple and early season nectarine. On the palate, the wine is bright and tangy with racy apple and rhubarb acidity; it has ample mid-palate wealth and poised texture, then the blossoms come blowing back to lift its brisk, mouth-freshening finish. Its Eden Valley pedigree suggests that this beautifully vinified wine will age well, too. Alc 11.5%

Austria

Birgit Eichinger, Ried Lamm 1ötw Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2024

Best in Show, 97 points
This is the first-ever Best In Show appearance by a wine from Austria’s Kamptal, and the judges who had a chance to assess this wine were impressed by its texture, layering, complexity and what one judge called its “strength of fruit”. Gruner Veltliner is never a forceful or focused aromatic variety, but the soft melding of apple, yellow plum, wild meadow flowers and gentle crème anglaise notes (all hints, nothing spelt out) makes for a winning aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is richly textured and powerful, tumbling and unfolding over the tongue; it retains an orchard fruit profile while at the same time hinting at something a little more exotic and high-summery. The acidity is soft, tender and drips with fruit intensity. Magnificently limpid winemaking with raw materials which must surely come from a fine site or combination of sites. Alc 13%

Domäne Roland Chan, Wösendorf Alte Reben Smaragd Weissburgunder, Wachau, Niederösterreich 2023

Best in Show, 97 points
This is the second appearance of a Wachau wine in our Best In Show selection, and the first for an Austrian Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) wine from any region. It’s bright gold in colour, with rich, warm aromas in which the fruit notes (apple, pear, melon and peach) are sketched out with the discretion and restraint typical for this variety. On the palate, though, the wine is more Wachau than Weissburgunder, and crafted in ripe, Smaragd style. This word literally means ‘emerald’ and refers to the green lizards which frequent the Wachau terrace walls in high summer; it’s used of wines made from the ripest musts, generally given some bottle age. You’ll find all of that in the plush palate profile with its soft, ample textures and long, clean, well-rounded and comforting finish. For all that, it’s a Smaragd of some delicacy, and very amenable to a wide range of food partnerships. Alc 14%

France

Albert Bichot, Hospices De Beaune Cuvée Docteur Peste, Corton Grand Cru, Burgundy 2024

Best in Show, 97 points
The daunting difficulties of the 2024 vintage in Bourgogne have been described in the notes for our Chablis Grand Cru Best In Show wine, and growers in the Côte de Beaune had no easier time of it than did their Chablis confrères. Here, though, is another example of just how successful careful white-wine makers were in picking their way through all the hazards and bringing healthy, balanced fruit back to the wineries. Corton (the first wine we’ve had in Best In Show with this particular iteration of the name, though Charlemagne variants came through in 2018 and 2024) is always one of the most restrained of all Bourgogne’s white Grands Crus, and in some vintages can remain tight-lipped and mute for years. Not here: this wine is already murmuring its stony-savoury charms on the nose, while the palate is mouthfilling and structured, delicately spicy from its barrel-fermentation, vivid with refined grapefruit citrus yet ultimately light on its feet. As with the Chablis Grand Cru, no need to wait … though cellar years will bring further softening. Alc 12.9%

Château De L'Aumérade, Marie-Christine, Côtes de Provence Cru Classé, Provence 2025

Best in Show, 97 points
The battle for rosé supremacy is always closely fought in both DWWA judging week and gold week; we’re always looking out for new rosé stars, including from sources other than Provence. Year after year, though, it’s Provence that most impresses, whether from the low-lying sandy coastal vineyards or the acid-soiled uplands; indeed it often seems as if the natural vocation of varieties like Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah (the trio in play here) in Provence is truly for pink wine rather than red, for reasons that remain mysterious. This wine, from one of the estates classified as crus classés back in 1955, is exemplary: a pretty petal-pink colour, with a honeyed, peach-and-yellow-plum aroma, vivid freshness combined with creamy textures and admirable herbal restraint on the finish. Drinkability, delicacy and restraint are paramount for rosé, and much more important than concentration, impact or acid balance; this wine conveys its subtle fruits in exactly that way, yet there is still an extra dimension here of focus and delivery that marked the wine out from its peers. Alc 13%

Château D'Epiré, Clos De Rochepin, Savennières-Roche aux Moines, Loire 2022

Best in Show, 97 points
This is the second appearance of a Savennières in our Best In Show selection – and it’s a wine that, for one of our tasters, “could be nothing else”. This magnificent site on the north side of the river Loire, with its warmly exposed banks of schist and rhyolite soils, gives dry Loire whites of unique distinction, both aromatically and on the palate. The aromas evoke lanolin, apple, honeysuckle and meadow herbs, and the palate has (as the same taster put it) “weight without weight”: splendid complexities of interwoven fruit, fruit acidity, lees tenderness and subtle, carefully judged oak. It’s dry and long, yet a mist of honey seems to hover tantalisingly over the whole; once you’ve swallowed, the flavours metamorphose on your tongue into something more evocative of soil and stone than of fruit. It’s powerful yet gracious. You might think, in sipping, that its overall tenderness means that it’s best young – but it will last well, too. Alc 13.5%

Château Vitallis, Pouilly, Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru, Burgundy 2024

Best in Show, 97 points
Like Chablis and the Côte d’Or, the Mâconnais had a tough (and sodden) time of it over the course of the 2024 vintage, but it did have an ace up its sleeve: August here was warmer and sunnier than elsewhere in Burgundy (328 hours of sunshine was significantly above its long-term average), and that put the wines of this sub-region on a firmer foundation than elsewhere. In any case, Pouilly-Fuissé usually delivers some of Bourgogne’s ripest white wines every year. This Premier Cru version (only the second Best In Show appearance for a Pouilly-Fuissé) has assurance and wealth to it, indeed even a little appealing baby fat. There are delicious hazels and peach fruits apparent on the aroma, and the flavours are rich, sapid, vinous and structured, with appetising melon and peach generosity. The vintage adds an undertow of vivacious acidity relatively rare in recent years in Pouilly-Fuissé, too, lending the wine additional poise and drinkability. Alc 13%

Domaine Pinson Frères, Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru, Burgundy 2024

Best in Show, 97 points
It’s a measure of the confusion and chaos brought by climate change that near-catastrophic vintages in weather terms can, in a region like Chablis, deliver wines which often seem more classical today than do those from ‘great’ (i.e. warmer and more generous) vintages. Here’s an example. Nothing was easy in Chablis in 2024, beginning with a colossally wet spring (the town of Chablis flooded twice), continuing with a cool May, June and July, and ending with a largely chilly September. Poor flowering and mildew ravaged yields, as did May hail. And yet, and yet … this Grand Cru Chablis (the fourth we have featured in our Best In Show selection) has an articulacy rare in young Grand Cru wines: look out for apple, blossom, white tea and herbal aromas. There’s more apple and citrus on the palate, and a sense of finesse and layered complexity; its freshness is very classical, yet it doesn’t come at the expense of Grand Cru breadth. Above all, it’s a Grand Cru you won’t have to wait for, though it will see out a decade easily enough. Alc 13%

Jean-Paul Balland, Grande Cuvée, Sancerre, Loire 2023

Best in Show, 97 points
Perhaps surprisingly, this is only the second appearance of a Sancerre wine in our Best In Show selection, and the first since 2017. Welcome back, Sancerre! The vineyards of the Centre Loire had a much more successful 2023 vintage than did their Anjou and Touraine counterparts; indeed August was so dry here that the early September rains were welcomed as a pre-harvest refresher. Our judges loved the smoky-flinty-herbal classicism of this wine’s aromatics: one sniff and you’re there among the Sauvignon vines on the airily exposed limestone vineyards that surround this unforgettable hill town. The wine is both tense and taut, yet at the same time ample and resonant. As with other Best In Show wines from classic white-wine zones this year, the oak has been skilfully employed, bringing complexity and a sense of light and shade to the haunting Loire Sauvignon fruit, qualifying its print of soft spring leaf. Alc 13.5%

Greece

Santo Wines, Kontarades, Santorini, Aegean Islands 2024

Best in Show, 97 points
Our judges love the white, Assyrtico-based wines of Santorini: this year’s brace brings the Cycladic island’s Best In Show total up to eight, while the Santorini mantelpiece boasted no fewer than 11 Regional Trophies under our old 2004-2015 system. This year’s wine comes from the hot, windy, drought-striken 2024 vintage, a year when the island’s total harvest was as low as 750 tonnes. The resilience of Santorini vines (and growers) under these circumstances is remarkable. This is a warmer-than-usual example, and you might find candied lemon skin and Mirabelle plum notes alongside the usual aromatic hints of earth and stone. It is -- of course! -- salty and full on the palate, amply structured, broad and rewarding, with more glycerol and slightly lower acidity than in other vintages. As always, though, the balance comes from deep-rooted vines searching the volcanic ash and tephra soils and seeming to convey their print in flavour, giving this singular wine unique authority and conviction. One sip shows you that this is a world original. Alc 14%

New Zealand

Rapaura Springs, ROHE Sauvignon Blanc, Blind River, Marlborough 2025

Best in Show, 97 points
This is the sixth Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to feature in our Best In Show selection – and of those six, half have carried an Awatere Valley origin, suggesting that this may prove to be one of the finest of Marlborough’s sub-regions. This is a hugely impressive wine. Silver in colour, it has arresting vitality and energy on the nose, but unusual complexity, too: melon, mango, pear, Japanese citrus, resin, thyme and rue were among the notes our judges detected, woven together with great skill and discernment, and with no note dominating or lacking refinement. On the palate it’s excitingly flavoury in all of the ways the aromas sketched out – yet it’s also soft, complex, textured and hauntingly savoury as well as floral and fruity. 2026 was an outstanding DWWA year for New Zealand Sauvignon, and this layered, high-finesse yet at the same time amply drinkable wine had to see off many competitors to win its place in the Top 50. Alc 13%

South Africa

Stellenbosch Reserve, Hangbrug Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2025

Best in Show, 97 points
A number of our judges commented on the impressive differentiation of Chenin Blanc wines according to their regional origin in the 2026 DWWA South Africa cohort: the best of all reasons for making the choice of a particular Best In Show wine difficult. This was the bottle that eventually emerged triumphant, admired on multiple fronts. One was the delivery of varietal character with spotless precision, together with splendid brightness and freshness. Its Stellenbosch classicism brought an assured poise as well as charm … with just enough inner austerity to keep the drinker coming back to the glass. The oaking, finally, was much admired here for not obscuring that primary charm - but filling out the mid-palate, adding texture, and providing a faint flavoury undertow of extra richness. There even seemed to be a little salty intrigue to the palate for some judges, enhancing the sense of authenticity and site. Assured work and an encouraging introduction to the exciting South African white-wine scene. Alc 13.5%

Spain

Pazo Señorans, Selección De Añada Albariño, Rías Baixas 2015

Best in Show, 97 points
This is the fifth appearance of a Rias Baixas Albariño in our Best in Show selection, and triumphantly endorses local traditions for long lees ageing followed by bottle age: the wine is now in its eleventh year since the fine 2015 harvest. Our previous winners had been aged for 9, 5, 2 and just 1 year; indeed the popularity of this ‘heroic viticulture’ category means that there is now intense commercial pressure to hurry the wines to market, so classical long-aged alternatives can be hard to find. Pour it into the glass, though, and you’ll be amazed: the colour is still pale gold, while the aromas are fresh though complex: expect notes of nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle and citrus zest. The only clue to the wine’s age is its mushroomy aromatic back-tones. On the palate, age has brought softness and amplitude but the cut-stone acidity has kept its buoyant freshness; the delicacy and charm remain uncompromised while the stony finesse almost seems to emerge more memorably with time. A masterclass in regional tradition. Alc 13%

The sparkling-wine story that emerged from this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) results unfolded like a good drama. Champagne, awarded two of the four Best in Show awards, played a strong leading role, showing that it remains a benchmark for this style.

An international contingent provided plenty of narrative interest. Italy’s Franciacorta is producing stellar examples and in the UK, there is noteworthy local talent too.

Champagne: setting the benchmark

A careful observer will notice similarities in the two Best in Show winners from Champagne.

Both De Saint-Gall, Orpale Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru and Charles Collin, Cuvée Charles Blanc be Blancs are pure Chardonnays, and both were from the 2012 vintage.

Should that come as a surprise? On the first point, Charles Curtis MW, Regional Chair for Champagne, says, 'De Saint-Gall is based in Avize [in the Côte des Blancs], so it’s no surprise they make good Chardonnay. Charles Collin is interesting since they are in the Côte des Bar, which is Pinot Noir country. However, the soils are largely Kimmeridgian; I have always suspected that there was a lot of potential to the Chardonnays from that part of France, particularly in a not-too-hot vintage such as 2012.'

On the second point, the 2012 vintage in Champagne was what many would call ‘challenging’, with a cold wet spring, April frosts and the odd unexpected hailstorm providing plot twists – although Nature eventually smiled on the region at harvest time. 'From the worst to the best' is how Charles Curtis has described it.

Seek out and savour Champagnes from the 2012 vintage while they last.

English sparkling strikes again

Following last year’s Best in Show from Sussex (Sugrue South Downs The Trouble With Dreams 2009), a wine from Kent waved the Union Jack this year: Balfour, Blanc De Blancs 2018.

Head winemaker and director of wine is Fergus Elias, who may just have winemaking in his blood – his father Owen was head winemaker at Chapel Down until 2010 and is considered one of the founding fathers of contemporary English wine. ‘I am extremely fortunate to be one of relatively few second-generation winemakers in the country’, Fergus says.

'I spent much of my youth working in vineyards, wineries and cellar doors, first at Chapel Down and then, after 2010, in various roles across vineyards and wineries in the South East. That said, it was never my plan to become a winemaker. I wanted to join the RAF as a pilot.' A torn ligament playing rugby put paid to his RAF aspirations, but he initially had no plans to follow in his father’s footsteps: 'My early view of winery work was mostly disgorging, labelling and cleaning drains.'

That changed soon after joining Balfour in 2014. 'Within a few weeks I knew I had found both my career and the place where I wanted to build it.' An MSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College followed, and by 2019 he was head winemaker.

The Blanc des Blancs is made only in the best years, and so far just three vintages have been released: 2010, 2014 and 2018. It is made from 'the very best Chardonnay fruit and only in vintages where we think the wine genuinely deserves to stand on its own.

Balfour 2018 was bottled en magnum and is a brut nature – but, Fergus says, 'I do not think zero dosage or extra brut is automatically a badge of honour unless that is genuinely where the wine works best.'

He describes the Balfour style as 'fruit-driven, clean and pure', adding, 'One thing we are very keen to avoid at Balfour is simply aping Champagne. We are our own category and we should make wines in our own style'.

A first for Franciacorta

For those after a contemporary success story, look no further than Franciacorta from Lombardy. A relatively new star in the sparkling-wine firmament, its official consorzio was founded in 1990. In 1995, a separate DOCG for sparkling wines was created, making Franciacorta Italy’s first DOCG dedicated solely to metodo classico styles.

Franciacorta has claimed seven Platinum DWWA awards in past years, and 2026 marked its first Best in Show with the impressive Freccianera, Satèn Brut 2022.

The Freccianera range is from the family estate of Fratelli Berlucchi – pioneers of this region and style since the early 1960s, and no strangers to DWWA awards in past years. The zesty, textured palate of this 100 per cent Chardonnay is good enough reason to pop the cork; then there’s the texture, which, as the name ‘satèn’ suggests, has a satin-like mouthfeel, achieved through a lower-than-usual pressure of five bars. This slightly softer style makes satèn styles particularly suited to drinking with food (as opposed to having it as an aperitif), recommends Charles Curtis MW.

The majority of Franciacorta is drunk in Italy – just over 12 per cent is exported – although more bottles are finding their way to other European countries and to the UK. Tasting this wine blind, judges noted its wide appeal. For stylish, top-pedigree sparkling wines, Franciacorta is a name to look out for.

Find all winners at awards.decanter.com

DWWA 2026: Best in Show sparkling winners

Balfour, Blanc De Blancs, Kent, England, United Kingdom 2018 (magnum)

Best in Show, 97 points
For the second year in a row, the sparkling wine which most impressed our GB and Ireland panel was one bottled in magnum. In contrast to last year’s Sussex blend, though, the 2026 laureate was a Blanc de Blancs wine from Kent. It was a much younger wine, too – a 2018 rather than a 2009. A youthful style, then, with a seethe of fine-beaded bubbles and incision to the fore in its sensual profile? Absolutely. But remember what a generous summer the UK enjoyed in 2018. The aromas of this pale sparkler sing: poised lemon cream, sourdough and cut stone tease and linger in the glass. While the palate is bracing, mouth-watering and impactful, that splendid season is evident in its length and resonance. The extra-dry style throws the spotlight on the wine's fruit qualities (orchard fruits as well as lemony citrus) and the quality of its acidity (dominant, taut yet unquestionably ripe – as you can see in the wine's latent aromatics). This is an English wine magnum with a long future ahead if well stored. Alcohol 12%

Charles Collin, Cuvée Charles Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France 2012

Best in Show, 97 points
Three Champagnes featured in our Best In Show selection last year, one of which was a Blanc de Blancs. This year we have only two – but both are Blanc de Blancs. That in turn means that all four of our sparkling wines in this year's pantheon are Blanc de Blancs – a testament to the enduring appeal of this fine-boned style. (Lovers of blends, don't despair: you'll find much to enjoy in our Platinum selection. PLEASE CHECK.) Both of this year's Best In Show Champagnes, too, are based on the 2012 vintage, and for a little more on that challenge-to-triumph vintage, see the note for this wine's fellow Champagne laureate. Meanwhile, what's in the glass here? A Champagne that combines controlled generosity with remarkable refinement. It's gratifyingly aromatic: peach, quince, brioche, dried lemon and root botanicals all appeared in our judges' notes. On the palate, it's vibrant and multi-faceted, elegant and refreshing. There's a breadth and carriage to the wine which you won't always find in the Blanc de Blanc style, but it's nimble on its feet and stylistically restrained: an alluring and hugely enjoyable combination. Alc 12%

De Saint-Gall, Orpale Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru, Champagne, France 2012

Best in Show, 97 points
The second of this year's Best In Show Champagne laureates is, like the first, a 2012 wine, so it's worth spending a little time considering this vintage. If you'd arrived in Champagne in late July, it was a glum scene: a cold, wet spring had seen yields slashed by April frosts, wild-card hailstorms and chaotic flowering. June and July remained grumpy; disease pressure was intense. A magnificent August then stepped in to save the day, while September was sunny, bright and airy. Nothing could remedy the low yields, but these late-season conditions meant the fruit ripened fully, over the length of a sustained season (time on the vine is critical for Champagne). All of this plays out in this splendid Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. Pale yellow in colour, with a fine-beaded mousse, the aromas are complex and plant-infused as well as richly fruited, with hints of mocha and toasted brioche. On the palate, the wine has authentic Grand Cru concentration and length with the balance and resonance that comes from perfect ripeness; there’s a hint of fruit-salt and stone on the finish. Enjoy 2012 while you can. Alc 12.5%

Freccianera, Satèn Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy 2022

Best in Show, 97 points
One of modern Italy's most impressive success stories is the Franciacorta wines of Lombardy, produced (since 1961) by fastidiously following traditional-method principles from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes grown on gravels and glacial-moraine soils. Wines from Franciacorta have achieved seven Platinum medals in the past in our competition; this year's Best In Show appearance perhaps marks a new high point for these always-impressive wines. It's a Blanc de Blancs, pure-Chardonnay example from the fine, warm 2022 vintage. Silver-green in colour, the aromas are pristine, harmonious and gratifying with tenderly ripe orchard fruit and unobtrusive, subtle light-cream freshness. On the palate, the wine is poised, open-pored, tinglingly zesty yet at the same time impressively textured. The apples and quince apparent on the nose haunt the affable, glowing acidity, and there’s a washed-stone freshness to the finish. Wholly successful and with wide appeal, this makes a great introduction to (and benchmark for) the Franciacorta style. Alc 12.5%

Welcome to Decanter magazine's July 2026 issue

Choose Chiroubles

Leader by Amy Wislocki, Decanter magazine editor

I haven’t yet made it to Beaujolais, though I remember a colleague telling me years ago how surprised she was by the beauty of the landscapes.

I have been captivated by the beauty of its wines though, and had great fun tasting through a lineup of them at the launch party for Natasha Hughes’ book on the region (see contents list below).

Coincidentally, my favourite wine at that party happens to be the top-scoring wine in Natasha’s recommendations at the end of her compelling read on Chiroubles. And at a little above £20 a bottle retail, it is a bargain at the price.

Natasha tells the story beautifully of a Beaujolais cru whose wines are delicious, but which is struggling to remain financially viable due to the cost and toil involved in working its vertiginous slopes, the harsh weather that periodically destroys large portions of the crop, and the fact that it’s easier to sell other, better-known Beaujolais crus, such as Fleurie.

I hope that after reading Natasha’s piece, you might be inspired to seek out some Chiroubles and help spread the word!

In my glass this month

I was impressed by the Robert Mondavi, Reserve Fumé Blanc 2023 (£80 Enotria, from September), which contains a dash of Semillon, and uses fruit from the famous To Kalon vineyard.

In tastings held simultaneously in 12 cities around the world – to mark the opening of Mondavi’s new winery – attendees voted the Fumé Blanc ‘Wine of the Day’, with the 60th Anniversary release Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 runner-up.

Inside Decanter magazine's July 2026 issue

In focus

• 20 wines for summer Five tips for summer drinking from Natalie Earl, and Decanter team picks to stock up on
• South American blends Get to know the new and exciting blends coming out of the region with Ines Salpico
• Vintage report: Barolo 2022 Michaela Morris reports on a tricky vintage in Piedmont
• The lure of Italy Lisa Cardelli meets five winemakers who left Australia and New Zealand for a life in Italy
• Chiroubles This top Beaujolais cru is struggling despite the high quality of its wines, says Natasha Hughes MW
• Material benefit Winemakers are increasingly turning to inert vessels such as glass. Joel Hart explores the attraction, and the impact on the wines
• Forgotten France: Côtes du Forez Chris Howard on a little-known corner of the Loire where Gamay rules
• My other passion: Freediving Haysley MacDonald of te Pā Wines takes Marianna Hunt seafood hunting

Spirits

• Distilled Spirits news & cocktails
• Strong minded Carissa Chesanek samples higher-proof tequila blancos

Food & travel

• What to pair with picky bits Neil Ridley preps you for picnic season
• Travel: Western Slovenia wine tour on two wheels Chris Boiling hits the saddle (of an e-bike – it’s hilly!)

Learning

• Books etc Sophie Thorpe recommends Thirst by John Robins
• Wine wisdom Expert advice to help you on your ongoing wine journey

Buying guide

• Introduction
• Editors’ picks Decanter staff share highlights from their recent tastings
• Panel tasting: North Italian Pinot Grigio Pinot Grigios with character, especially the ramato styles: 61 wines tasted, 3 rated Outstanding
• Panel tasting: Vintage Cap Classique South African traditional-method fizz with class, and often great value: 51 wines tasted, 2 rated Outstanding
• Expert’s choice: New Zealand aromatic whites Emma Jenkins MW picks out a varied selection of 18 great buys: Pinot Gris, Riesling and beyond
• Weekday wines Decanter’s tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink now and priced at £30 or less
• Weekend wines Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress
• DWWA 2026 Success for English wine at DWWA 2026 reflects the upward trajectory of the category

Collecting & investing

• Marketwatch Auction news and new releases
• Bordeaux 2025 en primeur Market reaction

Regulars

• Writing this month Meet four of the authors who contributed to this issue
• News The latest from the wine world
• The brief Ideas and inspiration
• Andrew Jefford’s column
• Katherine Cole’s column
• Guest column Ned Goodwin MW on tasting the last remaining bottle of Romanée-Conti 1899 (lucky guy...)
• The ethical drinker Natalie Earl on how a former British Gas MD helped set up an off-grid winery in Spain
• Decanter Wine Photography Competition 2026 Enter your best wine pics to win some amazing prizes
• Subscribe to Decanter
• On the rack: Sam Neill Lucy Shaw interviews the New Zealand-based Hollywood actor turned winemaker

Rioja Guide 2026

Welcome to Rioja

Leader by Ines Salpico, regional editor for Spain

Here we are again, one year on! Forget about Botox, Ozempic, vitamin B, retinol or hyaluronic acid – if you need an infusion of life-affirming, rejuvenating optimism and grit, book yourself a trip to Rioja.

I wouldn’t blame you if you asked what the point is of tasting 500 or more wines every year – without even knowing what they are. Well, less than the duty of reporting on a year’s worth of new releases, the colossal exercise allows us to reset our focus and energy levels.

We might get tired but we never get bored; tasting for our Rioja report is always fun, interesting and eye-opening.

Every year our sense of wonder is renewed. Wow, these folks are making great wines, working hard, questioning their own assumptions.

The sense of wonder is amplified and coloured by the equally interesting and passionate people we meet. Like 93-year-old Eladio (pictured above), whose joy and mischievous charm certainly made me feel old!

The world is a complex place to be alive in at the moment. But life can be so simple. It just takes passion, companionship and work ethics – characteristics that seem notoriously to be lacking among our current political classes, but can be found in abundance in the people behind each of the wines we tasted for this year’s Rioja report – from producers to winery staff and field workers.

Spending time with them is both a privilege and an inspiration. I invite you to explore our report and the various other features in this guide with this in mind.

In the end, land and people are all that matter. And all that we really have. Salud!

PS: A huge shout-out to photographer Abel Valdenebro, who spent an intense week accompanying me and my co-taster Beth Willard (see p12) on very different, but equally demanding assignments. His sense of humour and endurance might just have surpassed ours. Meanwhile, his talent and sharp eye are on full display on this guide’s pages.

See what's inside our Rioja guide 2026

• Welcome Decanter’s Spain Editor Ines Salpico on the joy that is Rioja
• A talented team A spotlight on four of this year’s contributors
• Four seasons in Rioja There are activities on offer here year round, says Noah Chichester – whether it’s skiing the slopes or spraying red wine around
• Latest release tasting report More than 540 wines were tasted by Ines Salpico and Beth Willard for this year’s report. Read their expert analysis and recommendations across all styles
• On top form Ines picks five standout performers from this year’s tastings
• Busy bees: A day in the life of a bodeguero Ines Salpico tries to keep up with two of the region’s leading winery general managers
• Sweet memories Noah Chichester meets Miguel Martínez, who revived an almost forgotten sweet style of Rioja
• The changing face of classic Rioja Beth Willard shows that the region’s historic names aren’t stuck in the past
• Seven days of Rioja, matched with dishes by José Pizarro The top chef suggests food matches for a week’s worth of affordable Rioja wines
• Stepping up Amaya Cervera on VIR, an exciting collective of small estates, and the groups that inspired them
• Where to stay in Rioja Fintan Kerr has options for every type of traveller

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Dana Nigro is an experienced wine journalist based in New Jersey, with extensive knowledge of, and contacts in, the North American wine industry.

She will work closely with Decanter's network of correspondents and contributors to deliver authoritative reporting, expert analysis and trusted wine recommendations for Decanter's global audience.

'I am thrilled to be joining Decanter, a brand I have long admired for its rich legacy, trusted expertise and commitment to providing consumers with reliable, timely wine education and buying advice,' said Nigro.

'I look forward to working with Decanter's talented team of editors and correspondents to build on its strong presence across North America, showcasing the diversity of the wine scenes in the US, Canada and Mexico, while bringing the latest developments in the region to Decanter's global audience and introducing even more North American readers to the brand's award-winning content, events and experiences.'

Jonny Sullens, Managing Director of Decanter, added: 'Dana understands both the traditions that make wine journalism valuable and the evolving ways audiences discover and engage with content today.

'North America remains one of the most dynamic and influential wine regions in the world, and Dana's extensive network, reporting experience, and passion for the subject make her exceptionally well positioned to lead Decanter's coverage.'

Jonathan Cristaldi, who served in an ambassadorial role as Acting North America Regional Editor from April until Nigro’s appointment, remains as Decanter’s Napa Valley correspondent, a position he has held since 2021.

Riesling, sustainability… and scuba diving

Nigro spent more than 25 years with Wine Spectator in New York City, where she started as news editor, then became a senior editor for the magazine and the digital managing editor – responsible for the website, social media and apps.

She fell in love with wine while studying magazine journalism in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, where she took advantage of the excellent wine program at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

As a result, one of her passions is Riesling. Another is sustainability in wine – from the vineyard soil to the winery buildings to the bottles (and boxes).

While reporting on US wine, Nigro reported on major developments, such as the battle to legalize direct shipping up through the US Supreme Court decision in Granholm v Heald, the rise of women in California’s wine industry, and the evolution of West Coast winegrowing from its early sustainability certifications to its movement toward regenerative farming.

Before her wine career, she worked at a fine-dining restaurant, served as a reporter covering local news and the international travel industry, and taught scuba diving.

Nigro can be contacted at teamusa@decanter.com

For decades, Languedoc-Roussillon has been France's viticultural engine room. Stretching from Provence to the Pyrenees, this sultry southern sweep of vineyards produces around a third of the country's wine, much of it historically destined for volume rather than distinction. That reputation has been slow to shift, but the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) results suggest it is now shifting – and fast.

France led the medal charts once again at the world's largest wine competition and its prestige regions delivered as expected, with Burgundy alone claiming five Best in Show wines from Premier and Grand Cru sites. But one of the most compelling French stories of the year came from much further south, where Languedoc-Roussillon recorded its best-ever Gold tally, 31 in all, alongside two Best in Show wines and three Platinums.

The signature of Pic Saint-Loup

Stand in a vineyard below Pic Saint-Loup, the jagged tooth of limestone that gives this corner of the Languedoc its name and take a moment to crush a sprig of wild thyme between your fingers. That scent, the resinous tangle of thyme, rosemary and sun-baked stone the French call garrigue, hangs in the air, settles in the soil and the region's winemakers will tell you, finds its way into the wine itself.

One of the Languedoc's top-scoring red wines is Bergerie du Capucin's Dame Jeanne, a Syrah-led 2023 from this very appellation, the cool, high ground tucked against the foothills of the Cévennes.

For owner Guilhem Viau, the secret is the weather. 'Our northern location, at the foothills of the Cévennes, creates a unique microclimate,' he says, one of cold winters, wide swings between day and night, and far more rain than the parched coast. The result, he explains, is closer to the Northern Rhône than to the Mediterranean: 'fine, elegant tannins and a touch of natural acidity', with the peppery, violet-scented lift that marks the appellation out. The judges agreed, calling it a 'supremely classy wine' of 'resolutely pure and unadulterated fruit'.

Pic Saint-Loup underlined its growing reputation with a Platinum for Château Lancyre's Grande Cuvée 2022. Here it is the surrounding scrubland that leaves its fingerprint, says the estate's owner Régis Valentin, lending the wine 'those characteristic notes of garrigue, thyme, rosemary, menthol, that are the signature of Pic Saint-Loup'.

Beyond a single appellation

What gives the region's year real weight is that the quality extends well beyond Pic Saint-Loup. The second Best in Show went to Les Coins Perdus Du Midi's playfully named Bong Ving Putaing Cong, a Grenache-Carignan-Syrah blend from Maury Sec, the young dry-red appellation created in 2011 on the dramatic Agly Valley sites long associated with Maury's dark, sweet fortified wines. It was a first for the appellation at this level and, at 15.5%, hardly a shy wine, but the judges found more than power, praising its 'great complexity and sense of place' and calling it 'a stunning debut for Maury Sec at the highest levels of our competition'.

Inland, Terrasses du Larzac, one of the Languedoc's most closely watched young appellations, took a Platinum for Mas de la Séranne's Antonin et Louis 2023. For winemaker Amandine Venture, the high, cool plateau does the work:

The third Platinum came from the broad IGP Pays d'Oc, for Domaine de Castelnau's L'Etendoir des Fées 2023, a pure Syrah the judges praised for its 'sensational tapenade, black pepper and herb aromas' and 'amazing typicity'. Between them, the three wines map the region's range, from a named cru against the Cévennes to a rising plateau appellation to a humble regional IGP, all reaching the same rarefied tier.

A dynamic region

For all its reputation as red-blend country, the region's 2026 results tell a broader story.

Down in the Roussillon, the southern half of the region, William Jonquères d'Oriola took a Top Value Gold for his Villa d'Oriola Chardonnay 2025, a white from a family that has made wine at the Château de Corneilla, by his account, 'from father to son since 1485', some 27 generations. He sees a region remaking itself. 'Today the Roussillon is becoming a very dynamic region for whites,' he says. 'For a long time, we were known for fortified wines and reds.' The key, he believes, is the sea: hot days tempered by a cooling Mediterranean wind that 'brings freshness and a beautiful balance'.

That appetite for the new runs right through the region's results. Among the Gold medallists were a steely Roussanne-Marsanne blend from Minervois and a bright, thyme-flecked Vermentino, proof that the south's whites are catching up fast with its reds. Add the region's leading showing in France's orange-wine medals and unexpected successes with Spanish grapes, including an Albariño and even a sparkling Verdejo, and you have the sound of a region with nothing left to prove on volume, and everything to gain by exploring.

Crush that sprig of thyme again. The garrigue has been here all along. What has changed is the wine being made among it, and a region once measured by the litre is now, finally, being measured by the glass.

DWWA 2026: Top-scoring Languedoc-Roussillon wines

Bergerie du Capucin, Dame Jeanne, Pic Saint-Loup 2023
Best in Show, 97 points
This is the third time Pic St Loup has featured in our Best In Show selection out of a total of six Languedoc appearances, underscoring the potential of the pure limestones and ever-changing orientations of this eastern Languedoc zone. 'The Pic' is also a little cooler and a little moister than other Languedoc appellations, meaning that it is one of the spots in this vast region where Syrah still feels comfortable and at ease. All of this was evident to our judges as they tasted this 'supremely classy wine' with its 70% Syrah component, entirely aged (for an unhurried two years) in concrete. Everyone fell in love with its herbal, floral nose, and applauded the fact that there was no oak to get in the way; the 'resolutely pure and unadulterated fruit' on the palate brought great pleasure too, 'totally open and pure-hearted', and the 'silky but persistent tannins' were much admired. It's not a wine you need to wait for, and anyone who might doubt the refreshment potential of a great Languedoc red should take a look at this Pic performance. Alcohol 14%

Les Coins Perdus Du Midi, Bong Ving Putaing Cong Grenache-Carignan-Syrah, Maury Sec 2025
Best in Show, 97 points
The Maury Sec appellation came into being in 2011, covering the same magnificent Agly Valley sites that have long been used for the dark, sweet and chocolate-friendly fortified wines of the Maury appellation alone. The potential here to make dense and almost shockingly rich dry red wines lent profundity by their mineral charge is enormous, and this is the first wine of this sort that we've seen emerge into the bright sunlight of our Best In Show selection. Our judging panel was hugely impressed: 'Authentic, traditional terroir-styled wine with great complexity and sense of place' summarised one. Like our Croatian Plavac Mali, at 15.5% it's not a wine for the faint-hearted and would be best served in the depths of winter, when you need reminding of summer's solar force. It's dark purple-red in colour, sending a billow of beautiful blackberry fruit up from the glass. The weight in the mouth is splendid, and the wine perfectly illustrates the way in which great tannins can be both flavoury as well as textured. Those blackberry fruits are everywhere, given lift by sappy acidity and without any oak noise to spoil the party; such oak as the wine has had is simply there to tame youthful exuberance, and the longer you spend with the fruit the more you realise that it is packed with herbal and stone complexities, too. A stunning debut for Maury Sec at the highest levels of our competition. Alc 15.5%

Domaine de Castelnau, L'Etendoir des Fées, IGP Pays d'Oc 2023
Platinum, 97 points
Sensational tapenade, black pepper and herb aromas lead the charge, colliding diligently with the blackberry juice intensity that flows liberally through to the finish line. Such amazing typicity, the sort of wine to dive right into. Alc 14.5%

Château Lancyre, Grande Cuvée, Pic Saint-Loup 2022
Platinum, 97 points
Lashings of black forest fruit and aromatic Mediterranean herbs brim under the nose, empowered by a robust structure, complete with pencil-shaving tannins and vibrant acidity. Very long with savoury persistence, carrying a calming persona in tow. Alc 14%

Mas de la Seranne, Antonin et Louis, Terrasses du Larzac 2023
Platinum, 97 points
An enticing tapestry of blackberry, plum, thyme and lavender is sewn effortlessly into the flattering oak structure, sustained by plush texture, velvet tannins and melting acidity. Elegant and composed with a phenomenal garrigue-scented finish. Fabulous. Alc 14.5%

Château Estanilles, Clos du Fou, Faugères 2023
Gold, 96 points
Darkly demure, exhibiting black cherries, violets and wild herbs that gather over the glossy texture and swirl through the pristine acidity. Sweet liquorice varnishes the length. Alc 14.5%

Maison Castel, Séries Limitées chap.vii L'équilibriste, Terrasses du Larzac 2022
Gold, 95 points
Evocative terroir-driven notes of thyme, garrigue, bay leaf and black cherry funnel through the lively mineral vein, clothing the silky tannins and pure acidity. Remarkable. Alc 14.5%

Mas Nicolas, Coingtessence, Faugères 2023
Gold, 95 points
Vivid blueberries, blackcurrants and wild herbs define the nose, whilst woody spice and cured meats furnish the palate. Silky and structured with a delicious length. Alc 14.5%

Domaine de L'Ostal, Grand Vin Blanc, Minervois 2023
Gold, 95 points
Fetching aromas of hazelnut, baked almond and honeyed pear with a soupçon of white flower ardour. Steely and sapid with a savoury Marmite tang to end. Alc 13.5%

Château La Villatade, V, Minervois 2025
Gold, 95 points. Vibrations of fruit salad: peach, nectarine, pear and pineapple with flickers of dried thyme and yellow flowers. Perky and bright with a long, cooling finish. Alc 12.5%

Discover all winners at awards.decanter.com

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Drive through the Kent countryside today and, between the apple and pear orchards, you'll catch sight of something that would have raised eyebrows not so long ago: long rows of vines, combed neatly across the chalk soils. This was cereal and hop country once. Now the region grows some of the most talked-about wines in the world.

The change has been astonishingly quick. In 2005, the UK had fewer than 800 hectares of vines. By 2024, it had more than 4,800 - a rise of over 500% in under two decades. Warmer, longer summers explain part of it. Average temperatures across the main wine regions have risen by roughly 1°C in recent decades, helping grapes ripen where they once struggled.

But the climate is only half the story. Investment has flowed into land and wineries, cellar doors have become weekend destinations, and a new generation of growers has decided England is worth the gamble.

That bet is paying off. At the 23rd edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the world's largest wine competition, the UK's 2026 results show that a new era has dawned for local winemakers.

While bubbles still lead the way, still wines, new counties and even Welsh vineyards are stepping up onto the podium.

Bubbles still set the pace

For the second year running, the UK's sole Best in Show, the rarest accolade the competition awards, went to a sparkling wine in magnum: Balfour's Blanc de Blancs, Kent 2018, a pure Chardonnay that spent years on its lees before release.

For Balfour's Fergus Elias, the secret is the big bottle itself. A magnum ages more slowly, he explains, which 'helps preserve freshness while allowing the wine to build texture, depth and complexity over time'. The reward is a wine that keeps 'the purity and drive of the fruit, but with more breadth, softness and savoury character'. He puts it more plainly, too: 'I bloody love magnums!’

Still wine stirring

Still wine is stirring too. Tidebrook's Staddle Stone Chardonnay, Sussex 2023, became the first English still Chardonnay ever to achieve a Platinum, scoring a remarkable 97 points.

Behind it is an unusual story. Winemaker Christy Jordan's family spent almost four decades running Jordan Wine Estate in South Africa before turning their attention to Sussex.

Reds are joining the conversation, too. A still Pinot Noir from Higham Vineyard earned Suffolk its first red medal DWWA 2026, a small but telling sign that English ambitions now stretch well beyond fizz.

The map is still being drawn

One of the most exciting headlines from this year’s awards is that England's wine country is spilling well past the traditional areas of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.

Berkshire, a historic county situated west of London, landed its first-ever Platinum for Winding Wood's Rosé Brut 2022. 'What an accolade for West Berkshire,' says owner Christopher Cooke, who farms a boutique plot where, by his own account, he is 'on first-name terms with my vines'. His point is simple, and increasingly true across the country: 'Small can be beautiful.'

Oxfordshire broke new ground as well, claiming its first Gold for Hundred Hills' Hillside No. 3 2019, another magnum. Winemaker Stephen Duckett credits the land itself, those 'thin, nutrient-deficient chalk soils and cool, dry, maritime microclimate', worked by hand with near-obsessive care. Elsewhere, counties from Rutland to Shropshire appeared on the medal roster for the very first time.

Then there is Wales. Burgeoning and built on a handful of passionate micro-producers, but definitely making its mark. White Castle Vineyard in Monmouthshire took a Silver for its Pinot Noir Précoce 2023. 'Wales, so often overlooked, is emerging as a gem in the UK wine industry,' says owner Robb Merchant MBE, 'proving that something truly special can flourish in areas thought to be challenging.'

Sparkling may have built the UK wine reputation. Now, still wine is broadening it. And from the chalk of Berkshire to the hills of Monmouthshire, the message is the same: do not underestimate what can grow here.

DWWA 2026: Top-scoring UK wines

Balfour, Blanc de Blancs, Kent, England 2018 (in magnum)
Best in Show, 97 points
For the second year in a row, the sparkling wine which most impressed our GB and Ireland panel was one bottled in magnum. In contrast to last year’s Sussex blend, though, the 2026 laureate was a Blanc de Blancs wine from Kent. It was a much younger wine, too – a 2018 rather than a 2009. A youthful style, then, with a seethe of fine-beaded bubbles and incision to the fore in its sensual profile? Absolutely. But remember what a generous summer the UK enjoyed in 2018. The aromas of this pale sparkler sing: poised lemon cream, sourdough and cut stone tease and linger in the glass. While the palate is bracing, mouth-watering and impactful, that splendid season is evident in its length and resonance. The extra-dry style throws the spotlight on the wine’s fruit qualities (orchard fruits as well as lemony citrus) and the quality of its acidity (dominant, taut yet unquestionably ripe -- as you can see in the wine’s latent aromatics). This is an English wine magnum with a long future ahead if well stored. Alcohol 12%

Tidebrook, Staddle Stone Chardonnay, Sussex, England 2023
Platinum, 97 points
An exquisite synchronicity of lush lemon curd and succulent stone fruit underscored by the cool climate tension of chalky minerals. Racy acidity ripples through the sheen of creamy oak complexity and garnishes the long finish. Alc 12.5%

Winding Wood, Rosé Brut, Berkshire, England 2022
Platinum,97 points
Ethereal rose garden and subtle strawberry and red apple aromatics weave into the plush toasted brioche core. Beautifully fresh with a gentle yet persuasive mousse and a long, allusive finish. An allegory of national intent. Alc 12%

Chapel Down, Kit's Coty Coeur de Cuvée Extra Brut, Kent, England 2016
Gold, 96 points
Deliciously evolving aromas of ripe apple, quince, caramel and bread fill out the plump structure and settled mousse, quenched by the tapering lemon tonic acidity. Alc 12%

Hundred Hills, Hillside No. 3, Oxfordshire, England 2019 (in magnum)
Gold, 96 points
Sizzling with energy; comprising vivid citrus, biscuit and chalky mineral elegance that harmonises with the ample texture and plush creamy mousse. Very complete and long. Alc 12%

Wiston, Blanc de Blancs Brut, West Sussex, England 2018
Gold, 96 points
Ebullient tropical fruit and floral aromas thrive over the frothy, mouth-filling bubbles with a subtle acidity finely tuning. Savoury, creamy notes gather at the end. Alc 12%

Bluestone, Premier Reserve Brut, England 2018
Gold, 95 points
Smouldering smoky matchstick characters pair admirably with a fine veneer of lemon tart, brioche and apricot jam. A plush opulence cushions the pervading acidity. Exceptional. Alc 12%

Coolhurst Vineyards, Lady Elizabeth, Sussex, England 2018
Gold, 95 points
An attractive composure of fresh strawberries, raspberries, cherries and red apples allied with sumptuous brioche and savoury saline charm. Weighty and structured with supple mousse. Alc 12%

Gusbourne, Boot Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Kent, England 2022
Gold, 95 points
Assonant aromas of baked apple, pear and creamy oak sit regally over the luxuriant structure and ease gently towards the deceptively long finish. Perfectly expressed Chardonnay. Alc 13%

Hambledon, Blanc de Blancs Brut, Hampshire, England NV
Gold, 95 points
A paradigm of English character: floral, green cow-parsley and vanilla cream aromas fold into the exuberant lemon-pith mousse and racy acidity. Very long and compelling. Alc 12%

Discover all winners at awards.decanter.com

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Spanish photographer Juan Miguel Ortuño Martinez scooped the 2026 Louis Jadot Wine Photographer prize for his image, In the Depths of Deposit, which shows a winery worker removing wine residue from an underground tank.

Putting the winning photo in context, Martinez explained, ‘During the cleaning of the underground tanks, Pedro (pictured) goes down and cleans the walls and floor of the remains of the previous wine with pressurised water.

‘Once clean, his partner lowers a small bucket with a sponge inside to collect the remains that are left in the lower corner.’

It was the overall winner in the competition, which is part of the World Food Photography Awards (sponsored by Bimi), but two other images also won their respective sub-categories.

Scroll down to find out about Decanter's new photography competition for wine lovers

Australian photographer Chris Elfes won the ‘Places’ sub-category of this year’s Louis Jadot photographer prize.

His image shows a ‘hidden vineyard’ and was taken as harvest teams picked Semillon grapes at historic producer Mount Pleasant Wines, based in Hunter Valley, in the Australian state of New South Wales.

British photographer Luke Carver won the ‘produce’ sub-category this year.

Carver's ‘monochromatic, point-of-view shot’ looks up from inside a traditional kvevri vessel during the 2025 grape harvest in Georgia.

Decanter art editor Patrick Grabham was on the judging panel for the Louis Jadot Wine Photographer of the Year 2026 awards, alongside Louis Jadot MD Thibault Gagey and others.

Upmarket food retailer Fortnum & Mason said it was displaying a selection of images at its flagship Piccadilly shop.

All 2026 finalists can also be viewed online via the World Food Photography Awards website.

Decanter launches photography competition for wine lovers

Wine lovers can also take part in Decanter’s own wine photography competition, which debuted this year. Anyone can take part and the competition is open for entries.

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Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 Platinum medals revealed

Twenty-four countries featured among 196 mouthwatering Platinum medals at Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026, showed full results announced this week.

They represent just 1.18% of all wines tasted, but the proportion of Platinum winners has never been higher – reflecting extraordinary quality at DWWA’s 23rd edition.

As the world’s biggest wine competition with a finely-tuned, rigorous judging process underpinned by leading experts, consumers and producers can take huge confidence in DWWA results.

To reach Platinum, all Gold medal winners must be retasted and discussed by senior experts, including DWWA Co-Chairs and Regional Chairs, during an intense second stage of judging.

High quality in 2026 is matched by a golden age of diversity. This year’s Platinum roster runs from benchmark Bordeaux and Oregon Pinot Noir to Ligurian rosé and Chilean País.

Scroll down to see the full list of Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 Platinum medal winners

Topping the leaderboard: The big four

France

France topped the leaderboard with 42 Platinums, nine more than last year, ahead of Italy with 29, Spain with 27 and Australia with 19.

Bordeaux’s 2022 and 2023 vintages featured strongly, as did white Burgundy and Syrah stronghold Côte-Rôtie. Yet, Languedoc scooped three Platinums, including for a Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre blend in rising-star appellation Pic-St-Loup.

Corsica matched its debut in this tier last year and there was a first Platinum for Savoie in eastern France, via a 100% Altesse white wine. ‘A truly exceptional embodiment of the region,’ said DWWA judges.

Loire Valley enjoyed a standout year, including the only ‘Value Platinum’ at DWWA 2026 (under £15-a-bottle) for Anjou Chenin Blanc: Domaine de la Clartière, Terres de Paillé 2024.

Provence showed it isn't just about rosé, winning four Platinums across reds and whites.

Italy

Italy’s 29 Platinums did feature pink wine, in the shape of Lunae, Mea Rosa 2025 from Liguria with 50% Vermentino Nero and 25% each of Ciliegiolo and Merlot.

Several Platinum-winning, signature Italian reds were from the celebrated 2021 vintage, such as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione and UK supermarket Marks & Spencer’s Collection Peironte Barolo.

Northern Italian white wines shone particularly brightly. Eleven Platinums went to either Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (9) or Friuli-Venezia Giulia (2).

Cantina Terlano won several in the former. ‘An inviting almond chiselled palate, furnished with a spritzy lemon zest acidity and a saline bite,’ said judges of the producer’s Vorberg Pinot Bianco, Alto Adige Riserva 2023.

Spain

Spain’s glittering array of top medals at DWWA 2026 included 27 Platinums.

Deliciously well-crafted red Rioja and Ribera del Duero featured alongside ‘gorgeous’, Mencia-fuelled Bierzo and ‘elegant’ Cariñena-Garnacha from Priorat.

Two cellar-worthy reds represented a Platinum debut for Castilla-La-Mancha, including a 100% Petit Verdot with ‘bracing acidity’ and ‘smoky bacon savoury notes’.

Meanwhile, scintillating dry whites ranged from Albariño in coastal Rías Baixas to Bodega Diez Siglos’ ‘1985 Verdejo’, described by judges as a ‘unique and exciting style…reminiscent of a rich Fino’.

Australia

Australia is another perennial top performer at DWWA. Its 19 Platinums in 2026 neatly demonstrate the country’s dynamic, modern winemaking scene.

Coonawarra and Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon sat alongside old-vine Shiraz in McLaren Vale, plus cooler-climate Chardonnays from Adelaide Hills and Victoria; the latter region also saw a debut Platinum for Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir via a ‘unique and world class’ Southern Light Vineyards, Ghostgum Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024.

Huon Hooke, joint Regional Chair for Australia at DWWA 2026, said, ‘Australia is often thought of as a hot country but the quality of 'cool climate' varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine continues to defy the clichés.’

Super sparkling: From Champagne to Tasmania

Champagne reminded the field of its prowess, taking nine of 16 Platinum medals awarded to sparkling wines.

Winners ranged from from Drappier, Brut Nature Non-Vintage (100% Pinot Noir) to UK supermarket Marks & Spencer’s Delacourt Blanc de Blancs Brut 2017, and Saint-Réol, Brut, Grand Cru Ambonnay 2008 in magnum (1.5l) – from a lauded vintage.

They were joined by three Aussie sparklers, including a first Platinum for the Orange sub-region of New South Wales and two for Tasmania, where producer House of Arras continued a strong run of form at DWWA.

Sparkling Platinums also went to Prosecco DOCG in Italy, Los Carneros in California, Hungary and England, where Berkshire county debuted in this medal tier thanks to Winding Wood, Rosé Brut 2022.

Summer whites showcase

DWWA 2026 Platinum winners offered untold riches to anyone seeking delicious white wines for summer (or other times of year).

New Zealand enjoyed a great competition with eight Platinums overall, spanning whites and reds. It included a UK supermarket label: Tesco Finest* Black Birch Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2025. Produced by Villa Maria in Awatere Valley, Marlborough, judges noted its aromas of passion fruit and ‘mystifying sea spray minerals’.

Both of Switzerland’s Platinum medals also went to white wines, including a 100% Petite Arvine with ‘bounteous complexity’. They were joined by Austrian Grüner Veltliners, which helped fuel Austria’s eight Platinums in 2026.

Three Snapshot Trends

Pinot power

Pinot Noir dazzled in many locations, from Chile to New Zealand. It powered two out of five Platinums for the US. Northern California's Anderson Valley showed why it is so highly regarded by those in-the-know, and Oregon’s Dundee Hills showed its class.

On the white side, Pinot Blanc iterations enjoyed a good year. ‘Oozing class and panache,’ said judges of Germany’s sole Platinum medal: Pfalz: Kranz, Ilbesheim Kalmit Weisser Burgunder 2024.

Mendoza terroir magic

Argentina’s eight Platinum medals all went to Mendoza, where terroir-driven wines are a key aspect of DWWA 2026.

A single-vineyard Malbec won Best in Show, but the Platinum list has a fascinating trilogy of single-vineyard Cabernet Franc produced by Gran Enemigo. ‘Fabulously concentrated with shapely tannins, razor sharp acidity and a savoury nerve,’ said judges of the Gualtallary, Tupungato bottling.

Tannat Tango

Malbec isn’t the only grape to thrive in southwest France and South America. DWWA 2026 saw Platinums for a Tannat-led, Madiran red alongside Bodega Garzón, Petit Clos Tannat 2023 in Uruguay, with ‘lavish blackcurrant, blueberry and plum notes on the palate’.

Local heroes

DWWA offers a treasure trail of local takes on international grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon drove two Platinums for China in 2026, for instance, including a debut at this level for Yunnan province.

Chardonnay excelled globally, too, but this year’s competition also featured plenty of local hero varieties. Witness judges’ enthusiasm for a ‘beautiful expression of Prokupac’ from Serbia, or Markus, Pepejuh Plavac Mali 2019, which secured one of five Platinums for Croatia.

In Chile, one of the country’s four Platinums celebrated the ongoing revival of historic variety País. Meanwhile, Georgia’s two Platinums included a 100% Aleksandrouli red with ‘jubilant violet, lilac and crunchy forest fruit’.

It’s unfair to reduce South Africa’s impressive eight Platinums to one wine, but there was notable success for Du Toitskloof, Granite Pinotage 2024, from Swartland.

Old-vine Chenin Blanc from Swartland also made the list. In Stellenbosch, meanwhile, Backsberg’s Patriarch Cabernet Franc scooped a second consecutive Platinum, this time for its 2023 vintage.

Sweet treats

How about a 33-year-old Slovenian Welschsriesling to enjoy with dessert this weekend? ‘Extraordinarily pure for its age,’ said judges of Puklavec Family Wines’ ‘Jeruzalem Ormož Spätlese Edition 2 Welschriesling’ 1993.

While Sauternes and Tuscan Vin Santo saw success, DWWA 2026’s 20 Platinum sweet wines featured many names from central, eastern and southeastern Europe.

Five of Hungary’s eight Platinums were sweet, including Tokaji Aszú ‘5’ and ‘6’ Puttonyos styles. Czech Republic saw its first Platinum since 2020 thanks to a 100% Riesling, and Greece scooped a Platinum via producer Biblia Chora in the foothills of Mount Pangeon.

Austrian sweet wines won four Platinums, with two for Kracher winery; including its Nouvelle Vague ‘Nummer 1’ 2022 red made from 100% Zweigelt.

Across the Atlantic, both of Canada’s Platinum medals at DWWA 2026 went to Icewines produced from Vidal grapes, including Pillitteri Estates Winery, Commendatore Reserve Sparkling Vidal Icewine 2024 from Niagara-on-the-Lake. ‘Superbly sweet and honeyed with a delectable crisp acidity and illuminating lemony pétillance,’ said judges.

Fortified favourites

Morris Wines’ Old Premium Rare Muscat reminded the world why Australia’s Rutherglen is so revered, but Spain and Portugal dominated the fortified Platinums. Bodegas Lustau took all three Platinums awarded to Sherry.

Three Port Platinums included Jáfoste’s 80-year-old White Port. ‘Phenomenally smooth and lustrous with a texture and concentration that must be experienced to be believed,’ said judges.

Portugal also saw success for non-fortified wine, such as a Vinha Vehla-led Grande Reserva red blend.

Full DWWA 2026 Platinum list

DWWA 2026 Platinum Winners

Argentina

• A Corazón Abierto, Gran Corte, Mendoza 2020
• Alta-Yarí, Gran Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2024
• Gran Enemigo, Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc, El Cepillo, San Carlos, Mendoza 2022
• Gran Enemigo, Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2022
• Gran Enemigo, Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Los Chacayes, Tunuyán, Mendoza 2022
• La Luz, Gran Callejón Del Crimen Ánfora Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2025
• Luigi Bosca, De Sangre Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2024
• Trapiche, Terroir Series Laborde Cabernet Sauvignon, La Consulta, San Carlos, Mendoza 2024

Australia

• Brokenwood, Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay, Beechworth, Victoria 2024
• Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz, Barossa, South Australia 2022
• Dawson James, Pinot Noir, Tasmania 2024
• E.J. McDougall, Old Vine Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia, 2024
• Hare's Chase, Vigilance Marananga Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2022
• House of Arras, Grand Vintage Extra Brut, Tasmania 2009
• House of Cards, The Royals Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia 2024
• Josef Chromy, Finesse Brut, Tasmania 2019
• Katnook Estate, Prodigy Shiraz, Coonawarra, South Australia 2024
• Monteperle, Vineyard Selection Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2024
• Morris Wines, Old Premium Rare Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria NV
• Oakridge, 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2024
• Peter Lehmann, Masters Wigan Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia 2019
• Printhie, Swift Blanc De Blancs Brut, Orange, New South Wales, Australia 2011
• Sidewood, Mappinga Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2024
• Sidewood, Owen's Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2024
• Southern Light Vineyards, Ghostgum Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria 2024
• Suckfizzle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia 2023
• Wynns, Wynvale Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia 2024

Austria

• Angerhof Tschida, Schilfwein Muskat Ottonel, Burgenland 2022
• Angerhof Tschida, Trockenbeerenauslese Ried Domkapitel Sämling 88 Neusiedlersee, Burgenland 2021
• Birgit Eichinger, Ried Heiligenstein 1ötw Riesling, Kamptal Niederösterreich 2024
• Esterházy, St. Georgen Blaufränkisch, Leithaberg, Burgenland 2023
• Gritsch, Ried Singerriedel Grüner Veltliner, Wachau, Niederösterreich 2024
• Kracher, Nouvelle Vague Nummer 1 Zweigelt, Burgenland 2022
• Kracher, Nummer 2 Trockenbeerenauslese Welschriesling Zwischen den Seen, Burgenland 2022
• Weingut Müller, Ried Gottschelle Grüner Veltliner, Kremstal, Niederösterreich 2024

Canada

• Peller Estates, Icewine Vidal, Ontario - Niagara Peninsula 2024
• Pillitteri Estates Winery, Commendatore Reserve Sparkling Icewine Vidal, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - Niagara Peninsula 2024

Chile

• Baron Philippe De Rothschild, Almaule País, Maule 2025
• Baron Philippe De Rothschild, Escudo Rojo Origine Cabernet Sauvignon Maipó Valley, 2024
• Leyda, Origin Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, San Antonio 2024
• Vik, Stonevik, Cachapoal 2025

China (mainland)

• Helanhong Winery, Helan Hong Jiangnan Reserva Red, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2019
• Shangri-La, Holy Land Cabernet Sauvignon, Deqin, Yunnan 2019

Croatia

• Bastiàn, Marchiori Malvazija Istarska, Hrvatska Istra, Coastal 2023
• Bruno Ferenac, Malvazija, Hrvatska Istra, Coastal 2024
• Iločki Podrumi, Izborna Berba Prosušenih Bobica Traminac, Hrvatsko Podunavlje, Continental 2023
• Markus, Pepejuh Plavac Mali, Srednja i Južna Dalmacija, Coastal 2019
• Zure, Elysion, Lumbarda, Coastal 2016

Czech Republic

• Vinarstvi Volarik, Ryzlink Rýnský, Mikulovská, Moravia 2021

France

• Bastide De La Ciselette, Bandol, Provence 2023
• Brimoncourt, Régence Brut, Champagne NV
• Cattier, Blanc De Blancs Brut Premier Cru, Champagne NV
• Château Arricau-Bordes, Madiran, Southwest France 2021
• Château Braude Fellonneau, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2023
• Château Cavalier, Grand Blanc, Côtes de Provence, Provence 2025
• Château De La Crée, Les Gravières, Santenay 1er Cru, Burgundy 2023
• Chateau De Malleret, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2023
• Château de Rauzan, Augey, Bordeaux 2023
• Château De Rochemorin, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux 2023
• Chateau De Sancerre, Cuvee Du Connétable, Sancerre, Loire 2023
• Château Haut-Bergeron, Sauternes, Bordeaux 2023
• Château Lancyre, Grande Cuvée, Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc-Roussillon 2022
• Delas Frères, Domaine Des Grands Chemins, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2023
• Domain Gaget, Côte Du Py, Morgon, Beaujolais 2024
• Domaine Carrel & Senger, L'Eternel De Marestel Essentia 194, Roussette de Savoie Cru Marestel, Savoie NV
• Domaine De Castelnau, L'Etendoir des Fées, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon 2023
• Domaine De Huillé, Éternel Chenin Blanc, Anjou, Loire 2022
• Domaine De La Clartière, Terres De Paillé, Anjou, Loire 2024
• Domaine De La Font Des Pères, Bandol, Provence 2020
• Domaine De Saint-Ser, Cuvée Prestige, Côtes de Provence, Provence 2023
• Domaine Kirrenbourg, Gewurztraminer, Grand Cru Schlossberg, Alsace 2021
• Domaine Louis Lequin Et Fils, Bâtard-Montrachet, Burgundy 2020
• Domaine Orenga de Gaffory, Alzetana, Patrimonio, Corsica 2023
• Domaine Pinson Frères, Mont De Milieu, Chablis 1er Cru, Burgundy 2024
• Drappier, Brut Nature, Champagne NV
• Jacquart, Blanc De Blancs Brut, Champagne 2018
• Jean-Marc Brocard, Vau de Vey, Chablis 1er Cru, Burgundy 2024
• Jean-Paul Picard, Le Pré-Long, Menetou-Salon, Loire 2025
• L'Oratoire des Papes, Les Chorégies, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2023
• La Tour Gallus, Gorges, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Gorges, Loire 2019
• Les Vignes De L'Arque, Chant Des Baumes, Duché d'Uzès, Rhône 2023
• Maison Delas Frères, La Landonne, Côte Rotie, Rhône 2023
• Maison Ginestet, Grand Vin, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux 2022
• Marks & Spencer, Delacourt Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2017
• Mas De La Seranne, Antonin Et Louis, Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac, Languedoc-Roussillon 2023
• Mouton Cadet, Rive Gauche, Bordeaux 2022
• Philippe Gonet, Ter Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV
• Prestige Des Sacres, Cuvée Dynastie Blanc De Blancs Brut, Champagne NV
• Rare, Millésime Brut, Champagne 2012
• Saint Réol, Brut Grand Cru Ambonnay, Champagne 2008
• Vincent Denis, Terres De Soleil Liquoreux, Montlouis-sur-Loire 2023

Georgia

• Tbilvino, Single Vineyard Aleksandrouli Shashiani, Kakheti 2024
• George Kiazo, Qvevri Kisi 2024

Germany

• Kranz, Ilbesheim Kalmit Weisser Burgunder, Grosses Gewächs, Pfalz 2024

Greece

• Biblia Chora, Sole Semillon Gewurztraminer, Pangeon, Macedonia 2019

Hungary

• Antalóczy, Dániel Aszú 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2021
• Balassa Bor, Szamorodni, Tokaj 2022
• Balassa, Villő Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2021
• Béres, Aszú 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2017
• Füleky, Furmint, Tokaj 2024
• Heumann, La Trinità, Villány, Dél-Pannónia 2019
• Juliet Victor, Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2019
• Kreinbacher, Classic Brut, Wine of Hungary, Generic NV

Italy

• Amandum, Pinot Bianco, Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021
• Bersano, Cremosina, Nizza, Piedmont 2023
• Bottega, Il Vino Dei Poeti, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany 2020
• Canneto, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2021
• Cantina Terlano, Nova Domus, Alto Adige Terlano Riserva, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2023
• Cantina Terlano, Rarity, Alto Adige Terlano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2013
• Cantina Terlano, Terlaner I Primo Grande Cuvée, Alto Adige Terlano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2023
• Cantina Terlano, Vorberg Pinot Bianco, Alto Adige Terlano Riserva, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2023
• Cantina Tramin, Stoan, Alto Adige / Südtirol, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2024
• Cantina Valle Isarco, Aristos Kerner, Alto Adige Valle Isarco, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2024
• Capezzana, Riserva, Carmignano Vin Santo, Tuscany 2018
• Cascina Del Colle, Aimè, Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore, Abruzzo 2025
• Castello Del Trebbio, Vigneto Lastricato Terraelectae, Chianti Rùfina Riserva, Tuscany 2021
• Castello di Cacchiano, Millennio Gaiole, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021
• Corte Sermana, Lugana Riserva, Veneto 2021
• Dosio, Fossati, Barolo, Piedmont 2022
• Fattoria La Vialla, Vin Santo del Chianti Riserva, Tuscany 2018
• Girlan, Curlan Chardonnay Riserva, Alto Adige / Südtirol Riserva, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2022
• Il Colle 1978, Rive di Rua di Feletto Extra Brut, Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Rive, Veneto 2024
• Lunae, Mea Rosa, Liguria di Levante, Liguria 2025
• Marks & Spencer, Collection Peironte, Barolo, Piedmont 2021
• Muzic, Villa De Randis Friulano, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021
• Padelletti, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Tuscany 2020
• Poggio Il Castellare, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany 2021
• Prackfol, Sandl, Alto Adige / Südtirol Riserva, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2020
• Tenimenti Grieco, Passo Alle Tremiti Falanghina, Molise 2025
• Terlano, Quarz Sauvignon, Alto Adige Terlano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2024
• Vigneti Villabella, Fracastoro, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva, Veneto 2015
• Vinory, Serragrilli, Barbaresco Riserva, Piedmont 2020

New Zealand

• Clos Ostler, EOS Pinot Noir, Waitaki Valley 2022
• Craggy Range, Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc, Martinborough, Wairarapa 2025
• Greystone Wines, Erin's Chardonnay, Waipara, Canterbury 2023
• Greystone Wines, Vineyard Ferment Syrah, Canterbury 2023
• Nevis Bluff, The Holdsworth Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2024
• Palliser Estate, Hua Nui Vineyard Pinot Noir, Martinborough, Wairarapa 2024
• Te Kairanga, Pinot Noir, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand 2024
• Villa Maria, Tesco Finest* Black Birch Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Portugal

• Burmester, 20 Year Old Tawny, Port NV
• Casa Manuel Joaquim Caldeira, Quinta Dos Castelares Sublime, Douro 2021
• Jáfoste, 80 Year Old, White, Port NV
• Quinta da Pedra, Eminência Loureiro 2015
• Quinta Da Vacaria, Grande Reserva, Douro 2019
• Vallegre, Vista Alegre, Vintage, Port 2016

Serbia

• Aleksandrovič, Kameničarka Prokupac, Oplenac, Šumadija-Great Morava 2022
• Deurić, La Rem Chardonnay, Fruška Gora, Srem 2023
• Matalj, Kremen Kamen, Negotinska Krajina 2021

Slovenia

• Steras, Refošk, Primorska 2024
• Puklavec Family Wines, Jeruzalem Ormož Spätlese Edition 2 Welschriesling, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 1993

South Africa

• Backsberg, Patriarch Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch 2023
• Boschendal, Auré, Stellenbosch 2022
• Du Toitskloof, Granite Pinotage, Swartland 2024
• Hartenberg Wine Estate, The Mackenzie, Stellenbosch 2022
• Lothian of Elgin, Chardonnay Elgin 2023
• Nederburg, Heritage Heroes the Anchor Man Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Swartland 2024
• Perdeberg Cellar, The Dry Land Collection Joseph's Legacy Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Coastal Region 2024
• Steenberg, Merlot, Constantia, Cape Town 2022

Spain

• Abadia Retuerta, Cuvée Palomar, Castilla y Léon 2022
• Altos R Pigeage, Graciano, Rioja 2022
• Arzuaga, Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2022
• Bodega Diez Siglos, 1985 Verdejo, Vino de España NV
• Bodegas Aquitania, Aquitania Albariño, Rías Baixas 2025
• Bodegas De Alberto, Dorado, Rueda NV
• Bodegas Luzón, Por Tí, Jumilla 2022
• Bodegas Olarra, Nucerro, Gran Reserva, Rioja 2020
• Campillo, 57 Selección Especial, Rioja 2019
• Cellers Unió, Vinyes De Poboleda, Priorat 2025
• Cuatro Pasos, Black Mencía, Bierzo 2021
• Dehesa Del Carrizal, Petit Verdot, Castilla-La Mancha 2023
• El Coto, Coto De Imaz, Gran Reserva, Rioja 2020
• Finca Rodma, Gran Rodma, Ribera del Duero 2022
• Lustau, VORS 30 Years Old, Moscatel, Sherry NV
• Lustau, VORS 30 Years Old, Palo Cortado En Rama, Sherry NV
• Lustau, Vors 30 Years Old, Pedro Ximenez, Sherry NV
• Marqués De Cáceres, Gaudium, Reserva, Rioja 2021
• Mas Doix, Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles, Priorat 2023
• Monteabellón, Finca Matambres, Ribera del Duero 2021
• Montepedroso, Enoteca Verdejo, Rueda 2023
• Pago Finca Élez, Las Teselas De Élez,Castilla-La Mancha 2023
• Tobelos, Tahon, Reserva, Rioja 2019
• Valduero, 6 Años Reserva Premium, Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2019
• Viña Salceda, Entresierras, Rioja 2023
• Viña Salceda, Picopalomares, Rioja 2023
• Virtus, Albillo Mayor, Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2020

Switzerland

• Histoire D'enfer, Réserve Vieilles Vignes Petite Arvine, Sierre, Valais 2023
• St. Jodern Kellerei, Visperterminen Heida, Wallis, Valais 2024

United Kingdom

• Tidebrook, Staddle Stone Chardonnay, Sussex, England 2023
• Winding Wood, Rosé Brut, Berkshire, England 2022

United States

• Alexana, Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon 2023
• AvinoDos, Blanc De Blanc Extra Brut, Los Carneros, California 2022
• Brashley, Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California 2023
• Clos du Val, Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, California 2024
• Echolands, Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, Washington State 2023

Uruguay

• Bodega Garzón, Petit Clos Tannat, Maldonado 2023

Related Articles

The results of the 23rd edition of Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) were announced on Wednesday 17th June and the wine world is talking.

Alongside the highly coveted 50 Best in Show wines, which represent just 0.3% of the wines tasted at the competition, the Co-Chairs have finalised the Top Value Golds List – which this year is the biggest in the competition’s history.

What is a Value wine?

DWWA is renowned for its rigorous judging process, with all wines assessed on a regional basis in carefully organised flights by country, region, colour, grape, style, vintage and price point.

The ‘Value’ title is awarded to every winning wine priced under £15 at the time of judging. In 2026, the exceptional quality of the entry pool saw a Value wine claiming 97-points and a Platinum medal – Domaine De La Clartière, Terres De Paillé, Anjou, Loire, France 2024 – an award unanimously agreed upon by the judging panel. This wine sits outside the Top 35 Value Golds list.

At the final stage of judging, the five Co-Chairs select the Top Value Golds of the competition. The list began with 20 wines in 2024 and has now grown to 35 – a reflection of the remarkable quality on show this year. To receive a Value Gold is no small achievement; to be named among the Top 35 is a genuine milestone for any producer.

DWWA Co-Chair, Beth Willard commented: ‘The Value wines are really important in the competition because they reflect the best of the wines available in major retail, supermarkets and independent retailers where most people shop. They offer great varietal or regional identity at an affordable, everyday price – we really work hard to seek these out when we are judging the flights.’

Quality and value from around the world

Spanning 15 countries, the Top 35 Value Gold wines are a testament to the competition’s global scale and the breadth of quality available at every price point.

Spain topped the charts with eight wines making the list, including traditional method sparkling wines and reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Joint Regional Chair for Spain, Ferran Centelles, encourages consumers to explore the category and notes ‘The Value wines really rock in Spain!’.

France followed closely with seven wines, among them Crémant d'Alsace, Chardonnay from Burgundy and rosé from Provence.

Further afield, winners hail from Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia and beyond.

DWWA has firmly established itself as the world's largest wine competition, recognising excellence in winemaking at every price point.

Discover the full list of 35 Top Value Golds below, a proof that great quality doesn't require a big budget. See all winners at awards.decanter.com

Argentina

Sophenia, Altosur Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Smoky aromas infused with black cherries and berries and a peony freshness…Plush tannins and herbal acidity fold into the stony core. Alcohol 13.5%

Australia

Wirra Wirra, Church Block Grenache-Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Enticing florals, creamy red-and-blue fruits and hints of white pepper bring charm and breadth. Darting acidity, fine tannins and ample purity mark the palate. Alc 14.5%

Austria

Kummer, Zweigelt, Neusiedlersee, Burgenland 2024

95 points, Value Gold
An array of black cherry, damson and dried wildflower notes precede mouthcoating richness. There are supple, ripe tannins and peppy acidity. Long and herbaceous. Alc 12.5%

Laurenz V., Friendly Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Graceful linden flower, sweet pea and chamomile tea merge with the peachy, orchard-fruit opulence of the palate alongside zesty acidity and white pepper length. Alc 13.5%

Bulgaria

Bononia Estate, Gomotartzi Dimyat-Vermentino, PGI Danube Plain, Northern Region - Danubian Plain 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Appetising raspberries, strawberries and fresh herbs bumble and babble over the softly spoken palate, with delicate tannins, cleansing acidity and a rasping bell pepper finish. Alc 13%

Croatia

Baćac, Malvazija Istarska, Hrvatska Istra, Coastal 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Animated acacia flower, stone fruit and pinewood aromatics draw you into a chalky mineral core, with bright acidity and a citrus crunch on the finish. Alc 13%

France

Cave De Cruet, Roussette de Savoie, Savoie 2025

95 points, Value Gold
White flower, sweet clover and yellow apple aromas encased in a mineral structure with chalky textures and lemon zest acidity. Well-defined and stylish. Alc 12.%

Cellier Des Dauphins, Réserve, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Exuberant blackberry coulis and juicy raspberry aromas with a peppery, espresso note to follow. Scrumptious crunchy acidity and dense tannins embellish. Long and enduring. Alc 14.5%

Dagobert, Prestige Rosé Brut, Crémant d'Alsace, Alsace NV

95 points, Value Gold
Attractive red berry and floral notes lead the charge with a crisp, wet-stone undertow. Racy and elegant, with delicate foam and mesmerising freshness. Alc 12%

La Petite Perrière, Pinot Noir, Vin de France, Loire 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Inviting red cherry and strawberry fruit backed by chalky mineral notes on the palate. Tangerine-peel acidity refreshment gives way to a long, creamy finish. Alc 12.5%

Prosper Maufoux, Chardonnay, Bourgogne, Burgundy 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Aromas of honeydew melon, guava and golden apple. On the palate, the wine has buttery textures, sustained acidity and spiced-citrus length. Alc 12.5%

Romanin, IGP Alpilles, Provence 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Subtle watermelon fragrance with a teasing lick of strawberry, raspberry and red-cherry fruit on the palate, the whole deftly offset by the wine’s silky, drinkable textures. Alc 13%

Villa D'oriola, Chardonnay, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Terroir-driven elegance, with a steely linear structure and expressive textural grip, teased open by orchard fruits and finished with saline succulence. Alc 12.5%

Hungary

Kővilla, Syrah, Villány, Dél-Pannónia 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Spicy blackcurrant, smoky blueberry and damson are lent extra complexity with violet florals and a minty zing. Fulsome and firm, concentrated and impressively long. Alc 15.5%

Italy

Citra, Niro, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2022

95 points, Value Gold
Complex aromatics, ranging from damsons to toasted oak and iodine-like savoury notes. Plenty of heft and vigour here, energised by racy acidity and a ripe fruit finish. Alc 13.5%

Melini, Tesco finest*, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany 2021

95 points, Value Gold
Capacious red plum, sour cherry and dried floral notes within a finely-tuned structure of smooth tannins; there’s a balsamic edge to the long finish. Alc 13.5 %

New Zealand

Asda, Exceptional Noble Riesling, Canterbury 2017

96 points, Value Gold
A lingering perfume of manuka honey, saffron, ginger and toffee pudding qualifies the fruit aromas, while the long palate is sustained by cleansing acidity. Alc 8.5%

North Macedionia

Marks & Spencer, Found Kratosija, Tikvesh, Povardarje 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Unparalleled fruit definition: crisp red berries infused with billowing florals, bursting with youthful tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Purity with finesse, too. Alc 13%

Portugal

Symington Family Estates, Tesco Finest*, Late Bottled Vintage, Port 2020

96 points, Value Gold
Hugely concentrated and powerful, packed with toffee richness mingled with dried prune, caramel and pecan-nut complexity. Harmonious and smoothly textured.
Alc 20%

Boas Quintas, Morgado de Buceles, Bucelas 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Astonishing drive and energy here, with lime and green-apple notes piled high and beautifully vibrant lemon-peel acidity. The beguiling freshness is still there at the finish. Alc 12.5%

Boas Quintas, Gandarada, Dão 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Striking dark plums and violet florals; undertones of mint, too. Plump and juicy with a core of luminous acidity driving the long finish. Alc 12.5%

Quinta da Raza, Rosé, Vinho Verde, Portugal 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Aromas of fresh cranberry, cherry and strawberry meld with pink-grapefruit acidity and a creamy texture. Long and saline with hints of pomegranate to end. Alc 11.5%

Senhora Malandra, Encruzado, Dão 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Citrus, pear and stone-fruit nose with floral elevation and a lick of spice. The oak-infused texture adds substance while precise acidity provides plenty of cut. Textbook. Alc 13%

Symington Family Estates, Tesco Finest*, 10 Year Old Tawny, Port NV

95 points, Value Gold
Hugely concentrated and powerful, packed with toffee richness mingled with dried prune, caramel and pecan-nut complexity. Harmonious and smoothly textured.
Alc 20%

Romania

Concept, Baricată Fetească Neagră Editie Limitata, Cotnari, Moldova 2022
95 points, Value Gold
Sizzling with blue and red fruit pungency and backed by green-tea umami. Structured and polished with classy oak giving breadth and depth. Alc 12%

South Africa

Spier, Villa Blue Albariño, Stellenbosch 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Ripe red apple and mango with flecks of citrus zest. Broad, creamy and concentrated, offset by vibrant acidity and a lingering saline finish. Alc 13.5%

Spain

Bodegas Alceño, Genio Español Roble Monastrell, Jumilla 2024

95 points, Value Gold
Teeming with plum-and-bramble fruit and Mediterranean herbs on the nose, while there’s cocoa warmth on the palate. Crunchy and firm with herbal notes returning on the finish. Alc 14%

Bodegas Señorio De Valdesneros, Cornitero Tempranillo, Arlanza 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Compelling black cherry, sweet spice and coffee tones with a twist of black pepper. Robust and complex red wine supported by rounded tannins and inky-fresh acidity. Alc 14%

Burgo Viejo, Rioja 2025

Ample red cherry and blackberry fruit dappled with flecks of lavender and violet on a background of vanilla oak to soften. Juicy, mouth-watering and long. Alc 13.5%

Celler Masroig, Solà Fred, Montsant 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Snappy blueberry, plum and black cherry fruit with underlying violet florals and garrigue herbs. Soft and fleshy with melting tannins and quiet but supportive acidity. Alc 16.7%

Jaume Serra, Brut Nature, Guarda, Cava 2022

95 points, Value Gold
Evocative dried petal, resin and nut aromas gently soothe the nose; bright. green apple fruit and lemon foam textures lavish the palate. Long, herbal finish. Alc 11.5%

Pata Negra, Tempranillo Roble, Ribera del Duero 2023

95 points, Value Gold
A weave of clove, mocha, cedar wood, dark chocolate and plum bring complexity to this generously structured Ribera, with polished tannins and bright, energising acidity. Alc 13.5%

Sofía Cañizares, Girò, Alicante 2025

95 points, Value Gold
Perfect summer wine! Cranberries, raspberries, red cherries and redcurrants jostle on the nose and palate, framed by light tannins and sweet, blood-orange acidity. Tantalisingly light. Alc 13%

Tierra De Cubas, Celsum Garnacha, Cariñena 2023

95 points, Value Gold
An intense and brightly defined style with ample, bold blue fruit notes and attractive oaky depths. Fine-grained tannins and zippy acidity propel the moreish length. Alc 14%

United States

Angels & Cowboys, Sonoma County, California 2025

95 points, Top Value Gold
Ample sweet melon, peach and cherry blossom verve on the palate. The texture is plump and juicy and there’s a cut-stone freshness to the finish. Alc 12.5%

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The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 Top 50 Best in Show wines have been revealed, following yesterday’s publication of the full competition results.

The selection has been drawn from an initial pool of nearly 17,000 wines, with just 50 ultimately awarded the title Best in Show – the competition’s highest honour and among the most sought-after accolades in the wine world.

Representing only 0.3% of all wines tasted, these exceptional bottles have progressed through a demanding multi-stage judging process to emerge as the definitive standouts of the year. They are wines of remarkable quality, authenticity and character – and, once announced, are often snapped up by collectors, the trade and enthusiasts alike.

Wines that define global winemaking at its highest level

The Top 50 Best in Show selection spans 16 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Together, they form a compelling portrait of contemporary global wine, ranging from Champagne, Franciacorta and English sparkling wine to Provence rosé, benchmark whites and reds from world-renowned regions like Burgundy, Napa Valley and Barolo to intriguing discoveries from areas such as Switzerland’s Valais, Croatia’s Hvar and Western Australia’s Frankland River.

Sweet and fortified wines also feature strongly, with standout examples including Tokaji Aszú, 98-point Sherry and Greek Vinsanto, a 1957 vintage Port and 30 Year Old Madeira.

Scroll down to see the Top 50 Best in Show wines of Decanter World Wine Awards 2026

How nearly 17,000 entries are narrowed to an exceptional 50

Receiving Best in Show requires success through DWWA’s exacting three-stage judging process.

The first stage sees all wines assessed blind during judging week in London by 245 leading international wine experts, including 63 Masters of Wine and 24 Master Sommeliers. Panels of three to four specialists taste wines organised by country, region, colour, vintage, grape variety and price point, with every Gold medal subsequently re-tasted and approved by at least one Co-Chair.

Only those Gold medals progress to the second phase: Platinum judging.

'During Platinum judging, the wines are all of an extraordinary quality because the regional panels have already done so much work and picked up the best of each category,' explains Co-Chair Beth Willard. 'Here what we’re doing is trying to pick up the best of the best. It’s really exciting because you have wines with amazing regional and varietal definition.'

'It also allows us to tighten up the judging,' adds Michael Hill Smith AM MW. 'There are some wines which are downgraded from Gold. In a way, it’s why the competition works, because it tightens up the results and gives the results more credibility.'

The final stage is reserved for the competition’s Co-Chairs – Andrew Jefford, Michael Hill Smith AM MW, Ronan Sayburn MS, Beth Willard and Resident Co-Chair Caro Maurer MW – who blind taste every Platinum medal winner once again. Through debate, consensus and careful deliberation, only 50 wines are elevated to Best in Show.

For producers, reaching this stage represents the pinnacle of international recognition and an extraordinary achievement in one of the world’s most competitive wine arenas.

Results remain strictly confidential until publication, making the unveiling of the Best in Show list one of the defining moments of the competition each year.

The commercial impact can be transformative.

'Winning had a huge impact on direct sales and press coverage – we have never sold so much wine as we did the day results were announced' said DWWA 2025 Best in Show winner Sugrue South Downs. 'Winning DWWA Best in Show is a stamp of approval that has cemented the perception of quality among our already established customers and has introduced new markets to our brand'

Standout wines and stories to seek out

While every Best in Show wine is exceptional, this year’s selection offers plenty of notable firsts, fascinating regional breakthroughs and styles that deserve particular attention.

Austria returns to the Best in Show ranks for the first time since 2023 with two outstanding white wines from Wachau and Kamptal, showcasing Grüner Veltliner and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc).

'Austria, especially the whites, impressed across the board with a lovely purity and focus; from indigenous to international varieties. Organic and sustainability might be the buzz words right now but no one executed it quite as beautifully, in particular at this price point,' said Regional Chair for Austria and Switzerland, Stefan Neumann MS.

Neighbouring Switzerland celebrates a milestone with its first-ever Best in Show red wine – a blend of Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Syrah that the judges describe as another compelling statement from Europe’s “secret” fine wine nation.

France dominates the Top 50 with 16 Best in Show wines, while Burgundy stands out as the competition’s most successful individual region, securing five top medals across Chablis Grand Cru, Corton Grand Cru, Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru and Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru. Elsewhere, expect everything from alluring 2012 Blanc de Blancs Champagnes to authentic, traditional and complex 2025 Maury Sec, a first for the Languedoc-Roussillon appellation.

Australia’s winners demonstrate the country’s remarkable diversity, ranging from mature Hunter Valley Semillon and a first Eden Valley Riesling to Tasmanian Pinot Noir, Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and a standout Shiraz from the increasingly celebrated Frankland River.

Sweet wines once again prove unforgettable. Among the competition’s two highest-scoring 98-point wines is a 2005 Vinsanto Late Release from Santorini, Greece, prompting judges to describe it simply as 'shockingly good'. Hungary, meanwhile, claimed a Best in Show first with a 6 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú displaying dramatic complexity through oxidative ageing.

Fortified wines also stand out, with Portugal’s three Best in Show medals all awarded to Port and Madeira, while Spain’s contingent includes three outstanding Sherries spanning Fino and Amontillado styles.

Croatia received its second-ever appearance in the category thanks to a compelling Plavac Mali from the island of Hvar, while standout classic expressions from South Africa (Chenin Blanc), Argentina (Malbec) and Chile (Carmenère) underline the depth of quality that challenged the Co-Chairs’ final selections.

Italy’s breadth is equally impressive, with several category firsts represented: Piedmont’s inaugural Best in Show Barbera, Franciacorta’s first top accolade, plus debut appearances for Sicily's Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Tuscany's Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Alongside them sit commanding examples of Barolo and Carmignano Rosso Riserva that exemplify the country’s extraordinary range.

Wines worth seeking out

Behind every Best in Show medal lies multiple rounds of blind tasting, debate and consensus among some of the world’s foremost wine experts. The result is a collection that captures the very best of contemporary winemaking across regions, styles and price points.

Explore the full Top 50 below and click through each wine for detailed tasting notes, producer information and stockists supplied by entrants.

Whether you’re looking for a future cellar addition, an unexpected regional discovery or simply one of the finest bottles recognised anywhere in the world this year, these are the wines to seek out now.

DWWA Best in Show: The Top 50 wines of 2026

Argentina

• Rutini, Single Vineyard Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2023 – 97 points

Australia

• Brokenwood, ILR Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2019 – 97 points
• Dalrymple Vineyards, Single Site Pinot Noir​, Pipers River, Tasmania 2024 – 97 points
• Deep Woods, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia 2023 – 97 points
• Ferngrove, The Orchid Collection Dragon Shiraz, Frankland River, Western Australia 2023 – 97 points
• Pewsey Vale, Estate Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia 2025 – 97 points

Austria

• Birgit Eichinger, Ried Lamm 1ötw Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2024 – 97 points
• Domäne Roland Chan, Wösendorf Alte Reben Smaragd Weissburgunder, Wachau, Niederösterreich 2023 – 97 points

Chile

• San Pedro, 1865 Selected Vineyards Las Lagunas Carmenère, Colchagua 2023 – 97 points

Croatia

• Marijan, Plaža Plavac, Hvar, Coastal, Croatia, 2021 – 97 points

France

• Albert Bichot, Hospices De Beaune Cuvée Docteur Peste, Corton Grand Cru, Burgundy 2024 – 97 points
• Bergerie Du Capucin, Dame Jeanne, Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc-Roussillon, 2023 – 97 points
• Bong Ving, Putaing Cong Grenache-Carignan-Syrah, Maury Sec, Languedoc-Roussillon 2025 – 97 points
• Charles Collin, Cuvée Charles Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2012 – 97 points
• Château De L'Aumérade, Marie-Christine, Côtes de Provence Cru Classé, Provence 2025 – 97 points
• Château de Marsannay, En Orveaux, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru, Burgundy 2023 – 97 points
• Château D'Epiré, Clos De Rochepin, Savennières-Roche aux Moines, Loire 2022 – 97 points
• Château L'Enclos, Pomerol, Bordeaux 2023 – 97 points
• Château Vitallis, Pouilly, Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru, Burgundy 2024 – 97 points
• De Saint-Gall, Orpale Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru, Champagne 2012 – 97 points
• Delas Frères, Seigneur De Maugiron, Côte Rotie, Rhône 2023 – 97 points
• Delas Frères, Les Bessards, Hermitage, Rhône 2023 – 97 points
• Domaine Evenstad, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Burgundy 2023 – 97 points
• Domaine Pinson Frères, Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru, Burgundy 2024 – 97 points
• Georges Duboeuf, Château Des Capitans, Juliénas, Beaujolais 2023 – 97 points
• Jean-Paul Balland, Grande Cuvée, Sancerre, Loire 2023 – 97 points

Greece

• Estate Argyros, Vinsanto Late Release, Santorini, Aegean Islands 2005 – 98 points
• Santo Wines, Kontarades, Santorini, Aegean Islands 2024 – 97 points

Hungary

• Oremus, Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2016 – 97 points

Italy

• Capezzana, Trefiano, Carmignano Rosso Riserva, Tuscany 2021 – 97 points
• Coppo, Pomorosso, Nizza, Piedmont 2022 – 97 points
• Freccianera, Satèn Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy 2022 – 97 points
• G.D. Vajra, Luigi Baudana Baudana, Barolo, Piedmont 2022 – 97 points
• Icario, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2021 – 97 points
• Nicosia, Hýbla Biologico, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily 2023 – 97 points

New Zealand

• Rapaura Springs, Rohe Sauvignon Blanc, Blind River, Marlborough 2025 – 97 points
• Villa Maria, Ngakirikiri, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay 2021 – 97 points

Portugal

• Cockburn's, Quinta Dos Canais, Single Quinta Vintage, Port 2018 – 97 points
• Henriques & Henriques, Boal, 30 Year Old, Madeira NV – 97 points
• Kopke, Colheita, Port 1957 – 97 points

South Africa

• Stellenbosch Reserve, Hangbrug Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2025 – 97 points

Spain

• Bodegas Tradicion, VORS 30 Years, Amontillado, Sherry NV – 98 points
• Condado De Haza, Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2021 – 97 points
• Lustau, Almacenista Antonio Caballero y Sobrinos, Amontillado, Sherry NV – 97 points
• Pazo Señorans, Selección De Añada Albariño, Rías Baixas 2015 – 97 points
• Valdespino, Inocente, Fino, Sherry NV – 97 points

Switzerland

• Domaines Rouvinez, Coeur De Domaines, Valais 2023 – 97 points

United Kingdom

• Balfour, Blanc De Blancs (magnum), Kent, England, United Kingdom 2018 – 97 points

United States

• Clos du Val, Yettalil, Stags Leap District, California 2023 – 97 points
• Domaine Serene, Aspect, Dundee Hills, Oregon 2023 – 97 points

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The results of Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 have been published today (17 June), revealing a global wine landscape that is more diverse, competitive and exciting than ever before.

As the world's largest wine competition, DWWA offers a unique snapshot of global wine quality. This year, almost 17,000 wines from 58 countries were blind tasted by 245 leading wine experts, including 63 Masters of Wine and 24 Master Sommeliers, travelling from 35 nations to judge.

Its significance, however, extends well beyond scale. Every medal-winning wine has passed through a rigorous multi-stage judging process, with top-scoring wines repeatedly re-tasted and debated by specialist panels before receiving Gold, Platinum or Best in Show recognition.

'The judging process at DWWA is one of the most demanding I've come across,' said DWWA Co-Chair Beth Willard. 'With each wine having to go through several rounds of judging to get to a Gold, Platinum or Best in Show award, it really means that the top-scoring wines are worth seeking out.'

The result is one of the wine world's most trusted guides for both consumers and trade professionals.

'With so many choices available, consumers often look for reassurance when selecting a bottle, and the DWWA medals help simplify the decision,' said DWWA Co-Chair Ronan Sayburn MS. 'The wines are judged blind by leading international experts, ensuring that quality in the glass is always the focus.'

Quick links to Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 results

• Search all Best in Show medals
• Search all Platinum medals
• Search all Gold medals
• Search all Silver medals
• Search all Bronze medals

Global wine quality has reached a new high

The headline story of DWWA 2026 is simple: global wine quality continues to rise.

This year's results mark the strongest overall quality performance in the competition's 23-year history, with the proportion of wines awarded Platinum, Gold and Silver medals reaching record levels.

The judges are not awarding more medals because judging standards have changed. Rather, advances in viticulture, winemaking, vineyard management and technical knowledge have raised quality levels across both established and emerging wine regions.

'The nearly 17,000 wines tasted at DWWA 2026 have once again demonstrated that top-quality wine now comes from all corners of the globe,' said Resident Co-Chair Caro Maurer MW. 'Whilst the styles may differ and different terroirs may have left their mark, the standard overall was very high. The wines that were awarded medals truly deserved them.'

Five key trends from DWWA 2026

Beyond the medal counts, DWWA 2026 reveals several clear shifts shaping today's global wine landscape, from regional identity to consumer value.

1. Great wine now comes from more places than ever

One of the strongest messages from DWWA 2026 is the continued expansion of fine wine geography, with medals awarded to wines from 56 countries.

Traditional benchmarks remain important, but outstanding wines are emerging from regions that would once have sat outside the classic fine wine conversation.

Examples include Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha receiving its first-ever Platinum medals and Valdejalón’s first Gold, Savoie, France's first-ever Platinum, Pico in the Azores, Portugal securing its first Gold and Texas in the US making its debut on the Gold list with four medals while Virginia's also showed its strongest performance.

Together, these milestones show how the map of fine wine continues to expand beyond its traditional heartlands.

2. Indigenous varieties are driving some of the most exciting wines in the world

DWWA 2026 was rich in wines produced from local and historic grape varieties, many of which delivered some of the competition's most exciting results.

Plavac Mali from Croatia was awarded a Best in Show, Callet from Mallorca won Gold, Altesse from Savoie a Platinum, Robola from Greece secured a landmark Gold, Kisi from Georgia returned to the Platinum category as did Petite Arvine from Switzerland, Prieto Picudo (Castilla y León) and Albillo Mayor (Ribera del Duero) appeared among Spain's top-scoring wines and Kerner received a first-ever Platinum for the variety in Alto-Adige, Italy.

For wine lovers seeking discovery beyond the international mainstream, the message is encouraging: local varieties are not only surviving, they are thriving.

3. Value has never looked stronger

Another major theme of the 2026 results is the strength of value-focused wines.

Alongside the expansion of the Top Value Gold list, one Value Platinum was awarded to Domaine De La Clartière, Terres De Paillé, Anjou, Loire, France 2024 – an award which the judges unanimously agreed upon due to unprecedented quality, irrespective of the price under £15 a bottle.

Strong value performances came from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Australia, with several supermarket collaborations also appearing among Gold medal winners. Highlights include:

• Asda, Exceptional Noble Riesling, Canterbury, New Zealand 2017
• Boas Quintas, Gandarada, Dão, Portugal 2024
• Cellier Des Dauphins, Réserve, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France 2025
• Melini, Tesco finest*, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy 2021
• Sophenia, Altosur Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina 2025
• Spier, Villa Blue Albariño, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2025
• Wirra Wirra, Church Block Grenache-Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2024

As competition intensifies globally, the relationship between quality and price is becoming increasingly favourable for wine drinkers.

4. Sparkling wine's continued evolution

Champagne remains a benchmark, but DWWA 2026 showed how far sparkling wine excellence now extends beyond the region.

Italy’s Franciacorta earned its first-ever Best in Show for Freccianera, Satèn Brut 2022, English sparkling wine secured another Best in Show in magnum format (last year marking a landmark win) while the county of Berkshire received a historic Platinum. Tasmania, Australia collected multiple sparkling Platinums, Brazil won a first-ever Gold for sparkling Moscato, Canada received a Platinum for sparkling Icewine, a third of Slovenia's Golds went to sparkling expressions and Cava delivered a strong set of Gold medals.

The category is becoming increasingly international, with high-quality sparkling wine now emerging from a wider range of regions, climates and production traditions.

5. Orange wines are making their way into the mainstream

Alternative wine styles are now firmly established within the medal-winning landscape.

Argentina received its first-ever Gold medal for an orange wine, Georgia delivered a strong performance in orange wines with two Golds and 15 Silvers, Italy added another Gold-winning orange wine, France's orange category continued to grow and Oxfordshire in England appeared among the medal winners with an orange wine.

The results indicate that styles once considered niche are being recognised for quality, consistency and craftsmanship at an international level.

What this means for wine drinkers

Taken together, these trends point to a wine world that is broader, more diverse and more accessible than ever before.

Traditional fine wine regions remain crucial benchmarks, but DWWA 2026 shows that outstanding bottles are emerging from new places, new varieties and new styles.

For consumers, that means more opportunities to discover exceptional wines across a wider range of regions, grapes and price points than at any previous point in the competition's history.

What follows is a closer look at some of the countries, regions and producers that defined DWWA 2026.

DWWA 2026 regional highlights

France: Benchmark quality and value

France once again led the competition for top-tier results with 254 medals, including 16 Best in Show, 42 Platinum and 196 Golds.

Burgundy delivered one of the defining performances of DWWA 2026, receiving five Best in Show medals – more than any other wine region in the competition. The results represent Burgundy's strongest-ever Best in Show performance, alongside a record 23 Gold medals, reaffirming its position as one of the world's benchmark fine wine regions.

Languedoc-Roussillon also enjoyed a landmark year, achieving its strongest-ever Best in Show performance with two red blends, including a first for Maury Sec. The region added three Platinum and 31 Gold medals – more than double last year’s results and a regional best – highlighting the remarkable breadth of quality emerging from southern France.

Ever a top performer, Champagne was awarded two spots in the Top 50, both Blanc de Blancs from the 2012 vintage, and in the Platinum category, nine wines are worth a look for a variety of styles, price points and formats, including a magnum for Saint Réol, Brut Grand Cru Ambonnay 2008 and supermarket find for Marks & Spencer, Delacourt Blanc de Blancs Brut 2017.

Elsewhere, Savoie celebrated a historic first Platinum medal for Domaine Carrel & Senger’s non-vintage L'eternel De Marestel Essentia 194, Roussette de Savoie Cru Marestel, while Corsica returned to the Platinum category after last year’s first appearance. In the Rhône Valley, producer Delas Frères received both of the region's Best in Show medals for its Cote Rotie and Hermitage reds, underlining the continued strength of France's classic appellations alongside rising regional stars.

Spain: A breakthrough year

Spain delivered one of the most impressive performances of DWWA 2026, collecting 160 top medals — a 52% increase on last year's total and enough to overtake Italy among Europe's traditional wine powerhouses.

The breakthrough year was led by an extraordinary performance from Jerez, responsible for three of Spain's five Best in Show wines and one of only two 98-point wines awarded in the competition. The accolade went to Bodegas Tradición, VORS 30 Years, Amontillado, Sherry NV, highlighting the extraordinary quality and longevity of Spain's fortified wines.

Ribera del Duero continued its ascent with one Best in Show and five Platinum medals, including an aged white wine made from Albillo Mayor. Rioja reinforced its reputation for consistency with eight Platinum and 24 Gold medals, while Castilla-La Mancha entered the Platinum category for the first time with two wines receiving 97 points for Dehesa Del Carrizal, Petit Verdot 2023 and Pago Finca Élez, Las Teselas De Élez 2023.

Several smaller regions also recorded significant milestones. Valdejalón secured its first-ever Gold medal, Mallorca impressed with Gold-winning wines from the indigenous Callet grape and alongside a Platinum, Castilla y León showcased the potential of Prieto Picudo with two Gold medal winners.

Italy: Diversity rewarded

Italy's results once again demonstrated why it remains one of the world's most diverse wine-producing nations. The country was awarded 144 top medals, comprising six Best in Show, 29 Platinum and 109 Golds, 17 of these Value wines.

Among the most significant achievements was Piedmont's first-ever Best in Show for a Barbera from Nizza to Coppo, Pomorosso 2022, a milestone that reflects the growing recognition of styles beyond the region's Nebbiolo stronghold. Tuscany received two Best in Show and six Platinum medals for traditional styles, while Sicily continued its rise with the first-ever Best in Show for a Cerasuolo di Vittoria – only the second Sicilian red wine to receive the accolade.

Lombardy also celebrated a breakthrough year as Franciacorta earned its first Best in Show medal, bringing the region back into the competition's Top 50 list for the first time in eight years.

The standout regional story came from Trentino-Alto Adige, which received nine Platinum medals – more than any other Italian region. Four were awarded to renowned cooperative Cantina Terlano, while the small, alpine sub-region Valle Isarco secured a first-ever Platinum for Cantina Valle Isarco, Aristos Kerner 2024. The results underline the region's growing reputation as one of Europe's leading sources of distinctive, high-quality mountain wines.

Elsewhere, Molise achieved its first Platinum medal, and by style, Liguria and Abruzzo also joined the category with firsts for a Ligurian rosé and Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore. Many more producers across Veneto, Campania, Emilia-Romagna and Puglia demonstrated the remarkable stylistic diversity that continues to define modern Italian wine.

Portugal and England continue to rise

Portugal continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the world's most exciting wine-producing nations, combining regional identity, indigenous varieties and exceptional value.

Alongside strong performances from established regions including Douro, Dão, Bairrada and Alentejo, Transmontano in the far northeast and Pico, an island in the Azores, secured first-ever Gold medals. With three Best in Show, six Platinum and 57 Gold medals, the country also features prominently among the Top Value Gold selection, reinforcing its reputation for delivering outstanding quality-to-price ratios.

‘What stood out most this year was the growing precision and restraint across many Portuguese regions. There seems to be an increasing confidence in freshness, texture and site expression rather than extraction or weight’ commented Beatriz Machado, Regional Chair for Portugal.

‘There is an authenticity and diversity in the country’s wines that remains difficult to replicate elsewhere, especially when combined with the quality currently being achieved.’

England maintained its remarkable upward trajectory, adding another Best in Show for a sparkling magnum, after last year's landmark win, to Balfour, Blanc De Blancs, Kent 2018 alongside more large format Golds from Hampshire and Oxfordshire.

The nation also celebrated several firsts. Berkshire secured its first Platinum medal for Winding Wood, Rosé Brut 2022, while Sussex, recognised for top-quality sparkling, joined the Platinum category with a still wine for the first time to Tidebrook, Staddle Stone Chardonnay 2023.

Revealing the current state of wine quality in England and Wales, Regional Chair Simon Field MW noted, ‘It’s extremely exciting as it is on the up; the sparklers are every bit as good as most Champagnes and the still wines, once an after-thought, are genuinely interesting and thoughtfully made.'

More Europe highlights: Germany, Croatia, Greece and Georgia

Some of the most compelling stories of DWWA 2026 came from countries whose winemaking traditions stretch back centuries.

Germany enjoyed one of its strongest DWWA performances in recent years, almost doubling its tally of top medals from seven in 2025 to 13 in 2026, comprising one Platinum and 12 Golds. The Platinum award went to Pfalz for Kranz, Ilbesheim Kalmit Weisser Burgunder, Grosses Gewächs 2024, highlighting the growing international recognition of Germany's top Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) wines.

The results also showcased impressive regional diversity. Wines from Ahr, Mosel and Württemberg returned to the Gold list after at least half a decade, and notably, a third of Germany's Gold medals were awarded to red wines, underlining the increasing strength and breadth of the country's premium wine production beyond its traditional white wine reputation.

Austria is of note too, with two outstanding white wines to seek out of its Best in Show wins alongside quadrupling its Platinum count, which includes a sweet red wine from Zweigelt. In the Gold category, look out for these two exemplary Top Value wines: Kummer, Zweigelt, Neusiedlersee, Burgenland 2024 and Laurenz V., Friendly Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2024.

Croatia achieved one of the competition's standout moments, receiving its first Best in Show medal in a decade, alongside five Platinum and 34 Golds, up from one Platinum and 14 Golds last year. The results highlight a growing recognition of the country's indigenous grape varieties from Plavac Mali and Malvazija Istarska to Pošip, Traminac and Teran.

Greece continued its impressive recent momentum, with sweet wines having a moment in the spotlight, including the nation’s sole Platinum from Macedonia and one of its two Best in Show accolades to Estate Argyros, Vinsanto Late Release, Santorini, Aegean Islands 2005 – also one of the competition’s two 98-point wines. Robola from Kefalonia secured a landmark Gold medal alongside strong performances from the country's expanding range of indigenous varieties. Santo Wines, the largest cooperative on Santorini island, is a producer of particular note, winning a Best in Show and three Gold medals.

Georgia, widely regarded as the birthplace of wine, reinforced its reputation for authenticity and originality. Kisi returned to the Platinum category after a six year hiatus and a red wine produced from the indigenous and historic variety Alexsandrouli made a first appearance on the list, while Georgian orange wines delivered one of the strongest performances of any country in the style.

Together, the findings show the growing global appeal of wines rooted in local traditions, distinctive grape varieties and strong regional identities.

New World momentum

New World producers once again demonstrated both quality and innovation across a broad range of styles.

Australia delivered one of the competition's strongest performances, collecting five Best in Show, 19 Platinum and 61 Gold medals. The Best in Show winners alone showcased the country's remarkable breadth with New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia all represented.

Western Australia’s Frankland River achieved a landmark breakthrough with a first-ever Best in Show to Ferngrove, The Orchid Collection Dragon Shiraz 2023, while Orange in New South Wales entered the Platinum ranks with Printhie's Swift Blanc de Blancs Brut 2011. Victoria's Mornington Peninsula also celebrated a debut Platinum for Southern Light Vineyards' Ghostgum Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024.

Established names continued to reinforce Australia's reputation for consistency. Tasmania's House of Arras and Victoria's Morris once again featured among the top winners, the latter extending a run of Platinum medals dating back to 2020.

New Zealand recorded one of the year's most notable improvements, doubling its Best in Show medals and increasing its Platinum tally from one to eight. Canterbury entered the Platinum category for the first time with Greystone's Vineyard Ferment Syrah 2023 and Erin's Chardonnay 2023, and Waitaki Valley too for Clos Ostler's EOS Pinot Noir 2022.

Recognising and embracing its greatest strengths, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah feature proudly.

South Africa built on its strong 2025 performance, adding 27 more top-tier medals across Gold, Platinum and Best in Show categories. Stellenbosch and Swartland remained key drivers of success, but the results also reflected the country's growing diversity, with varieties ranging from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Albariño, Riesling and Petit Verdot attracting top scores.

Taken together, the results underline the growing depth of quality across the Southern Hemisphere, where regional identity, innovation and consistency are increasingly combining to challenge traditional benchmarks.

The Americas broaden the conversation

As entries continue to grow from the United States, DWWA results are increasingly reflecting the country's diversity of styles and regions.

California and Oregon delivered at the highest level, with serial winners Clos du Val (Napa Valley) and Domaine Serene (Willamette Valley) securing Best in Show medals. Beyond these established benchmarks, the Platinum and Gold results reveal growing strength across a much broader wine landscape.

Among the standout performers, California earned a second-ever Platinum for sparkling wine for Avinodos' Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2022 from Los Carneros, while Washington State's Echolands repeated its 2025 Platinum success for the same wine, but new vintage, for its Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2023 from Walla Walla Valley.

The most significant story, however, came from emerging US regions. Texas secured its first-ever Gold medals – four in total – spanning varieties including Sousão, Tannat and Tempranillo, while Virginia collected five Golds, with Cabernet Franc proving particularly successful. In Pennsylvania, Benigna’s Creek’s Chambourcin 2024 secured Gold for the third year running.

Canada reinforced its reputation for world-class sweet wines with two Platinum medals to Vidal-based Icewines from Ontario's Niagara Peninsula. Chardonnay features prominently in the Gold selection, while five of the nation’s 13 Golds exemplify growing diversity of reds with Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir included.

Elsewhere, Argentina combined premium and value success while securing the country's first-ever Gold medal for an orange wine.

Chile impressed with premium reds, including two of its four Platinum-winning wines from Baron Philippe de Rothschild, while Brazil recorded its strongest-ever performance in the Gold and Silver categories, including a historic first Gold medal for Vale do São Patrício.

Paz Levinson, Regional Chair for Argentina & Rest of South America (excluding Chile) noted, 'It was great to see many more wines from Brazil coming to compete. The quality was very good with a diversity of grapes and styles. For Argentina the wines showed beautifully! The quality of entry level Uco Valley Malbec impressed me so much! The purity of fruit, the concentration and the quality was great.'

Emerging wine regions to watch

Perhaps the clearest sign of DWWA 2026's increasingly global outlook came from a series of breakthrough performances beyond the traditional centres of fine wine.

China continued its rise through a landmark Platinum medal from Yunnan and first-ever Gold to wine from Inner Mongolia. Japan also received a first Gold for the region Hiroshima, Chugoku.

Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary and Romania all recorded noteworthy successes that reflect the growing depth of quality across Central and Eastern Europe.

In Serbia, three Platinums came through – an achievement last seen in 2020. Bosnia and Herzegovina had its best-ever Gold performance and Hungary received a Platinum for the first time to a red wine produced from Cabernet Franc, alongside a Gold-awarded sparkling magnum to Kreinbacher, Prestige Brut Magnum 2019.

Elsewhere, Czech Republic and Uruguay each received a Platinum, an accolade last awarded to the nations in 2020. Slovenia also joined the category with two wines – one to a 1993 sweet Welschriesling and the other a first-ever win for red Istrski Refošk (Refosco). Mexico won a first Gold for Baja California.

A more diverse wine world than ever before

The results of DWWA 2026 confirm a trend that has been building for many years: great wine is no longer defined solely by reputation, geography or tradition.

The world's classic regions continue to set global benchmarks, but they now share the stage with an increasingly diverse cast of producers from emerging regions, lesser-known appellations and indigenous grape varieties.

Summarising the year's judging, Regional Chair Wojciech Bońkowski MW put it simply: 'Best edition ever.'

For consumers, the implications are profound. Never before has there been such breadth of quality available across so many styles, varieties, regions and price points.

As DWWA completes its 23rd year, the 2026 results reveal a wine world that is broader, more competitive and more exciting than at any point in the competition's history. From benchmark regions to emerging territories, from iconic grape varieties to indigenous local favourites, excellence is no longer concentrated in a handful of places.

For wine lovers, that means one thing – there has never been a better time to explore.

Search all Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 results

With special thanks to DWWA official sponsor Riedel for supplying glassware for the 2026 competition.

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Against the backdrop of New York City’s iconic skyline, more than 600 fine wine enthusiasts joined 52 renowned producers at Decanter’s flagship Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) making this the most successful edition of the event to date.

Held on the 60th floor of Manhatta in Manhattan’s Financial District, the event brought together wine lovers and industry leaders for a rare opportunity to taste some of the world’s most iconic wines.

Set against a breathtaking setting, this year’s DWWA Winners’ Bar showcased 28 top-scoring wines, highlighting the very pinnacle of global winemaking.

The selection featured wines awarded 95 points and above, including Gold, Platinum and Best in Show winners from the 2025 competition. The line-up showcased the breadth of today’s fine wine landscape, from established classics in Italy, France and Spain to outstanding examples of their style from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and beyond.

Four out of the 50 Best in Show winners from Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 were featured at the Winners’ Bar and were amongst the guests' favourites. The line-up included the 97-point Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV, Clos du Val, Cabernet Franc, Stags Leap District, California, United States 2022 and Italians Diego Morra, Del Comune di Verduno, Barolo 2021 and Donnafugata, Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria 2023.

More highlights included five Platinum medal winners, each scoring 97 points from Spain, France and South Africa and US presenting.

The event also included a fantastic lunch option with a pairing sponsored by Eola Amity Hills and Château Sideraut, an excellent opportunity for the guests to continue to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that embedded the event.

The Encounter also featured three sold-out masterclasses led by Salon & Delamotte Champagne, leading Super Tuscan producers and Napa Valley pioneer Heitz Cellar, offering guests a deeper insight into some of the wine world’s most celebrated names.

The celebrations continued into the evening with an intimate VIP reception for producers and invited guests that enjoyed Champagne from Laurent-Perrier alongside canapés, charcuterie, artisan cheeses and dark chocolate truffles, providing a fitting finale to the day.

See below for the full list of DWWA 2025 top-scoring wines sampled at the DWWA Winner’s bar on the day:

Sparkling 

• Terre del Cima, Extra Dry, Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2023
  Gold, 95 points
• No.1 Family Estate, Cuvée Methode Traditionelle, Marlborough, New Zealand NV
  Gold, 95 points
• Barons De Rothschild, Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV
  Gold, 95 points

White

• Adegas Valmiñor, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2024
  Platinum, 97 points
• Eudald Massana Noya, Avi Ton Organic Xarel·lo, Penedès, Spain 2021
  Gold, 95 points
• Rohe, Sauvignon Blanc, Rapaura, Marlborough, New Zealand 2024
  Gold, 96 points
• Sother, Château De Malessert 1er Grand Cru Chasselas, La Côte, Vaud, Switzerland 2022
  Gold, 95 points
• Early Mountain, Petit Manseng, Virginia, United States 2022
  Gold, 95 points
• Castelfeder, Family Reserve Kreuzweg Chardonnay, Alto Adige / Südtirol Riserva, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2021
  Gold, 95 points
• Ambar Estate, Lustral Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, Oregon, United States 2022
  Gold, 95 points
• Vignaioli Contra' Soarda, Vignasilan, Breganze, Veneto, Italy 2017
  Gold, 95 points

Red

• Khachen Wines, Areni, Vayots Dzor, Armenia 2023
  Gold, 95 points
• Bodegas Y Viñedos Verum, Ilusioverum Cdvin Garnacha, Rioja, Spain 2022
  Gold, 95 points
• Bodegas y Viñedos Luis Saenz, Ana Sáenz, Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2022
  Gold, 95 points
• Alvarez-Alfaro, Selección De Familia, Rioja, Spain 2020
  Platinum, 97 points
• Domaine Sarrabelle, In Vinum, Gaillac, Southwest France, France 2019
  Platinum, 97 points
• Hasher Family, Batrachella Pinotage, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa 2022
  Platinum, 97 points
• Château Romanin, Le Coeur, Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France 2019
  Gold, 97 points
• Clos du Val, Cabernet Franc, Stags Leap District, California, United States 2022
  Best in Show, 97 points
• Echolands Winery, Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, Washington State, United States 2022
  Platinum, 97 points
• Diego Morra, Del Comune Di Verduno, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy 2021
  Best in Show, 97 points
• Watermill, Hallowed Stones Syrah, Oregon, United States 2021
  Gold, 95 points
• Samā Cellars, Bhūmi Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Washington State, United States 2022
  Gold, 95 points
• Ernie Els, Proprietor's Blend, Helderberg, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022
  Gold, 96 points
• Avinodos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, California, United States 2019
  Gold, 95 points

Sweet and fortified 

• Donnafugata, Ben Ryé, Passito di Pantelleria, Sicily, Italy 2023
  Gold, 97 points
• Tenuta Roletto, Passito, Erbaluce di Caluso, Piedmont, Italy 2013
  Gold, 95 points
• Curatolo Arini 1875, 10 Years Old, Marsala Superiore Riserva, Sicily, Italy NV
  Gold, 96 points

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Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 results will be released on 17 June, providing a new indispensable guide to stellar premium wines – from classics to new-wave styles – being produced by talented winemakers across the globe.

Get first access to DWWA 2026 results on 17 June: Sign up here to receive our newsletter alerts

Now in its 23rd year, DWWA is the world’s biggest wine competition and is renowned for its rigorous judging process.

Nearly 17,000 entries were blind-tasted at DWWA 2026, and judging involved 245 experts from 35 countries. Leading authorities in their field took part, including 24 Master Sommeliers and 63 Masters of Wine.

This provides a platform for consumers to explore the richness of the wine world with confidence across all medal colours, from Best in Show to Bronze. It also offers producers themselves a valuable benchmark.

‘We had a fantastic quality of entries this year,’ said Andrew Jefford, one of five DWWA 2026 Co-Chairs.

‘The tasting discussions were more animated than ever – a good sign, as discussion is the key to our judging process. I'm really confident in these results, and look forward to sharing them.’

Know your DWWA medals

Coveted Best in Show medals are the pinnacle of DWWA, with just 50 awarded.

This year, that represents only 0.3% of total wines tasted. Platinum and Gold medal tiers accounted for 1.18% and 5.56% of wines tasted respectively.

While all entries are discussed by expert panels, wines reaching these upper levels of the competition must be tasted and reviewed several times.

DWWA is also committed to rewarding brilliant, premium wines for every budget.

This year’s Top Value Gold list features 35 wines, up from 30 at DWWA 2025, chosen by Co-Chairs. Launched in 2023, the category highlights the best wines under £15-a-bottle.

Meanwhile, DWWA's focus on expert panel discussion for every entry means that Silver and Bronze medal tiers are well worth exploring, too.

Judging: From Co-Chairs to new faces in 2026

DWWA Co-Chairs lead the competition’s judging process, with experienced Regional Chairs overseeing the expert judging panels.

Co-Chairs at DWWA 2026 include: Andrew Jefford, Beth Willard, Michael Hill Smith AM MW and Ronan Sayburn MS.

They were joined by Caro Maurer MW, who became the first ‘Resident Co-Chair’, a new role that sees a Regional Chair join the competition’s established Co-Chairs – bringing fresh perspectives and insight to the leadership team.

There were also several new Regional Chairs at DWWA 2026:

• Dr Edward Ragg MW (Asia)
• Beatriz Machado (Portugal)
• Matthew Wilkin MS (Loire)
• Jason Millar (Southern Italy)
• Alessandra Piubello (Veneto)
• Regine Lee MW (Germany, acting)
• James Davis MW (South & Eastern Mediterranean, acting)

Sustainability in action

Alongside the judging process, sustainability is a core principle at DWWA.

In 2026, for example, more than 20,000 single-use plastic bags previously used for blind tastings have been replaced with reusable cotton alternatives.

In addition, more than 1,000 cardboard boxes are reused annually.

This year also involved an initial trial of the Coravin wine preservation system during Platinum and Best in Show judging rounds.

It's an initiative that is being explored with a view to reducing the number of sample bottles that entrants are required to submit in future DWWA editions.

Get first access to DWWA 2026 results on 17 June: Sign up here to receive our newsletter alerts

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The hottest ticket in the Big Apple this past Saturday wasn’t on Broadway, or even a prime seat at a sports bar to watch the New York Knicks take a 2-0 lead in the NBA finals series.

Those in the know – all 500 of them – were 60 floors up at Manhatta for the fifth annual Decanter Fine Wine Encounter New York City (DFWE NYC).

Now firmly established as Manhattan’s greatest world wine event, this Empire State iteration of Decanter’s renowned global events series brought together a Grand Tasting of 30 Gold, Platinum and Best in Show medal-winners from the Decanter World Wine Awards as well as more than 200 premium wines from 55 producers.

Our star-studded line up of Masterclasses featured Salon & Delamotte Champagnes, SuperTuscans and Heitz Cellar, while the unique experience of dining with world-class producers themselves ensured our exclusive Winemakers' Lunches sold out almost instantly.

With panoramic views of the city skyline and across New York Harbor to the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Tasting room is the heart of the event, where each of the 50 stands was invited to showcase one special wine, either an old vintage or a large-format bottle – and often both – to share with guests.

Guests tasted throughout the day using glassware from Riedel, a fitting partner for an event celebrating fine wine, where presentation and tasting conditions are an important part of the experience.

Highlights of DFWE NYC 2026 included the Eola-Amilty Hills table, which welcomed several winery principals from this Willamette Valley AVA in Oregon, and similar regional tables from both Switzerland and Castilla y Léon in Spain.

In-depth tastings of icon wines

Away from the buzz and bustle of the Grand Tasting, our Masterclass room – with spectacular dual-aspect vistas – offered 75 attendees in each of three sold-out sessions the chance for a more in-depth look at a producer, region or wine style, with a guided tasting of eight to 10 exclusive cuvées, presented by renowned experts.

To start the day on a sparkling note, Cristian Rimoldi of sister Champagne houses Salon and Delamotte, along with Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier, took a deep dive into the world of Blanc de Blancs, tasting five cuvées each from these very different properties, back to Salon 1997.

Next, one of Decanter’s key Italian wine specialists, Michaela Morris, and Decanter’s Italy Editor, James Button, joined forces to present eight SuperTuscans – two each from leading producers Antinori, Isole e Olena, Fontodi and Bibi Graetz – to show the evolution of styles and approaches of these iconic IGTs.

Ending DFWE NYC 2026 on a historic note, Master Sommelier and Heitz Cellar CEO Carlton McCoy was joined by Decanter’s Napa correspondent Jonathan Cristaldi to take guests through 10 Heitz Cellar Cabernets through the decades, including the 1985 and 1979 vintages from Martha’s Vineyard.

Read all about it: Full masterclass reports from DFWE NYC 2026

• Salon & Delamotte
• Super Tuscans
• Heitz Cellar

Meet the winemakers in person

Apart from the wines, of course, the biggest drawcard to all Decanter Fine Wine Encounters is the chance for attendees to speak with the winemakers and winery owners themselves.

And what better way than to sit down for an intimate meal with them, sharing three exclusive bottles at our Decanter Winemakers' Lunches.

This year Dr Laura Catena, fourth-generation winemaker and Managing Director of Catena Zapata in Argentina hosted an oversubscribed lunch for seven lucky guests, who enjoyed her Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2023, Argentino Malbec 2005 and the icon Nicolás Catena Zapata 2004 in magnum.

Katie Vogt, winemaker at Pahlmeyer in Napa Valley, hosted the other sell-out lunch for six guests, alongside Decanter's Napa expert Jonathan Cristaldi. She poured her Savoir Faire Chardonnay 2024, Right Bank 2023 and Pièce de Résistance 2023.

In the Grand Tasting, several other winemakers and owners generously took time out of their busy schedules to fly over for the DFWE NYC 2026, pour wines and chat at length with guests.

We thank, and look forward to seeing again: Louise Grillet (Veuve Clicquot), Olive Hamilton Russell (Hamilton Russell Oregon), Luke Evnin (Annulus Cellars), Jeff Mangahas (Williams Selyem), Dan Petroski (Massican), Adam Lowy (Cloudsley Cellars), Emma Garner (Thirty Bench), Gabriel Mustakis (San Pedro), Zvonimir Jurkovic (Poderi Luigi Einaudi), Alberto Moretti Cuseri (Tenuta Sette Ponti) and Rodrigo Costa (Taboadella).

Revisit the wines discovered

One of the pleasures of DFWE is the opportunity to taste wines that are often difficult to find in one place. For guests looking to revisit a favourite bottle from the day, premium wine retailer Millesima has curated a dedicated Decanter Fine Wine Encounter collection featuring a selection of wines showcased at the event.

The collection is designed to make it easier for attendees to source memorable wines encountered during the Grand Tasting and masterclasses. As an additional benefit, there's also access to a limited-time offer through the collection.

Browse the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter collection at Millesima here.

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Zareh Mesrobyan, head of wine at Estelle Manor – a luxury hotel and country club with four restaurants, a bar, and a cafe – saw off competition from 28 other sommeliers to claim the coveted title.

This year’s competition was the first UK event hosted by Ruinart’s new cellar master Caroline Fiot, who took over following the untimely passing of her predecessor, Frédéric Panaïotis, last year. The jury was completed by Emma Denney, director of wine at Claridge’s and 2024 challenge winner, and myself, Natalie Earl, representing Decanter.

Second prize was awarded to Joanna Nerantzi, head sommelier at Raffles London at the OWO, while Grace Shih, head of wine at Restaurant St Barts, took third place.

The challenge centres on a blind tasting of four wines, in which participants must assess technical details – intensity, acidity, body, tannin, alcohol, flavour – to make an informed case for a wine’s potential origins, climate, grape variety and winemaking technique.

Correctly identifying the exact wines is a bonus, but not necessarily the goal; what the jury is looking for is the ability to reason precisely, and communicate why their assessment has led them to a particular conclusion.

At a time when answers are available at the touch of a button, the value of that expertise, and of the human connection it enables between sommelier and guest, has never felt more important.

This year’s theme was rosé, with the blind tasting spanning both still and sparkling examples. It served as a reminder that rosé is a category worth taking seriously, pushing participants to think creatively about food matching and the different scenarios in which these styles can be enjoyed at their best.

The wines in the blind tasted were revealed as:

• Nyetimber, Sparkling Rosé, England NV
• Eric Rodez, Rosé Macération Edition 37, Champagne NV
• Gusbourne, Still Rosé, England 2025
• Domaine Tempier, Rosé, Bandol 2025

The competition runs across nine countries around the world, with each national winner earning a four-day educational trip to Champagne, which includes tastings, vineyard visits and masterclasses.

The Ruinart Sommelier Challenge was created in 2010 by Panaïotis alongside the Ruinart winemaking team, with the ambition of building an international training and mentoring programme committed to supporting sommelier wine education.

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Welcome to Decanter magazine's June 2026 issue

French discoveries

Leader by Amy Wislocki, Decanter magazine editor

While in Paris recently, attending classes for the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) Tasting Diploma (more of that in a future issue), I met Chris Howard at one of the socials.

As well as being a WSG editorial advisor, Chris is also a Decanter contributor, and the author of our new series of articles on ‘Forgotten France’.

He brought with him a bottle of the Domaine Giachino Jacquère mentioned in his first article in the series, on Apremont (See contents list below).

There were many flashy, big-name bottles at that social, but this simple white wine lingered in my memory: crisp, alpine, with delicate white floral notes, it was just so deliciously refreshing and drinkable.

In all my years in wine, I don’t remember ever drinking a wine from Apremont, and that’s the aim of this series – to introduce even seasoned wine lovers to something new (even if the wines can, sadly, be hard to track down outside France).

Lastly, I hope many of you will enter our new wine photography competition. We can’t wait to see how you capture the beauty of wine.

In my glass this month

Chateau Musar’s winemaker Tarek Sakr flew in to London from Lebanon in May to present the new 2019 vintage red (available via independent merchants, priced £40-£50).

Since 1996, he said, vintage character has alternated between round and sweetly fruited even-numbered years and cooler, more restrained odd years. The 2019 follows the pattern, dark, mineral and youthful with a delicious, cool-climate elegance.

Inside Decanter magazine's June 2026 issue

In focus

• Bordeaux 2025: the Decanter verdict With great buys to be found in in all styles but low volumes, Georgie Hindle offers her insights, along with 65 top choices from the more than 800 tasted by our expert Bordeaux team
• Australia’s top vineyards David Sly chooses 10 special sites that he believes define the best of Australia
• Spanish reds keep their cool Make space in your fridge as Ines Salpico introduces you to the lighter, more chillable side of Spain’s red wines
• One to watch: Hombeline Guyon Natalie Earl meets a rising star making her mark on her family’s domaine
• Forgotten France: Apremont In the first of a new series, Chris Howard profiles a region built on tragedy

Spirits

• Distilled Spirits news & cocktails
• Rethinking Calvados Clinton Cawood considers Calvados’ 21st-century makeover

Food and travel

• What to pair with seafood Fiona Sims suggests some golden rules
• Travel: The ultimate guide to camping in the Rhône Our man on the ground Matt Walls offers his tips for the best places to pitch your tent

Learning

• Books etc Sophie Thorpe devours a wide-ranging but very readable book
• Wine wisdom Expert advice to help you on your ongoing wine journey

Buying guide

• Introduction
• Editors’ picks Decanter staff share highlights from their recent tastings
• Panel tasting: UK sparkling wine Local fizz has come of age. These NV and MV wines wowed our judges: 66 wines tasted, 11 rated Outstanding
• Panel tasting: Provence rosé Stock up now on the essential summer wine: 111 wines tasted, 5 rated Outstanding
• Expert’s choice: Crete Let Terry Kandylis be your guide to this Greek island’s diverse and delicious wines
• Weekday wines Decanter’s tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink now and priced at £30 or less
• Weekend wines Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress
• DWWA 2025 American excellence at the DWWA: 18 medal winners

Collecting and investing

• Marketwatch Auction news and new releases
• Market overview Fine wine market performance in 2026 so far

Regulars

• Welcome
• Writing this month Meet four of the authors who contributed to this issue
• News The latest from the wine world
• The brief Ideas and inspiration
• Andrew Jefford’s column
• Guest column Stop lumping English and Welsh wine together, begs Jane Rakison – they’re completely different
• The ethical drinker Natalie Earl scrutinises the NoLo category
• Decanter Wine Photography Competition 2026 Enter your best wine pics to win some amazing prizes
• Subscribe to Decanter
• On the rack: Hélène Darroze The acclaimed chef tells Lucy Shaw all about the wines in her life

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In our new Decanter Wine Photography Competition, we’re on the lookout for images that celebrate the world of wine in all its forms – from sweeping landscapes and intimate gatherings to striking still lifes and imaginative, abstract interpretations. However you see wine, we want to see it too.

Send us your best shots and you could have your work featured in Decanter, both in print and on Decanter.com – along with the chance to win some truly exceptional prizes.

‘We’re delighted to be launching this competition, and we can’t wait to see the entries across all four categories,’ says Decanter art editor and chair of judges, Patrick Grabham. ‘We’ll be looking for photos that are attractive, compelling, visually engaging and technically correct. They have to draw the viewer in via composition, perspective or emotion. But ultimately they have to tell a story.’

What you could win

A winner and two runners-up will be chosen in each category, and one of the category winners will be voted overall competition winner by our panel of expert judges. Prizes will be:

Overall winner

• A Sony Alpha 6700 kit including a camera and the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens (£1,449)
• A Coravin Timeless Three+ wine by-the-glass system (£289)
• A year’s subscription to Decanter magazine and Decanter Premium (worth a minimum £163.49)
• Total prize value: £1,900!

Category winners

• Coravin Timeless Three+ wine by-the-glass system
• A 12-month subscription to Decanter magazine and Decanter Premium.

Runners-up

• A 12-month subscription to Decanter Premium (worth £99)
• The overall winning photo, the winning entries in each category, and the runner-up photos will all be featured in a future issue of Decanter, and on Decanter.com

How to enter

Please submit photographs at the highest possible resolution. Smartphone images should be saved and uploaded at the device’s maximum quality setting.

Entries will be reviewed by an expert judging panel made up of members of the Decanter editorial team and at least one independent judge. Images will be judged on originality, creativity, technical quality and visual impact. All winners will be notified by 28 September 2026.

Click here to enter

There are four categories:

1. Wine landscapes
2. The enjoyment of wine
3. Wine in the bottle, and or glass
4. Abstract (creative)

The judges

• Patrick Grabham Art Editor, Decanter
• Amy Wislocki Editor, Decanter magazine
• Richard Butcher Photographer, Future Photography Studio
• Chris George Content Director, Digital Camera and digitalcameraworld.com
• Yann Salmon Legagneur, Category Head, Digital Imaging, Sony UK & Nordics
• Thomas Skovsende Award-winning photographer

About the prizes

• Sony Alpha 6700 kit

Sony’s Alpha 6700 camera provides next-generation creativity on the go. Experience outstanding image quality with the new 26MP backside illuminated sensor and precise AI-powered autofocus. Lightweight, compact and intuitive, it lets you focus on your creativity. Capture every moment with ease. For hybrid users, enjoy professional-grade 4K recording and seamless connectivity with a wide range of Sony Native lenses. Unleash your creative power like never before with the Sony Alpha 6700. The prize also includes a lens: Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II.

• Coravin Timeless Three+

With Coravin’s wine-by-the-glass systems you’re free to enjoy any wine, at any time, in any amount – whether you love bold reds, refreshing whites or sparkling wines. Coravin Timeless lets you pour wine without removing the cork or wasting the rest. So every glass tastes as if it were just opened without worrying about when to finish the bottle.

• Decanter Magazine

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or nearer the beginning of your journey in wine, we bring you the advice, information and inspiration you need to buy the best wines from around the world, at every price point. Vintage reports; regional profiles; spotlights on upcoming areas and producers; and recommendations for everyday drinking. Plus: regular free supplements, and an annual rundown of top-scoring wines in the DWWA, the world’s biggest wine competition.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

The 2025 en primeur campaign appears to have got off to a somewhat haphazard start with a spattering of big name releases but little rhythm thanks to a succession of bank holiday weekends and now a week-long lull.

Nonetheless, some key wines have appeared so far, including Lafleur (newly rebadged as Vin de France), Château Cheval Blanc, Château Pontet-Canet and Château Cos d’Estournel.

More recent releases have included Château Lafite Rothschild and its stable, Château Angélus and Château Palmer, as well as châteaux Branaire-Ducru, Lynch-Bages, Lascombes and Léoville-Barton among others.

First of the firsts

The most notable release of all so far has been first growth, Lafite Rothschild. The wine was rated 97-points by Decanter’s Georgie Hindle, who said it was: ‘A bit more lively, energetic and upfront than Lafite can sometimes be.’

With consistently high scores from other major critics too, there was hope that Lafite – as has been the case in the past – could help keep the campaign on course and set an example with its pricing.

Yields were very small in 2025 (27hl/ha) and quantities are very limited. Berry Bros & Rudd is offering the wine in packs of three for £1,047 (£4,164 per 12x75).

The 2025 is around 16% more expensive than the 2024, but for a much higher quality wine and one that is still much cheaper than many older vintages of Lafite – especially other highly-rated vintages.

Second wine Carruades de Lafite was also released at £432 per three bottles.

A smile on the face of angels

Right Bank grand cru Angélus hit the market on 21 May. Another wine with 97-points from Hindle who wrote: ‘The energy and balance is flawless. Really an elegant, elongated wine with such nuance of flavour. I love this and think they've done a super job – juicy, this brings a smile to your face.’

The wine is being offered for £606 per three bottles or £1,200 per six at BBR. Fine wine marketplace Liv-ex noted that the 2025 was one of the more expensive vintages available and some recent older vintages with equal or higher scores are currently available for less.

And finally, Palmer, which was released on 22 May and is being offered by BBR and other merchants for £1,158 per six bottles (or £585 per three).

Likewise scored 97-points by Hindle – who called it, ‘sturdy, stately, complex’ and ‘compelling’ – it was again noted by Liv-ex as being one at the more expensive end of comparable recent vintages.

Slow and steady

Reaction to many wines has been broadly positive so far. Big hitters such as Cheval Blanc and Lafite have sold well, several merchants said.

Corney & Barrow noted that its exclusives from the Moueix and Mitjaville stables had also found a ready audience.

Speaking to Decanter, one merchant said pricing was ‘sensible’ but also ‘not necessarily at a level where the wine becomes a must buy’.

Nonetheless, they added, buyers recognised ‘this is truly a vintage of excellent quality and a future great’.

This was leading to ‘reasonable’ levels of interest and, ‘significantly more large format bottling requests than normal given this is a vintage where buyers will want to own and drink’.

June offensive

Many of the Bordelais are currently in Asia at the Vinexpo trade show, hence the quiet end to May.

Various insiders, however, have caught wind of a number of big name releases that are lined up for early June.

A select few can be seen below.

Early June releases

1st June: Giscours

2nd June: Pichon Lalande, La Mission Haut-Brion, Lagrange, Pavie

3rd June: Mouton Rothschild, Haut-Bailly, Brane Cantenac

4th June: Cantenac Brown

8th June: Clos Fourtet

9th June: Haut-Brion

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Burgundy vineyard prices reflect luxury asset class

Burgundy vineyard prices continued to increase in 2025. A hectare of premier cru Chardonnay vines in Burgundy’s Côte-d’Or cost an average €2.7 million (£2.3m) last year, according to transaction data from France’s rural land agency Safer.

That same amount that could also buy a luxury apartment in central Paris, a collection of vintage sports cars or high-end Rolex watches.

With vineyard prices in Côte-d’Or extending a nearly three-decade-long climb, top Burgundy appellations now resemble scarce luxury assets more than ordinary agricultural property.

Value has risen even as much of France’s wine sector struggles with a slump in red wine demand.

'That’s where the land market gets complicated to analyse, because among people who have money, some are going to want to buy a Ferrari, while others will prefer to buy a Burgundy vineyard,' Nicolas Agresti, director of studies at Safer, told Decanter at press conference in Paris.

The average price for a hectare of premier cru white wine vines in Burgundy climbed 6% last year, according to Safer. Prices for premier cru Pinot Noir vineyards rose 11% to €1.15m per hectare.

That compares to an average 6.8% drop in the price of wine property across France, excluding Champagne.

The value of the French wine property that changed hands last year rose 16% to €1.65bn, according to Safer.

Out of 10,930 vineyard transactions, just four accounted for a quarter of that total value, and most of the handful of biggest deals were in Côte-d’Or, said Safer president Thierry Bussy.

Burgundy wines and land in-demand

Vineyard prices in Burgundy continue to have a degree of correlation with bottle prices, according to Agresti, who cited a 2023 analysis by researchers at French agricultural research institute INRAE.

Wines from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits areas consistently dominate Wine-Searcher’s list of the world’s top 50 most expensive wines, and have done so for years.

Despite a downturn on the fine wine secondary market in recent years, Burgundy continues to be renowned worldwide and manages to sell bottles at very high prices.

Loïc Jégouzo, in charge of studies at Safer, told Decanter. 'There is a niche market for certain investors who don't want to own the bottle, but rather the vineyard that produces it.'

Agresti noted the limited size of the Burgundy growing area as a factor driving up prices, with all grand cru areas fully planted 'and that’s that'.

The focus on terroir and very small plots linked to specific wines 'is unique and a system that’s probably quite different from other wine markets', he said.

The Côte d’Or vineyards cover about 9,500 hectares, around a tenth of the Bordeaux area, where winemakers have been ripping up vines in response to falling demand and prices.

Champagne up as Bordeaux's elite feel the heat

Champagne property also resisted the overall slump for France, with the price of a hectare of vines in the top-tier Côte des blancs appellation rising 3.5% to €1.69m.

Meanwhile, vineyard prices in Bordeaux fell for a fourth consecutive year amid weakening red wine demand and financial pressure on growers. Average prices slid 24% to €85,595 per hectare.

Even the most prestigious Bordeaux appellations succumbed to pressure in 2025, having previously resisted, Jégouzo said.

In Pauillac, the average price for a hectare of vines fell 32% to €1.7 million, while Margaux vineyard prices slumped 43% to €800,000 per hectare.

Burgundy in 'its own bubble'

Can Burgundy continue to remain immune to a global trend of lower wine consumption, particularly affecting reds?

'One might wonder whether, given what’s happening in Bordeaux, the same thing could happen in Burgundy,' Jégouzo said.

'Burgundy is really in a league of its own, because both the whites and reds are in their own little bubble.'

Get first access to DWWA 2026 results on 17 June

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Château Lafleur 2025 was offered by UK merchant Justerini & Brooks at around £1,800 per three bottles in bond (IB) on Friday 15 May.

Rated 97 points by Decanter’s Georgie Hindle, Lafleur 2025 represents the first vintage under the generic ‘Vin de France’ label.

Owner the Guinaudeau family announced last year that it was taking the producer out of the Pomerol and Bordeaux appellations, in order to have more flexibility to meet climate change-related challenges in the vineyards.

‘Bravo’ said Hindle of the Lafleur 2025 in-barrel. ‘A quietly compelling wine from Lafleur this year.’

Lafleur is highly sought-after and has a reputation for stable release pricing – even if vintages can subsequently soar on the secondary market.

At £1,800 per 3x75cl IB, the 2025 wine looks a shade more expensive than the 2024 vintage release (reported at £3,530 per 6x75cl IB).

Allocation only

Getting hold of it could be a challenge. Justerini & Brooks said, ‘Production is even smaller than usual in 2025, as such, everything is offered subject to our allocation process.’

However, other 2025-vintage releases from the Lafleur stable include Le Grand Village, also now a Vin de France and offered at £89 per 6x75cl IB.

‘I so often think of this as one of Bordeaux's best value wines and it's brilliant in 2025,’ said Decanter’s Hindle, rating the wine at 93pts.

Other releases included Lafleur second wine Les Pensées 2025 (95pts), offered at £400 (3x75cl IB).

A slow-burning early campaign but 'bargains' to be found...

More Bordeaux 2025 wines were released en primeur in the past week, including St-Emilion’s Cheval Blanc, as well as Duhart-Milon, Domaine de Chevalier and La Lagune.

Many big hitters kept their powder dry in the first fortnight of the campaign, though; perhaps gauging the mood.

While critical appraisal for Bordeaux 2025 points to a highly promising vintage maturing châteaux barrel cellars, the vintage arrives to an ongoing challenging wine market – following a period of falling fine wine prices – and macroeconomic uncertainty.

Prices have nudged upwards on several 2025 releases so far, yet some still compare favourably against en primeur pricing over the past decade.

Releases snapshot

UK merchant Farr Vintners offered Domaine de Chevalier 2025 red (94-95pts, Decanter) at £216 per 6x75cl in bond (IB), for example, adding, ‘slightly up on last year but apart from that, the lowest price here since the 2014’.

At current prices, however, some recent back-vintages were available for less, according to Liv-ex, a global marketplace for the trade.

Haut-Médoc third growth Château La Lagune 2025 (94pts) was €21 per bottle ex-négociant and £259 per 12 bottles (IB).

That's up slightly year-on-year but also lower than every other campaign since at least the 2008 vintage, showed Liv-ex data, noting the 2025 was also one of the less expensive recent La Lagune wines at current market prices.

Duhart-Milon 2025 debuted this week after receiving a 95-point rating from Hindle, who described the wine as 'brilliant' this vintage.

It was €48 per bottle ex-négociant, up slightly on 2024 and matching the 2019-vintage release price, and £588 per 12x75cl IB in the UK (Source: Liv-ex).

Corney & Barrow (C&B) said, 'We were very keen on the quality of Duhart in 2025 but sadly the lower market prices of older equivalent-quality vintages make it a pass, unless you are a die-hard Duhart enthusiast.'

The merchant highlighted several ‘bargains’ among early releases, including Margaux-appellation Château Angludet 2025 (94pts, Decanter) at £120 per 6x75cl IB.

‘Holding their price on the 2024 release, they are to be commended,’ it said.

Sales so far

It remains too early to properly assess sales in 2025, although there have been a few highlights.

Thomas Parker MW at Farr Vintners previously said the merchant sold a decent volume of Batailley, while Miles Davis, of Vinum Fine Wines, told Decanter that the group sold more Pontet-Canet 2025 than expected.

Will Hargrove, C&B's head of fine wine, said the merchant’s offers on Ets JP Moueix wines and Mitjavile (including Tertre Roteboeuf) were ‘going down well’ with customers.

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Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied, refreshing white wine that has become synonymous with the summer. It’s widely enjoyed as an aperitif at garden parties, and it pairs well with light, seasonal food on hot days.

This inspired Cavit – a Trentino-based group that produces America’s best-selling Italian wine brand – to create National Pinot Grigio Day in 2017. The annual celebration takes place just before Memorial Day, which is the unofficial start of summer in the United States.

The festivities have now spread well beyond America’s borders, as Pinot Grigio fans around the world open a bottle and toast this popular grape.

Scroll down to discover 15 award-winning Pinot Grigio wines from around the world

Same grape, two personalities

You may be surprised to learn that Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape. The Italian grigio and the French gris both translate to “grey”– a nod to the grape’s distinctive, greyish-blue skin. It’s a natural mutation of Pinot Noir, one of the world’s most prestigious red wine varieties.

Pinot Grigio is Italy’s flagship white wine. Producers in Trentino, Veneto and Friuli make clean, crisp wines with high acidity, bright citrus notes and a clean finish.

By contrast, Pinot Gris tends to be richer and more aromatic, with a fuller body and notes of ripe stone fruit, honey and a hint of spice. Pinot Gris thrives in the Alsace region of France, but it’s also flourishing in Oregon and New Zealand.

From Burgundy to the world

The grape originated in Burgundy, France. It was originally known as Fromenteau when it appeared in the Middle Ages.

By the 14^th century, the grape had spread to Switzerland, before eventually reaching Alsace and northern Italy. It had a niche following, but Pinot Grigio exploded in popularity during the second half of the 20^th century.

Italian producers began making light, easy-drinking whites that struck a chord with wine lovers around the world. Pinot Grigio is now the second most popular white wine variety in the US, and it’s also among the most popular wines in the UK, Canada, Australia and other large markets.

The grape flourishes in cool climates around the world, with around 115,000 hectares under vine on a global basis. Outside of Italy and France, the leading producers include Germany (where it’s known as Ruländer), Switzerland, the US, Australia and New Zealand, but it’s also grown everywhere from Argentina to Slovakia.

Whether you prefer a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or a textured, complex Pinot Gris, you can raise a glass to this famous grape on May 17.

International Pinot Grigio Day: 15 to try

Canada

Unsworth Vineyards, Unsworth Vineyard Pinot Gris, Vancouver Island, British Columbia 2023
Silver, 91 points
White stone fruit blooms on the nose, with pear skin, stony depth. Palate carries textural interest, bright orchard apple. Zesty citrus edge. Alcohol 12.7%

France

Cave De Ribeauvillé, Vieilles Vignes Pinot Gris, Alsace 2023
Silver, 91 points
Fragrant lemon zest aromatics lead to a palate of yellow apple, honey, spice and a salty finish. Alc 14%

Vieil Armand, Organic Pinot Gris, Grand Cru Ollwiller, Alsace 2023
Silver, 91 points
Savoury nose, with hints of wet stone, ripe pear and peach, textured, supple palate of bruised apple. Alc 14%

Italy

St. Michael-Eppan, Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige / Südtirol, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2022
Silver, 94 points
Ripe, round, and juicy with rich orchard fruit flavours, balanced saline-earthy notes and a slightly oaky character. Alc 14%

Cantina Kurtatsch, Penon Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige / Südtirol, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2023
Silver, 93 points
Exotic and charming with full, juicy notes of baked pear, lemon skin, roasted almond and an energetic, sapid finish. Alc 13%

Vigne Del Malina, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019
Silver, 93 points
Intense and mature with rich notes of orchard fruit, toffee, dried flowers and smoke with a pleasant texture and balanced acidity. Alc 13.5%

Cabert, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2024
Silver, 92 points
Full yet crisp with ripe, juicy notes of green apple, lemon, pineapple, mineral hints and a classy, fruity finish. Alc 12.5%

Cantina Valle Isarco, Aristos Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige Valle Isarco, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2023
Silver, 92 points
Soft and elegant with honeyed notes of ripe apple, pear, a broad, smooth texture and sweet finish. Alc 13.5%

Cozzarolo, Pinot Grigio, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2024
Silver, 92 points
Rich, supple, and full-bodied with notes of candied pear, beeswax, lemon, herbal-smoky notes. Sweet with an elegant, harmonious finish. Alc 13.5%

New Zealand

McArthur Ridge, Falls Dam Pinot Gris, Alexandra Basin, Central Otago 2024
Gold, 95 points
Freshly cut pear and apple, orchard blossom and candied ginger notes gleam over the mineral baseline with a racy acidity and saline grip to end. Alc 14%

The Landing Wines, Pinot Gris, Northland 2024
Silver, 94 points
Wet wool, apple and maritime notes on the nose give way to a refreshing, well-focussed palate. Well made wine. Alc 13%

Saint Clair Family Estate, Vicar's Choice Pinot Gris, Marlborough 2024
Silver, 92 points
White florals with golden characters throughout, with crisp acidity supporting the residual sugar and green orchard fruit lending vibrancy. Alc 9.5%

Slovenia

Herga, Sivi Pinot, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2024
Silver, 92 points
Zippy, fresh aromatics lead on to a savoury palate of spice and rich textured fruit. Alc 13%

United States

Alexana, Hillsides Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2024
Silver, 90 points
Lightly aromatic, with orchard florals and crisp pear leading to a palate of juicy apple, cantaloupe melon and a clean acidity. Alc 13.1%

United Kingdom

Chartham Vineyard, Pinot Gris, Kent, England 2023
Silver, 92 points
Impressive crisp, nectarine, Mirabelle plum, white tea and quince with light oat milk character. Poised, with pleasing natural acidity and a gentle finish. Alc 12.5%

Search all DWWA 2025 results

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New York’s vibrant hospitality scene was celebrated last week at the Star Wine List of the Year 2026 awards. The event recognised the city’s leading restaurants and wine bars across 13 categories, highlighting the venues currently setting the benchmark for cellar depth, by-the-glass creativity and expert service.

Winners across the 10 international categories will now advance to compete at the Star Wine List of the Year Global Final, taking place in Sweden this June, hosted by Terra Skåne.

The awards were judged by a high-profile panel of industry experts, including Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Doug Frost, ASI Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa and the Middle East 2024 Mikk Parre, and renowned New York sommelier Yannick Benjamin, also a Decanter World Wine Awards judge.

Top cellars and by-the-glass innovators

Among the leading Gold Star winners was 2-Michelin starred restaurant Atera, which collected top honours for its extensive and meticulously curated cellar programme. Meanwhile, Benoit New York was recognised for the strength and diversity of its by-the-glass offering, proving that great wine doesn't always require pulling a cork on a full bottle.

Chambers was also highly celebrated, securing (for a third year) the Gold Star for the Sustainability Prize, a category of growing importance to both trade and consumers. Brooklyn wine destination The Four Horsemen featured prominently among the winners as well, underlining its continued influence on New York’s contemporary, low-intervention wine scene.

Other notable venues recognised across the awards included newcomer Saint Urban, New York institution Peasant and Coqodaq for its sparkling wine selection, alongside more regional category winners.

The results reflect the sheer breadth of wine experiences now available across the city, ranging from destination fine-dining restaurants to more compact, sommelier-led neighbourhood wine bars.

The diversity on offer is epitomised by Special Jury Prize winner Noreetuh, a modern Hawaiian restaurant in the East Village, offering wine lovers something out of the ordinary.

Precision and personality

In comments published alongside the awards, the judges highlighted both the rigorous quality and the distinct personality of the winning lists.

Alongside a strong foundation in classic regions and producers, 'New York reveals a dynamic and confident wine culture, where sommeliers embrace individuality, championing lesser-known regions and low-intervention wines with conviction,''said Parre.

Reflecting on the strength of the city's wine offerings, Frost MS MW added: 'New York does not starve for big wine lists, filled with the names of wines most of us can only dream of drinking, much less buying.'

For consumers, the awards offer a timely snapshot of where to drink wine well in New York right now, whether searching for classic fine wine vintages, grower Champagne, emerging regions or adventurous tasting flights.

A global wine hub

The Star Wine List results reinforce New York’s position as a global epicentre for fine wine, arriving just ahead of next month’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter New York.

Taking place in Manhattan, the event will see top producers from around the world gather for exclusive tastings and masterclasses. Among the experts involved, award-winner Chamber's Pascaline Lepeltier will co-host a sold out masterclass with Champagne Salon & Delamotte.

A full list of winners and categories is available via Star Wine List.

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During the first two weeks of May, London was host to some of the world's most insightful wine conversations and evaluative tastings.

The 23rd edition of Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) has drawn to a close, and with 245 judges from 36 nations evaluating nearly 17,000 wines, the 2026 edition of DWWA is marked by exceptional quality of entries.

During the first week of judging (4–8 May), all wine entries were organised into flights by country, region, colour, grape variety, style, vintage and price point, and evaluated by over 240 judges coming from around the world.

The regional panels awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold medals, with high Silvers (94 points) and Golds (95-96 points) retasted and signed off by the Co-Chairs. This rigorous judging process ensures every wine is assessed against its peers, by experts with deep knowledge and understanding of the region.

Alongside judging, highlights from the first week also included the annual judges' party hosted at Vagabond Urban Winery, as well as an exclusive masterclass in partnership with Coravin preservation and by-the-glass system, led by Coravin's inventor and founder, Greg Lambrecht.

The first week ended with over 1,200 Golds, which were brought to the table again to be re-examined for Platinum and later on for Best in Show.

During Platinum judging (11-13 May), wines can also be downgraded from Gold if they don't reach the Gold quality level. The judging concludes with a final stage (14-15 May) whereby the Co-Chairs re-taste all Platinum medals to determine the 50 Best in Show wines of the competition, as well as the 30 Top Value Golds.

To celebrate two successful weeks of judging and ahead of the 2026 results announcement on 17 June, scroll down to relive the energy from DWWA's 23rd edition.

Subscribe to the DWWA newsletter to receive first access to results news, regional highlights and expert analysis.

One of the five judging rooms. Across the first week of judging 231 panels evaluated nearly 17,000 wines.

New Regional Chair for the Loire, Matt Wilkin MS discussing with Victoria Daskal and Daniele Arcangeli.

Nearly 17,000 entries were checked, categorised and bagged ready for tasting.

The panels discuss each wine before a medal is awarded. Rhône panel from left to right: Matt Walls (Regional Chair), Bertrand Lutaud MS and Alexandre Freguin.

Co-Chair Ronan Sayburn MS gives a welcome speech on the first day of judging.

DWWA Co-Chair Andrew Jefford re-tasting and discussing a wine with joint Regional Chair for Spain Almudena Alberca MW.

Judges Eugene Mlynczyk MW (left) and Yannick Benjamin (right) tasting on the US panel.

Wines are judged on a regional basis in carefully organised flights by country, region, colour, grape, style, vintage and price point.

Caro Maurer MW is the Resident Co-Chair for 2026, bringing dynamic perspectives into the leadership team.

More than 20,000 single-use plastic bags previously used for blind tastings have been replaced with reusable cotton alternatives.

Co-Chairs Beth Willard and Andrew Jefford.

Decanter hosted an exclusive masterclass for judges during judging week, covering Coravin's three preservation and wine by-the-glass systems, led by charismatic inventor and founder, Greg Lambrecht.

This year sees the largest-ever cohort of women judges at the competition: 106 out of the 245 judges.

Co-Chair Michael Hill Smith AM MW evaluating a wine at the Portugal panel.

Over 1,200 Gold medals were awarded during the first week of judging and re-tasted at Platinum week.

This year, over 80 'runners' worked at the competition, contributing to its smooth running.

Some of the DWWA team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth execution of the competition.

Regional Chairs Justin Knock MW and Amanda Barnes MW during Platinum week at the Decanter's offices.

Over 240 trade professionals gathered at Vagabond Urban Winery for the annual DWWA Judges' Party.

We provide high-quality glassware through our official sponsor Riedel, ensuring the best possible tasting experience for our judges.

Cheval Blanc 2025 released en primeur

Cheval Blanc 2025 was released in the fledgling Bordeaux en primeur campaign on Monday (11 May), and was offered by UK merchants at around £2,010 per six bottles in bond (IB).

It's among the first big names to emerge in the en primeur campaign for a much-admired Bordeaux 2025 vintage.

Rated 96 points by Decanter’s Georgie Hindle, Cheval Blanc 2025 represents one of the smallest vintages on record at the St-Emilion property – which could be a factor for collectors considering whether or not to purchase en primeur.

UK merchant Farr Vintners said it was the smallest Cheval Blanc vintage since 1961, except for 1991 when the wine wasn’t made.

Liv-ex, a global marketplace for the trade, said Cheval Blanc was consequently releasing ‘all produced wine en primeur – Cheval Blanc will not hold back their usual third of production for ageing’.

It said the ex-négociant price on Cheval Blanc 2025 was €336 per bottle, up 20% year-on-year – although last year’s price was the lowest at en primeur since 2008.

Corney & Barrow reported 55,000 bottles of Cheval Blanc 2025 were produced, versus 128,000 in 2023. It added that the 2025 was cheaper than other recent, high-quality vintages, except for 2020.

‘Although the release price falls above our target price range, we believe this high quality wine deserves the attention of followers of the estate.’

Based on recent Decanter analysis of Cheval Blanc back to the 2014 vintage, using Liv-ex Market Price data, the 2025 en primeur offer is below the 11-vintage average price from 2014 to 2014, which was £4,243 (12x75cl IB) at the time of publication.

Early days for the campaign

It remains early days for this year’s Bordeaux en primeur campaign, with only a few wines so far released.

Châteaux must balance a challenging market picture against a highly regarded – yet small – 2025 crop.

Pontet-Canet kicked things off at the end of April and Miles Davis, market expert at Vinum Fine Wines, with offices in the UK and Asia, said this week that the merchant ‘sold a lot more than we thought we would’.

It won’t make or break the merchant’s year, but there are clearly still buyers who enjoy purchasing en primeur, he said.

Geraint Carter, of international merchant Bordeaux Index, said Pontet-Canet sold ‘reasonably well’, although he said the price was still on the high side – dampening the potential for wider interest.

L’Evangile and Fieuzal out of the blocks

Pomerol’s L’Evangile, which is part of Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite), also released its 2025 vintage en primeur this week. Liv-ex said the wine was €96 per bottle ex-négociant, which is flat on last year’s release price.

Decanter’s Hindle rated L’Evangile 2025 at 96pts.

UK merchants offered the wine at around £582 (6x75cl IB), and Farr Vintners said that represents the lowest release price since 2014.

‘This [is] a welcome return to realistic pricing for one of the big names of Pomerol,’ it said.

Switching the focus to Pessac Léognan, Château de Fieuzal 2025 could be a value proposition to watch.

Rated 94pts for Decanter by Bordeaux expert Panos Kakaviatos, Château de Fieuzal 2025 red was offered in the UK at around £140 (6x75cl IB).

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Andrew Lloyd Webber sells wine cellar 'treasures' for charity

Bidders from around the world vied for rare Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and other legendary wines previously collected by Andrew Lloyd Webber, in a special charity auction hosted by Christie’s to benefit the provision of musical instruments in schools.

Every lot found a buyer in the sale, which raised £517,910 for The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST), Christie’s said.

It said all hammer proceeds from the auction will go to The Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme, which is administered by MiSST and provides access to free instruments, weekly tuition and a classical music curriculum.

Sale highlights

A single bottle of Château Margaux 1900 sold for £35,000, including the buyer’s premium, way above its pre-sale high estimate of £7,000, showed Christie’s results from the auction, which ended on 6 May.

Now more than 125 years old, the wine’s label features the name ‘Pillet-Will’; Count Pillet-Will acquired the esteemed first growth estate in 1879.

While it is particularly rare to see wines of this age going under the hammer, Christie’s said the highest-priced lots in the Andrew Lloyd Webber cellar auction were wines from Burgundy’s fabled Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC).

Three bottles of Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2005 sold for £56,250 including the buyer’s premium (high estimate: £45,000).

With 100% of hammer proceeds to be donated, Christie’s said the lot raised £45,000 for the MiSST-led programme.

Six bottles of DRC La Tâche 2005 sold for £50,000 including buyer’s premium (high e: £30,000), and Christie’s said the lot raised £40,000 for charity.

'Music empowers young people'

Andrew Lloyd Webber said, ‘I am absolutely delighted that the sale of my wine cellar has raised over a half a million pounds for my music in schools programme. To date over 30,000 children have taken part in the project and the sale means that 4,000 additional kids will be able to join.

‘The beneficial power of music education in schools has long proved to be a no-brainer. Quite simply, music empowers young people.

'From academic achievement to solving social behaviour and mental health issues, the benefits to the whole community, not just the young students, are demonstrably proven.'

The musical impresario behind hits such as Cats and Phantom of the Opera also criticised successive UK governments for their lack of support.

Adam Bilbey, senior vice president, and global head of wine and spirits at Christie’s, said, ‘This sale delivered exceptional results for a cellar of outstanding provenance. Collectors responded strongly to the rarity and historical significance of the wines, with sustained bidding throughout the online sale.

'We are particularly proud that the proceeds (full hammer total) will support The Music in Secondary Schools Trust and its transformative work in music education.’

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Welcome to Decanter's Bordeaux Guide 2026

Our Bordeaux Guide for 2026 brings you all the latest from one of the wine world's benchmark regions, and one in which deep-rooted tradition is brilliantly integrated with forward-looking dynamism.

Published alongside Decanter magazine's May 2026 issue, the guide also follows hot on the heels of our new en primeur report on the exciting Bordeaux 2025 vintage – featuring tasting notes on hundreds of wines.

A message from Bordeaux editor Georgie Hindle

Hello Bordeaux lovers, and welcome to this year’s guide! There’s nowhere quite like Bordeaux when it comes to pure wine joy.

It’s a region bursting with possibility – diverse, multi-generational and always ready to surprise you with something new, whether it’s a brilliant hidden-value gem or a legendary bottle that stops you in your tracks.

Every sip feels like an invitation to dive deeper, laugh louder and connect over glasses that tell stories.

This year brings a poignant yet uplifting reminder of how to embrace that joy fully, with the passing of two major figures of the industry, Michel Rolland and Daniel Cathiard.

Their legendary reverence for life, passion for great wine, good food, lively conversations with friends, travel and pure pleasure should stay with all of us.

So let’s open bottles, share them generously, debate passionately and let wine do what it does best: bring people together.

And bring people together it does. While headlines love to say we’re drinking and buying less, Bordeaux quietly proves otherwise. It remains one of the very best – if not the absolute best – regions on earth for sparking real excitement and enjoyment, with outstanding wines in every style and at every budget.

This is best emphasised by Marc Bouffard’s article covering his pick of 10 top-value estates among the 1855 Grands Crus Classés – yes, it is still possible to find bargains among these well-known names.

Panos Kakaviatos assesses all 14 third growths to see who is overdelivering on quality for price, and I take an intimate look at Château Batailley, a ‘pillar of value’ for Pauillac.

In our coverage of what turned out to be an extraordinary and very high-scoring panel tasting, you’ll also find a tranche of 35, no less, 95pt-plus Outstanding wines from the excellent 2020 vintage on Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

These include numerous at accessible prices as low as £20 per bottle in bond, and there are nearly 100 others rated at 90pts or more, with 54 wines in all being awarded our ‘Value’ status, for price and quality within this category.

Plus, in her ‘Expert’s choice’, Valeria Tenison sifts through the vast number of St-Emilion Grand Cru estates to pick 18 worth tracking down.

I hope you enjoy reading this guide as much as I loved putting it together – and that it inspires you to find some wonderful bottles to continue your Bordeaux journey.

What's inside Decanter's Bordeaux Guide 2026

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Pontet-Canet and Batailley both have a reputation for releasing early and they duly kick-started this year’s en primeur campaign as Decanter published its full report on the exciting Bordeaux 2025 vintage.

All eyes are on pricing after official en primeur tastings in April drew plenty of admirers, living up to a lofty reputation for years ending in 'five' in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux’s class of 2025 is entering a turbulent economic landscape and a wine market still finding its feet after a prolonged downturn – which is also widely reported to be well-stocked with young Bordeaux vintages.

Pontet-Canet makes debut

At £378 per six bottles in bond (IB) in the UK, Pontet-Canet 2025 was slightly more expensive than last year’s 2024-vintage release, which debuted at £360.

On an ex-négociant basis in Bordeaux, though, Pontet-Canet 2025 was €58 per bottle, according to Liv-ex, a global marketplace for the trade – slightly under last year’s release at €60.

Pontet-Canet 2025 received 97pts from Decanter’s Bordeaux correspondent, Georgie Hindle – equal to its scores in 2024 and 2023.

Hindle praised the 2025 iteration as ‘structured and fresh with a great promise of long ageing’, and enthused about the wine’s ‘brilliant purity of fruit’.

Shortly after the release, UK merchant Corney & Barrow said Pontet-Canet 2025 was more expensive than the current market price of the well-regarded 2019 vintage and ‘fell well short of our fair value bracket of £224-280 per six [x75cl IB]’. However, it said this biodynamic fifth growth has a loyal following.

On Tuesday (5 May) Thomas Parker MW, of merchant Farr Vintners, said strong appraisal from at least one major critic ‘really gave sales a boost’.

Batailley 2025 price 'lowest since 2014'

Batailley 2025 was rated 96pts by Decanter’s Hindle, who said, ‘I have a real soft spot for this wine and it delivers again with such great quality-to-price ratio.’

Liv-ex quoted a UK release price per 12-bottle case (IB) of £289 for Batailley 2025, which it said was 'the lowest since 2014'.

Many merchants offer en primeur wines in six-bottle cases, albeit other formats are available, too.

Farr Vintners offered Batailley at £144.60 per six-bottle case (IB) and Parker told Decanter on Tuesday (5 May), ‘It was good to see the price come down from last year.

'There was a clear understanding that success in selling this vintage must factor in the current demand for young Bordeaux and global economic and political uncertainty. We therefore offered and sold a decent volume of the wine as a result.’

Moueix wines make debut

Right Bank heavyweights from JP Moueix stable joined these top Left Bank names early this week.

Among the wines to be offered, La Fleur-Pétrus 2025 (95pts) debuted at £725 per six-bottle case (Farr, Bordeaux Index), slightly above last year’s debut price for the 2024 vintage. Bélair-Monange 2025 (96pts) was offered at £530 per six, similar to last year.

‘Gorgeous aromas, such a concoction of freshly picked red and black fruit with rose petals and violet touches,’ wrote Hindle of Bélair-Monange 2025, adding, ‘Another dark horse, not yet fully shining but with excellent potential.’

Laroque: A St-Emilion ‘value pick’ to watch

Château Laroque 2025 represents ‘another great success and value pick’ from this St-Emilion Grand Cru Classé estate, wrote Decanter’s Hindle after tasting the wine en primeur. She gave it 96pts.

UK merchant Lay & Wheeler offered Laroque 2025 for £117 (6x75cl IB) on Tuesday 5 May, also highlighting the value proposition on offer to buyers.

Justerini & Brooks offered similar praise, stating, ‘David Suire's Laroque must rank amongst the best value wines of the right bank. Since his arrival in 2015, critics have heaped praise on his wines, and for the time being they remain relatively affordable (relative to wines with similar scores).’

More releases this week

Other releases this week have included Doisy-Védrines 2025 (94pts) and Coutet 2025 (95pts) from Barsac (Sauternes) at £152 and £168 per 6x75cl IB respectively.

Meanwhile, Thursday 7 May saw debuts for Château Pape Clément 2025 red and also white wine Pape Clément Blanc in Pessac-Léognan.

Hindle rated both wines at 96pts, with the red offered by UK merchants at around £316 and the white wine at £543-£544 (6x75cl IB).

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Welcome to the Decanter May 2026 issue

Wine without barriers

Leader by Amy Wislocki, Decanter magazine editor

When I was interviewed for the editor’s job at Decanter, I said that I wouldn’t use the term ‘en primeur’ on the front cover, as potential readers might assume the magazine isn’t for them if they don’t buy wine in this way.

Granted, even the word ‘Decanter’ might put some off – many wine lovers don’t actually own one. But I hope that we fulfil, within our pages, our mission to cater for all wine lovers, beginner to expert and supermarket-wine buyer to serious investor and collector with a deep cellar.

Let’s pick a couple of examples from this issue. For the serious buyer, we have a report on the 2023-vintage Napa Cabernet Sauvignons, a year rated 5/5 by our Napa correspondent Jonathan Cristaldi; while for the wine lover seeking out value whites to drink this summer, we taste and rate the best current-release Picpoul de Pinets.

And please don’t assume that the content of our annual Bordeaux guide is only relevant to the former audience. It’s packed with advice on how to seek out value in a surprisingly dynamic and forward-looking region.

In my glass this month

A sunny Easter weekend coincided with my birthday – the perfect opportunity to open a bottle I’d been saving: Viña Ventisquero’s Tara Viognier, 7th Edition (£39.05 Les Caves de Pyrene), a solera-style blend of vintages, made from grapes grown in Chile’s Atacama desert. An extraordinary wine, displaying Viognier’s fleshy peach and weighty texture, but with Tara’s characteristic salinity, and surprisingly crisp.

Inside Decanter magazine's May 2026 issue

In focus

• Oregon’s origins Clive Pursehouse charts the history and continuing influence of some of the Willamette Valley’s key pioneering producers
• Vintage report: Napa Cabernet 2023 In short, it’s fantastic, says Jonathan Cristaldi, who picks 50 wines, including 10 impressive 100-pointers
• Is farming Napa’s new luxury? Anna Lee C Iijima writes about a ‘reset’ that’s bubbling under, as Napa returns to its agricultural roots
• Sonoma Chardonnay’s many faces Ana Carolina Quintela picks 20 wines that deliciously capture the region’s impressive breadth of soils and styles
• Champagne Tom Hewson gets the inside track from Laurent-Perrier’s cellar master Olivier Vigneron
• Under the radar: Stargazer This top Tasmanian producer likes to celebrate difference, says Cassandra Charlick
• Ultra-processed wines As Linda Johnson-Bell explains, it’s time for us to move beyond the ‘industrial’ wines that have come to dominate the shelves
• Welschriesling This popular Central European grape is gaining renewed momentum, says Caroline Gilby MW
• Portugal: the Douro Boys Ines Salpico meets the next generation keen to preserve and promote the Douro valley’s legacy and identity

Spirits

• Distilled Spirits news & cocktails
• Cocktail essentials Julie Sheppard sets up a perfect home bar starter kit

Food & travel

• What to pair with pizza Great offbeat matches, by Henna Bakshi
• Travel: San Francisco for wine lovers Amber Turpin reveals the City by the Bay’s kaleidoscopic wine scene

Learning

• Books etc Sophie Thorpe takes a dim view of a book on wine colour theory
• Wine wisdom Expert advice to help you on your ongoing wine journey

Buying guide

• Introduction
• Editors’ picks Decanter staff share highlights from their recent tastings
• Panel tasting: Picpoul de Pinet The popular dry white style from the south of France earned good results: 65 wines tasted, with three Outstanding
• Panel tasting: Right Bank Bordeaux Good value choices for easy, everyday enjoyment. 137 wines tasted
• Expert’s choice: Zinfandel ‘Uniquely, historically American’ – Clive Pursehouse picks 18 top examples of California’s signature red variety, which inspires something of a cult following among its admirers
• Weekday wines Decanter’s tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink now and priced at £30 or less
• Weekend wines Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress
• DWWA 2025 highlights: Asia Top medal winners from China & Japan

Collecting & investing

• Marketwatch Auction news and new releases, plus Bordeaux 2025

Regulars

• Writing this month Meet four of the authors who contributed to this issue
• News The latest from the wine world
• The brief Ideas and inspiration
• Andrew Jefford’s column
• Hugh Johnson’s column
• Guest column Kate Lofthouse urges us not to overlook the fun and sheer joy to be found in discovering wine
• The ethical drinker Natalie Earl ponders whether wine should be subject to the same scrutiny as food in terms of what goes into its production
• Subscribe to Decanter
• On the rack: Kyle MacLachlan How David Lynch’s influence led to the Twin Peaks actor owning his own winery. By Adam Morganstern

New Bordeaux Guide

Decanter's Bordeaux Guide for 2026

A welcome message by Bordeaux editor Georgie Hindle

Hello Bordeaux lovers, and welcome to this year’s guide! There’s nowhere quite like Bordeaux when it comes to pure wine joy.

It’s a region bursting with possibility – diverse, multi-generational and always ready to surprise you with something new, whether it’s a brilliant hidden-value gem or a legendary bottle that stops you in your tracks. Every sip feels like an invitation to dive deeper, laugh louder and connect over glasses that tell stories.

This year brings a poignant yet uplifting reminder of how to embrace that joy fully, with the passing of two major figures of the industry, Michel Rolland and Daniel Cathiard. Their legendary reverence for life, passion for great wine, good food, lively conversations with friends, travel and pure pleasure should stay with all of us. So let’s open bottles, share them generously, debate passionately and let wine do what it does best: bring people together.

And bring people together it does. While headlines love to say we’re drinking and buying less, Bordeaux quietly proves otherwise. It remains one of the very best – if not the absolute best – regions on earth for sparking real excitement and enjoyment, with outstanding wines in every style and at every budget.

This is best emphasised by Marc Bouffard’s article covering his pick of 10 top-value estates among the 1855 Grands Crus Classés – yes, it is still possible to find bargains among these well-known names.

Panos Kakaviatos assesses all 14 third growths to see who is overdelivering on quality for price, and I take an intimate look at Château Batailley, a ‘pillar of value’ for Pauillac.

In our coverage of what turned out to be an extraordinary and very high-scoring panel tasting, you’ll also find a tranche of 35, no less, 95pt-plus Outstanding wines from the excellent 2020 vintage on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. These include numerous at accessible prices as low as £20 per bottle in bond, and there are nearly 100 others rated at 90pts or more, with 54 wines in all being awarded our ‘Value’ status, for price and quality within this category.

Plus, in her ‘Expert’s choice’, Valeria Tenison sifts through the vast number of St-Emilion Grand Cru estates to pick 18 worth tracking down.

I hope you enjoy reading this guide as much as I loved putting it together – and that it inspires you to find some wonderful bottles to continue your Bordeaux journey.

What's inside the Decanter Bordeaux Guide 2026

• Writing on Bordeaux A spotlight on four of this year’s contributors
• What’s new? Georgie Hindle charts some of the developments in the region in wine, tourism – even sake
• Guest columnist Why is it that Bordeaux, like Napa, is the target of so much negativity, ponders Californiabased wine writer Karen MacNeil
• Obituary: Michel Rolland Bordeaux born, but a global winemaking legend
• Obituary: Daniel Cathiard Georgie Hindle remembers with affection the owner of Château Smith Haut Lafitte
• Finding value in the 1855 Classification Marc Bouffard picks 10 Médoc Grands Crus Classés that give incredible bang for your buck
• 2016 revisited Gareth Birchley reports back from the annual ‘10 years on’ tasting at Bordeaux Index, London
• The third growths in focus Panos Kakaviatos on the 14 third growths, and where he would place them in a hypothetical revision of the ranking
• Producer profile: Château Batailley Georgie Hindle visits the Castéja family-owned Pauillac fifth growth, which has a great reputation for value
• A region opens its doors Georgie Hindle reports on an award-winning program launched to help remove barriers to entry in the Bordeaux wine industry, and bring fresh perspectives
• Panel tasting: St-Emilion & Pomerol 2020 – 147 wines tasted. A spectacular success, resulting in 35 wines rated Outstanding and 98 Highly recommended
• Expert’s choice: St-Emilion Grand Cru Valeria Tenison picks 18 stars from this value Right Bank category
• Travel: The authentic Bordeaux Our expert local guide, Ira Szmuk, unveils the real Bordeaux that lies behind the glitzy exterior
• Drink now or wait? Vintages back to 2011 at a glance, across key appellations

Subscribe to Decanter print magazine and enjoy great savings today

Get access to this issue and previous issues dating back to 2013 with the Decanter Premium app

Top châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol are preparing their Bordeaux 2025 en primeur release offers after the region welcomed journalists, critics and merchants from across the world for its annual barrel tastings.

This Friday (1 May), hundreds of exclusive tasting notes on Bordeaux 2025 wines will be made available to Decanter Premium subscribers, alongside in-depth analysis on the vintage and market conditions – to give readers the best possible insight.

Early signs point to a small yet thrilling Bordeaux 2025 vintage at many estates, with the best wines hitting heights that one has come to associate with years ending in ‘5’.

Pricing will inevitably be an important factor in a Bordeaux 2025 en primeur campaign that is facing persistent macroeconomic storm clouds and a wine market that is well-stocked with recent vintages.

Decanter's Bordeaux 2025 en primeur coverage

What's coming up on Friday 1 May

• Full Bordeaux 2025 vintage report with in-depth look at key appellations
• Exclusive tasting notes and scores on hundreds of Bordeaux 2025 wines
• Market insights, including expert commentary and release price analysis
• Decanter Value Index: The best first growth vintages for collectors

Setting the scene

At its best, en primeur is a great opportunity to secure ex-château stocks of brilliant wines in a variety of bottle formats – at an advantageous price.

The small size of the Bordeaux 2025 crop at many estates could enhance the sense of en primeur as a buying opportunity.

However, sales have broadly struggled in recent campaigns amid challenging market conditions. Some wines have fallen in price following en primeur release, according to several sources, including Liv-ex, a global marketplace for the trade.

Despite some relative success stories for individual names, the en primeur system has come under further scrutiny.

‘There are always some wines that “work”,’ wrote market expert Miles Davis, of Vinum Fine Wines, in his April report – setting out reasons why the merchant still backs en primeur.

However, he said a key problem to date has been ‘comparable vintages available on the secondary market at prices less than the new release’.

Many châteaux have made big efforts to cut release prices in the past two years, and pricing will inevitably be something to watch closely this time around.

With the right vintage at the right price, en primeur can be an exciting time.

It's also an opportunity to explore the latest vintage to have arrived in Bordeaux estates' cellars.

Insights gleaned during en primeur offer an unrivalled window into winemaking developments across a region that is sometimes underrated for its ability to balance tradition with dynamism.

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Roger Taylor has become the latest name to enter the celebrity wine game, with the launch of Queen Côtes de Provence Rosé.

The Queen drummer has taken an active part in the creation of Cuvée Rock n’ Roll 2025, a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Cinsault.

‘We’ve always believed in doing things properly, and that was the starting point here,’ said Taylor.

‘I’ve spent a lot of time around rosé over the years, and I wanted to create something that felt consistent, expressive and genuinely enjoyable in partnership with good friends. It needed to have that sense of joy to it – something that brings people together.’

He added: ‘This isn’t about putting a name on a bottle; it’s about creating something with real integrity.’

The new rosé is a collaborative project with investment from Sony Music, Watermill Wines, Rupert Clevely, former UK MD of Veuve Clicquot, and Provence winery Les Caves du Commandeur.

‘When we met the team at Les Caves du Commandeur, we knew straight away it was the right partnership. They’ve been making wine in Provence since 1913 bringing together 60 growers who live and breathe the craft. Their respect for the land, attention to detail and their integrity, all aligned perfectly with what we wanted to create,’ said Taylor.

The wine was made by head winemaker Valérie Courrèges (above). ​​’We tried to have elegance, structure and freshness. In Provence it’s not always so easy, because it’s very sunny,’ she said.

Courrèges worked directly with the various growers, visiting the vineyards and deciding the dates of picking to ensure good natural acidity and freshness.

‘I think wine is like music. It’s about emotional connection and balance,’ said Courrèges, who also makes her own wines in Cahors.

Taylor was closely involved in creating the blend, as well as the overall vision and style of the wine.

‘I wouldn’t claim to be an expert about wine, but I would claim to be a lifelong lover of it, having consumed quite a lot of it,’ quipped Taylor at the London launch, where he was in conversation with comedian Paul Whitehouse.

Les Caves du Commandeur is a cooperative based in Montfort-sur-Argens, whose members manage 650ha of vineyards there and in nine surrounding communes, including Carcès, Correns, Cotignac, Salernes and Villecroze. Over 90% of their vines are certified organic or High Environmental Value (HVE).

So how does it taste? Cuvée Rock n’ Roll 2025 is a classic pale pink Provence rosé, with red berry and citrus aromas. There’s plenty of juicy strawberry fruit on the creamy palate, which finishes crisp and fresh.

The elegant pyramid bottle is labelled with the Queen logo in pale blue. ‘The bottle is beautiful. I would use it as a water bottle afterwards with a nice glass stopper,’ said Taylor.

He added that there were currently no plans to make other Cuvées and create a Queen wine range.

The wine will retail for £18, with stockists due to be announced on the website queenwinesoffical.com on 5 May.

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Two Lafite 1870 magnums fetch $306,250 combined

As critics headed to Bordeaux to taste en primeur samples of the 2025 vintage, collectors vied for magnums of Lafite 1870 and other legendary wines at a Sotheby's single-owner auction in New York.

All lots found buyers as total sales soared to $2.1m (£1.55m), around $800,000 above the pre-sale high estimate, and Sotheby's claimed 10 world records.

While existential debate has surrounded the en primeur system in a still-choppy market, this white-glove sale of 'immortal vintages' served as a timely reminder of the allure and longevity of Bordeaux's finest wines.

A bidding war lasting nearly four minutes saw one magnum of Lafite 1870 sell for $200,000, including buyer’s premium – four times its pre-sale high estimate.

Just before that, a first magnum fetched $106,250. Both were originally part of a fabled cache of particularly well-preserved fine wines discovered at Glamis Castle in Scotland more than 50 years ago, said Sotheby's.

Meanwhile, a single bottle of revered wine Lafite 1865 sold for $40,000, double its pre-sale high estimate.

Five more highlights from 'once-in-a-generation' cellar

Large-format bottles of legendary 20th century Bordeaux wines also starred.

‘This was a once-in-a-generation collection,’ said Richard Young, Sotheby’s Wine head of auction sales, Americas. ‘From pre-phylloxera legends to modern icons, every bottle told a story, and collectors responded with remarkable enthusiasm.’

Highlights included:

• A six-litre ‘Imperial’ of Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 | Sold for $81,250 (high e: $50,000)
• Two magnums of Château Trotanoy 1921 | $68,750 (high e: $15,000)
• A 4.5-litre Jeroboam of Château Haut-Brion 1959 | $60,000 (high e: $30,000)
• A double magnum of Château Palmer 1961 | $62,500 (high e: $24,000)
• Two magnums of Château Latour 1961 | $43,750 (high e: $18,000)

Lafite 1870 from Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle is the ancestral seat of the earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne. It has been home to royals and said to have inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth, but cellar logs also show that 48 magnums of Lafite 1870 were purchased in 1878.

After laying undisturbed for nearly a century, Christie's auctioned the cellar in 1971 and the wines were considered to be in especially well-preserved condition.

Sotheby’s said the Lafite 1870 magnum that fetched $200,000 bears no label, other than a red wax capsule embossed with 'Coningham Claret'.

It added the wine hasn’t been reconditioned or recorked, making it one of the ‘purest’ examples of Lafite 1870 available today.

Bordeaux under the hammer

Lord Rothschild and Andrew Lloyd Webber to sell rarities

In a busy spring auction season for top Bordeaux, UK auction house Dreweatts is planning to offer Lafite vintages from 1956 to 1997 from Lord Rothschild’s cellar at Stowell Park on 28 April.

Meanwhile, Christie’s will auction ‘final treasures’ from celebrated composer Andrew Lloyd Weber’s cellar from 22 April to 6 May. Lots include Cheval Blanc 1947, Petrus 1990 and d’Yquem 1949.

An improving wine market?

Falling prices and cautious buyers have been key themes on the fine wine market in recent years, albeit auction houses have always said collectors were willing to dive in for the right opportunities – as shown by other high-profile sales.

Since late 2025, there have been growing reports of improving sentiment for the very top-tier wines, with some prices stabilising.

Yet, significant challenges remain, from macroeconomic uncertainty to high stock levels of younger vintages.

At Liv-ex, a global marketplace for the trade, the Fine Wine 50 index that tracks recent vintages of Bordeaux first growths rose 0.6% in value in the first quarter of 2026 but was still down 17.7% over five years.

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Pascual Harriague ushered in Uruguay’s modern wine industry by planting the country’s first commercial Tannat vineyard in the late 19^th century. The Basque agronomist was determined to put the South American country on the wine map after moving to Salto in 1838. Most of the grapes he planted failed to flourish in northwest Uruguay’s humid, maritime climate, but he finally struck gold with Tannat.

The thick-skinned grape often struggles in its native France, but it relishes the humid climate, loamy soils and Atlantic breezes in Salto. Tannat quickly emerged as the crown jewel of Uruguay’s wine industry, and Harriague gained legendary status.

He died on April 14, 1894, but his legacy lives on at vineyards across Uruguay. To celebrate his pioneering work, Uruguay’s National Viticulture Institute declared that April 14 will forever be known as Tannat Day. The annual celebration started out as a Uruguayan event, but it has steadily gained international attention. It’s a fitting tribute to a tough, uncompromising grape variety that defied the odds to become a national treasure.

Scroll down to discover 10 award-winning Tannat wines from around the world

Basque roots, Atlantic soul

Uruguay has always punched above its weight on the international stage. The country is tucked in between two mighty neighbours, Argentina and Brazil, and it has a population of just 3.5 million. However, that hasn’t stopped Uruguay from becoming a major player in several fields.

It’s the global leader for clean energy, the football team has won two World Cups, and Uruguay also hosts Mercosur, the South American common market. Yet Uruguay never really made much of an impact in the global wine industry – until Tannat came along.

The grape originated in the foothills of the Pyrénées, in and around the French appellation of Madiran. Tannat’s name hints at its defining trait: tannin. In France, it built a reputation for producing dense, powerful reds that demanded years of cellaring before they became approachable. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc was the traditional strategy for softening its edges, and Madiran’s appellation rules still require it. French kings once accepted Madiran wines as payment for taxes, but the variety never achieved the fame of its Bordeaux neighbours.

In Uruguay, everything changed. The country’s humid climate and abundant sunshine coaxed a gentler side out of Tannat, producing wines with softer tannins, riper dark fruit and a freshness that its French counterparts often lack.

A grape of many faces

More than 150 years of experience have taught Uruguayan winemakers how to handle Tannat’s formidable structure through gentle macerations, careful use of oak and, increasingly, minimal intervention. Today, Tannat accounts for around a quarter of all vineyard plantings in Uruguay.

Winemakers now produce everything from vibrant, unoaked reds to structured wines that can age for more than a decade. You’ll also find crisp Tannat rosés, fizzy pét-nats, and even sparkling Tannat – proof that this variety has a creative streak to match its muscle.

Meanwhile, back in Madiran, a new generation of French winemakers is rediscovering Tannat with a lighter touch, and plantings are appearing in Brazil, California, Texas and beyond. Yet Uruguay remains the grape’s undisputed heartland. This April 14, do as the Uruguayans do: fire up the grill, pour a glass and toast the grape that helped make the country famous.

Argentina

Colomé, El Camino, Calchaquíes, Salta 2023
Gold, 95 points
Muscular smoky tannins, a weighty cedar oak structure and precise, defining acidity infiltrate the ripe bramble fruit harmony. Lengthy and sustaining with a chocolate infusion to end. Alcohol 14.5%

Brazil

Cerro da Cruz, Assemblage, Campanha Gaúcha 2022
Silver, 90 points
Aromatic and inviting nose, showing jammy fruit aromas with touches of coffee. Bright acidity, very polished on the palate. Alc 13%

France

Mont d'Oraàs, Villa Bys, IGP Béarn, Southwest France 2020
Gold, 96 points
Sophisticated dark cherries, dried tarragon and savoury notes spill out onto the voluptuous palate abounding with concentrated cured meat and pure fruit vigour to the end. Alc 14.5%

Plaimont, Néo Mad, Madiran, Southwest France 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
Immersive mixed red berry fruit and violet aromas which fan out over the rounded, supple structure; with soft tannins, fresh acidity and an ample, mouth-filling finish. Alc 13.5%

Marie Maria, Mont Durou, Madiran, Southwest France 2021
Silver, 91 points
Succulent black fruit aromas; subtle tannins, gentle spice and smoky oak on the palate. Alc 14%

Bergeyre Labadie, Réserve, IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest France 2024
Silver, 90 points
Upfront fruit profile of dark fruits complemented by a touch of spice and delicate flowers. Vibrant and silky. Alc 13%

Plaimont, Apéro' Nautes, Madiran, Southwest France 2023
Silver, 90 points
Lifted and perfumed, with a nose of red fruit, then to a palate of black fruit, spice and chocolate. Alc 13.5%

Uruguay

Bodega Garzón, Reserva 2023
Gold, 96 points
Capacious notes of spiced blueberry compote, red florals and a squidge of balsamic; full of juicy tension and verve with a persuasive freshness that lingers. Alc 14%

Viña Edén, Eternamente Presente Tannat-Chardonnay, Maldonado 2024
Gold, 95 points
Stacked with bouncy bramble fruit and spicy tobacco fragrance emanating vibrancy and pizazz. Beautifully rounded with evanescent acidity and tannins which melt in the mouth. Alc 12.5%

Altos de José Ignacio, Reserva 2023
Silver, 92 points
Floral and fruity profile, with scents of tobacco, sage, blackberry compote and leathery nuances. Supple and juicy, ripe tannins. Alc 14%

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Related articles

Leader: Amy Wislocki, Decanter magazine editor

A special relationship

Basing yourself in winery accommodation seems like a good place to start as a wine lover holidaying in Italy.

You’ll be in a beautiful, rural setting far from the frenetic pace of day-to-day life, and you’ll get a rare insight into the life of a winemaker.

It’s obviously a valuable revenue stream for wineries in a tough economic climate, but Elisa De Lulis of biodynamic estate Emidio Pepe in Abruzzo says (in our cover story on Italy’s new-wave agriturismo) that money is not the driver.

Instead, she explains, it’s an extension of their winemaking philosophy: a way to protect and communicate their heritage by letting people see it with their own eyes.

Visiting a winery in person certainly creates an understanding of, and a loyalty to, the estate that endures, and enhances the drinking experience. You’ll come back to their bottles time and again, with affection and memories.

PS: Don’t miss Jason Millar’s captivating tasting notes in his ‘love letter to the South’. Makes me want to seek out the bottles, even if I can’t get there.

In my glass this month

Tiziano Gaia’s reply to our reader question on 2004 Barolo (See 'Wine Wisdom') reminded me that I had a couple of dusty bottles in my kitchen wine rack. After years of fluctuating temperatures, I wasn’t hopeful when I uncorked Andrea Oberto’s 2004 Vignetto Albarella from La Morra. Colour still good; acidity firm; but no fruit or floral character – instead all tertiary, tar rather than roses. I’m sure proper cellaring would have prolonged its life.

Inside Decanter magazine's April 2026 issue

In focus

• Italy: Love letter to the south Jason Millar celebrates the creative chaos of the country’s southern wine regions
• Italy: The relevance of Riserva There’s more to the term than extra ageing, as Michaela Morris explains
• Italy: Top estates diversify Raffaele Mosca introduces the lesser-known side projects of six cult producers
• Italy: Stone & smoke Tom Hyland turns the spotlight on Sauvignon Blanc and its varied regional expressions
• Italy: Co-ops to know Cooperative winemaking could be a blueprint for the future, says Lauren Mowery. She profiles six of Italy’s best examples
• Champagne’s Montagne de Reims It’s not all about Pinot Noir, says Tom Hewson, who picks out 30 great bottles
• South African Bordeaux blends Jason Millar picks a dozen reds that show why this style made the nation’s wine reputation and is back in fashion
• My other passion: Surfing Luis Duarte of Lisboa’s Haja Cortezia tells Ines Salpico about life by the Atlantic

Spirits

• Distilled Spirits news & cocktails
• Armagnac Joel Harrison explains how the spirit differs from Cognac

Food & travel

• What to pair with lamb Fiona Beckett suggests offbeat matches
• Italy travel: New-wave agriturismo Immerse yourself in vineyard life with a wine-country farm-stay. By Joel Hart
• Italy travel: Bari for wine lovers Sarah Lane visits the Puglian capital

Learning

• Books etc Sophie Thorpe is charmed by a self-published book on Japan
• Wine wisdom Expert advice to help you on your ongoing wine journey

Buying guide

• Introduction
• Editors’ picks Decanter staff share highlights from their recent tastings
• Panel tasting: Verdicchio Perfect whites for spring from Italy’s Marche, 78 wines tasted, 4 rated Outstanding
• Panel tasting: Unoaked Italian reds An eclectic bunch of native grapes and styles impressed. 77 wines tasted
• Expert’s choice: Italy’s Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Discover this characterful, food-friendly dark rosé style, with Alessandra Piubello’s 18 top examples
• Weekday wines Decanter’s tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink now and priced at £30 or less
• Weekend wines Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress
• DWWA 2025 South Africa: Gold-winning white wines

Collecting & investing

• Marketwatch Auction news and new releases, plus top-end Tuscany

Regulars

• Welcome
• Writing this month Meet four of the authors who contributed to this issue
• News The latest from the wine world
• The brief Ideas and inspiration
• Andrew Jefford’s column
• Katherine Cole’s column
• Guest column Charlie Geoghegan argues that wine critics have a duty to publish bad reviews, as well as good
• The ethical drinker Natalie Earl on Pierre & Antonin, a Languedoc-based micro-négociant making wines from disease-resistant grape varieties
• Subscribe to Decanter
• On the rack: Michael Seresin The cinematographer turned winemaker shares wine stories with Lucy Shaw

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Montpeyroux has been approved as the newest Languedoc appellation following 30 years as a complementary geographic denomination under the Languedoc AP.

Confirmed by the French National Institute for Origin and Quality (INAO) in February 2026, Montpeyroux’s rise to ‘cru’ status marks a significant moment in the ongoing development and reshaping of southern France’s wine landscape.

All that remains is for the decree to be formalised in the coming months, including via sign-off at the European Commission, which governs protected designations of origin (PDOs) in the EU.

Previously known as Languedoc-Montpeyroux, the new Montpeyroux cru joins the upper tier of the region’s appellation pyramid as a recognised communal appellation, alongside the likes of Faugères and La Livinière.

For the growers (making up 16 domaines and one cooperative) working across this compact 594ha zone, the decision represents the culmination of decades of collective effort.

‘It’s the recognition of a terroir, but it’s also the recognition of a shared history of this group of vignerons,’ François Boudou, president of the Montpeyroux wine union and of the Castelbarry cooperative, told Decanter.

The appellation, whose name means stony mountain (mont pierreux) in Occitan, is set at the foot of the 848m Mont St-Baudille in the east of Languedoc, around 40km northwest of Montpellier, and encompasses four villages: Montpeyroux, Arboras, Lagamas and St-Jean-de-Fos.

It’s one of the smallest appellations in Languedoc, and sits as an enclave within the larger Terrasses du Larzac, which gained appellation status in 2014.

Only red wines are authorised, and their style is influenced predominantly by limestone soils, relative altitude, cooling winds blowing down off the Larzac plateau, significant diurnal shifts, and the ever-present garrigue.

The new status comes with tighter production rules, reinforcing the area’s qualitative ambitions. Yields are capped at 42hl/ha, blends must include at least three grape varieties, and maturation is extended to at least one year.

Carignan – long overlooked elsewhere – remains central to Montpeyroux’s identity, supported by Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, and with Cinsault, Counoise and Morrastel as secondary varieties.

According to the appellation’s wine union, around 80% of the vineyard area is now farmed under certified sustainable or organic practices, reflecting a broader regional shift but also a strong local commitment to long-term vineyard health.

The 2026 vintage will be the first released under the new designation, with wines expected to reach the market from October 2027.

Michel Rolland's death marks the end of an era in global winemaking, where one man's tireless energy, infectious smile and extraordinary palate reshaped wine styles across continents.

Born on 24 December 1947 in Libourne, France, Rolland grew up immersed in the world of wine on his family's estate, Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol.

Surrounded by the Merlot-dominant vines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, he developed an early affinity for the region's elegant yet powerful expressions. Encouraged by his father, he pursued formal training at the School of Viticulture and Oenology at La Tour Blanche graduating in 1970, followed by studies at the University of Bordeaux's prestigious Faculty of Oenology, where he graduated in 1972. There, he met his future wife and lifelong collaborator, Dany, who became an integral part of his professional journey.

In 1973, the couple established an oenological laboratory in Libourne, initially serving local producers with analysis and advice. After his father's death in 1979, they took over management of the family properties, including Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, Château Rolland-Maillet in St-Emilion and Château Bertineau Saint-Vincent in Lalande de Pomerol.

They later expanded with acquisitions such as Château Fontenil in Fronsac in 1986, which is the only Bordeaux estate that remains under Rolland family ownership, alongside Argentinian estates Val de Flores and Bodega Rolland as well as the ‘MR’ Napa Valley red project.

Rolland's hands-on experience at these estates honed his expertise, particularly with Merlot and in blends that emphasised ripeness, concentration and approachability, believing that later-harvested grapes made more appealing, characterful wines.

Rolland's true breakthrough came in the 1980s when he began consulting beyond Bordeaux, becoming one of the first true ‘flying winemakers’ - a globetrotting consultant jetting worldwide to advise during both northern and southern hemisphere harvests.

In the course of five decades, he worked with over 150 wineries across more than 20 countries, from Napa Valley icons like Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, Bryant Family Vineyard and Dalla Valle, to estates in Chile (Clos Apalta for Lapostolle), Argentina (Yacochuya, Clos de los Siete), Italy (Ornellaia), South Africa, India and beyond. In Bordeaux itself, his clients included heavyweight châteaux such as Figeac, La Conseillante and Pontet-Canet.

What set Rolland apart was his unmatched global influence, particularly at the turn of the century when he was regarded almost as a rockstar of the wine world.

His consultations often emphasised modern techniques - extended maceration, micro-oxygenation, riper fruit profiles, lower yields and new oak integration - to produce opulent, fruit-forward wines with polished tannins and immediate appeal.

This ‘international style’ helped revive Bordeaux's fortunes after the challenges of the 1970s, and fueled the rise of Napa Valley's cult Cabernet movement.

Critics sometimes accused him of homogenising wine, but supporters praised his ability to unlock potential in diverse terroirs, coaxing exceptional results from challenging vintages and sites.

Rolland possessed an almost sixth sense for blending: an intuitive mastery that allowed him to harmonise varieties and parcels with precision few could match. Tireless in his work ethic, he maintained a grueling travel schedule well into his later years, yet he was always approachable, friendly and quick with a warm smile or a joke.

Colleagues and clients described him as larger-than-life; warm, funny, engaging and endlessly curious, with a passion for his craft, family and life that never dimmed.

His visibility extended to popular culture. He featured prominently in Jonathan Nossiter's 2004 documentary Mondovino, which explored wine globalisation and spotlighted his role in shaping modern styles (albeit controversially). He also appeared in other wine films, including El Camino del Vino (2010).

In 2020, Rolland stepped back from daily operations, handing over majority shareholding of Rolland & Associés (formerly Laboratoire Rolland) to long-term partners Jean-Philippe Fort, Mikaël Laizet and Julien Viaud.

This allowed the firm to continue serving its 400 or so worldwide clients under new leadership, while Rolland retained a handful of cherished, long-standing clients-come-friends and focused on tasting, family estates and personal pursuits.

His own family estates reflected his philosophy, producing consistently high-quality wines that balanced tradition with modernity. Rolland's daughters, Stéphanie and Marie, joined the family business alongside Dany, ensuring continuity in administration and operations.

While his bold style sparked debate - some saw it as transformative, others as overly interventionist - there is no denying the tremendous impact Michel Rolland had on the wine world.

He elevated countless producers, democratised access to top-tier expertise around the world and helped make fine wine a truly global phenomenon. His legacy lives on in the bottles he helped shape and in the generations of winemakers he inspired.

Michel Rolland is survived by his wife Dany, daughters Stéphanie and Marie, five grandchildren and a worldwide community of admirers who will raise a glass in his memory.

An Instagram post by @rolland_associes, shared shortly after his passing on March 20, 2026, reads:

Original French:

Nous avons l’immense tristesse de vous faire part de la disparition de Michel Rolland, qu’un infarctus fulgurant a emporté. Il était encore plein d’énergie et de projets de voyage. Son cœur, tant sollicité par cette vie trépidante qu’il avait choisie et qu’il aimait, l’a soutenu pendant 55 années de travail acharné et de voyages sous toutes les latitudes ; puis s’est arrêté. Chacun se souviendra de sa gouaille, de ses rires, de ses coups de gueule, de sa générosité, de son talent. Il a tant aimé la vie qu’il en a vécu plusieurs. Nos pensées se tournent vers lui ce soir, tant il demeure vivant en nous.

English translation:

We have the immense sadness of sharing with you the passing of Michel Rolland, taken by a sudden heart attack. He was still full of energy and travel plans. His heart, so heavily taxed by this hectic life he had chosen and loved, sustained him through 55 years of relentless work and journeys across every latitude; then it stopped. Everyone will remember his sharp wit, his laughter, his outbursts, his generosity, his talent. He loved life so much that he lived several of them. Our thoughts turn to him this evening, as he remains so alive within us.

Leader: Amy Wislocki, Magazine Editor

Freedom to innovate

I love the mental image of Bo Barrett (See: The Man at Montelena), aged 18, flying over California’s cattle ranches, vineyards and citrus groves with his father Jim, who was looking for an agricultural project to invest in.

And so Chateau Montelena was born, just a few years before its 1973 Chardonnay went on to triumph at the Judgement of Paris. It’s partly due to that victory that Napa is where it is today, firmly part of the fine wine establishment.

And yet, as Montelena president Matt Crafton points out, Napa must remain ‘forward-looking, free to innovate, aspirational’. It’s good to be part of a settled community of wine producers, but the danger of that, he says, is ‘groupthink’.

It’s when winemakers have the confidence to plough a different furrow – even (or especially) in regions where regulations are more restrictive – that the real excitement occurs. Château Latour-Martillac’s new white wine, for example (See Editors' Picks). With winemakers showing such open-mindedness in the most established of wine regions, we owe it to them as wine drinkers to be equally open-minded.

In my glass this month

No danger of those profiled in this month’s feature on nomadic winemakers (See: The Nomads) falling victim to groupthink! Among them is Darren Smith, who as well as making wine writes the occasional feature for Decanter. I went along to meet him when he showed some of his wines in London. His old-vine País from Chile’s Itata (£32 tfwath.com) was so individual, so authentic, and so emblematic of freedom to innovate that every sip thrilled.

Inside Decanter magazine's March 2026 issue

In Focus

Interview: The man at Montelena Fifty years after the Judgement of Paris, Jonathan Cristaldi meets Chateau Montelena’s Bo Barrett

20 top buys... Spring whites at £20 and under David Williams’ high street picks for the new season

Bordeaux 2023 in bottle Having retasted the 2023 clarets, Georgie Hindle offers her thoughts on the vintage, along with 30 top tips

Brunello di Montalcino latest releases Michaela Morris reports on the 2021s and 2020 Riservas

The nomads Marianna Hunt meets four travelling winemakers, and discovers why they’re right to roam

North Adriatic: Wine without borders Miquel Hudin looks at what links Italy, Croatia and Slovenia

Tasting: Disrupting the status quo Everyone perceives wine differently. Tim Hanni MW explains why

Spirits

Distilled Spirits news & cocktails

Rise of the Dirty Martini Alicia Miller on an enduring classic

Food & travel

What to pair with Malaysian food David Sly’s matches for bold flavours

Travel: Central Otago: A wine lover’s guide Ash Bhardwaj visits one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions

Learning

Books etc Sophie Thorpe presents a selection of books about sake

Wine wisdom Expert advice to help you on your ongoing wine journey

Buying guide

Introduction

Editors’ picks Decanter staff share highlights from their recent tastings

Panel tasting: Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Two vintages a decade apart serve up two Exceptional and eight Outstanding wines; 98 wines tasted

Panel tasting: South African red blends Combinations of traditional grape varieties shine; 86 wines tasted

Expert’s choice: Light South American reds Ines Salpico looks beyond the region’s big bruisers

Weekday wines Decanter’s tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink now and priced at £30 or less

Weekend wines Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress

DWWA 2025 Italy for the cellar

Collecting & investing

Marketwatch Auction news and new releases, plus the opportunities offered by Bordeaux’s 2016 vintage

Regulars

Welcome

Writing this month Meet four of the authors who contributed to this issue

News The latest from the wine world

The brief Ideas and inspiration

Andrew Jefford’s column

Guest column Due to climate change, the future of winemaking is white, argues Benjamin Lewin MW

The Ethical Drinker The wine world needs to examine its relationship with water, says Linda Johnson-Bell

On the rack: Daniel Boulud The French chef and restaurateur shares some of his vinous exploits

Subscribe to Decanter print magazine and enjoy great savings today

Get access to this issue and previous issues dating back to 2013 with the Decanter Premium app

Take a journey through time via our new wine history quiz, featuring 10 light-hearted brain teasers that celebrate the grapevine’s rich cultural heritage.

In the quiz box below, you’ll find multiple choice questions on a range of topics, from revered winemakers in ancient Egypt to French royal preferences and landmark dates. Can you get a perfect score?

Related articles

• Burgundy wine quiz: 10 questions to test your knowledge
• Wine and film quiz: Test your knowledge
• Guess the vintage: Bordeaux fine wine history quiz

More than 80 Bordeaux 2016 wines featured in a recent ‘10 Years On’ tasting hosted by international merchant Bordeaux Index in London, attended by producers, critics and journalists.

Classified Left Bank estates, including first growths, were joined by top Right Bank names, from Lafleur, Le Pin, Petrus and Trotanoy to Angélus and Cheval Blanc.

Bordeaux 2016 reds have long been considered a modern benchmark with particularly strong ageing potential, thanks to a combination of high tannin, generous fruit and freshness. 

Early promise translated to high scores during en primeur tastings in spring 2017, broadly confirmed in-bottle 18 months later. Some appellations also reported the highest average yields since 2006. 

While a full report and tasting notes from the 10 Years On tasting will be published in Decanter magazine’s Bordeaux guide in June, enthusiasm among producers, at least, appeared undimmed.

Omri Ram, winemaker at Château Lafleur, said he considers 2016 ‘one of the greatest vintages ever done in Bordeaux.’

He added, ‘At Lafleur, I think it’s going to be one of the greatest’. He said the wine’s high (yet ‘super fine’) tannin and ‘huge amount of energy’ means it is still young as the 10-year mark approaches. 

Bordeaux 2016: From zero to hero?

And yet, Ram explained that Bordeaux 2016 wasn’t always considered destined for greatness. A very wet spring led to mildew pressure and some producers feared the worst, before a mostly hot and dry summer helped to change the picture.

Ram described 2016 as the first of a new type of ‘hybrid’ vintage in Bordeaux, breaking with an established pattern of viewing years as dominated by singular weather traits.

It was a steep learning curve, and hard work. ‘We were confused, but the vines were definitely confused,’ Ram said. 

‘They started in comfort [but] by the beginning of summer they switched into this very extreme heat and dry sun. You had these big lazy vines that had to run a marathon until harvest.’

Managing the canopy was key, added Ram, who credited big developments in viticulture in Bordeaux with helping to deliver the vintage.

After harvest, Lafleur team members expected something good but weren’t prepared for what greeted them. ‘The first time we actually understood there was something huge here – like, “wow, great vintage” – was after malolactic [fermentation].’ 

Bordeaux 2016 today

There was a good deal of enthusiasm for 2016 during the recent 10 Years On tasting, even if some wines remained relatively tight at this stage. Some producers, such as Christian Seely of ‘super’ second growth Château Pichon Baron, also highlighted different interpretations of the vintage.

A 2025 Decanter expert panel tasting found high extraction on some Médoc 2016 reds, although praised overall quality with 11 rated ‘outstanding’.

Decanter’s Bordeaux correspondent, Georgie Hindle, last year gave 100 points to Château Latour 2016 after it was released for the first time in March.

While surrounding vintages also offer plenty to enjoy, 2016 carries a certain symbolism. Matthew O’Connell, Co-CEO of Bordeaux Index and the LiveTrade online trading platform, described it as ‘the start of a golden age of winemaking’ in the region.

Châteaux reporting individual landmarks included Margaux-appellation second growth Durfort-Vivens, for which 2016 was the first year of both organic and biodynamic certification.

An uncertain market 

Bordeaux has faced a particularly troubled time on the market in recent years. Will 2016 pierce the clouds? 

O’Connell said he expected good demand amid a renewed focus on the vintage, and highlighted the wines’ value versus other five-star, peer vintages. 

Miles Davis, market expert at merchant Vinum Fine Wines, said in his February market report, ‘We [recently] sold a decent chunk of the very highly regarded Pichon Lalande 2016, in bottles and large formats, and I suspect 2016s will continue to sell well this year.’

Bordeaux Index’s Geraint Carter, who helped provide price analysis on the vintage for Decanter magazine’s Market Watch in the upcoming March issue, added, ‘There’s definitely [buyer] enthusiasm for it.’

Related articles

• Bordeaux 2015 revisited 10 years on
• Andrew Jefford: Bordeaux’s white wine resurgence deserves attention
• Bordeaux 2005: 23 top wines tasted two decades on

Tickets are now on sale for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) New York, returning for its fifth year on Saturday 6 June, on the 60th floor at the stunning Manhatta.

High above the city skyline, the DFWE New York is a one-day tasting experience built for discovery. Guests are invited to taste widely, learn with confidence and deepen their understanding of fine wine, guided by the people who know it best.

The New York Encounter opens Decanter’s global Fine Wine Encounter series for 2026, ahead of later editions in cities including London, bringing together exceptional wines and expertise in an elegant, relaxed setting.

Discover what you like

At the heart of the day is the Grand Tasting, bringing together 55 producers from around the world, including E. Guigal, Château d’Esclans, Mazzei and Ridge Vineyards. Each will present four wines, including a special cuvée awarded 95+ points by Decanter. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, guests can compare styles, revisit favourites and speak directly with producers, building confidence in their palate while discovering new wines along the way.

Learn from the best

For those looking to explore further, a curated programme of three masterclasses offers focused insight into some of the world’s most celebrated names and regions.

Confirmed masterclasses include  Salon and Delamotte, hosted by Cristian Rimoldi, and Super Tuscans, led by Italian wine expert Michela Morris, with a third session to be announced.

Each class runs for 75 minutes and is limited capacity, allowing for a more in-depth, engaging experience.

A seat at the table with a winemaker

After a successful debut across Decanter’s global Fine Wine Encounters last year, the Winemakers’ Lunch returns to New York, having quickly become a highlight of the programme.

This intimate dining experience offers guests the chance to enjoy relaxed, in-depth conversations over lunch with winemakers and members of the Decanter editorial team. Dr Laura Catena of Catena Zapata is confirmed, with more names to be announced.

Essential information

DFWE New York

Date: Saturday June 6 2026 from 11am to 5pm

Location: Bay Room at Manhattan, 28 Liberty Street, 60th Floor

New York, NY 10005

Price: from $225 + US sales tax

BUY TICKETS HERE

The Loire Valley has always been a quietly confident wine region. Stretching 300km along the river and its tributaries, it encompasses more than 65 official designations, from Muscadet on the Atlantic coast to Sancerre in the east. The area now enjoys UNESCO recognition for its cultural landscape, too.

Ahead of the curve

Given its size, two bodies represent the Loire’s producers and strategy: InterLoire, which represents about three-quarters of the entire Loire wine region from Muscadet through to Touraine, and the BIVC, which covers the eight specific appellations that make up the geographically distinct Centre-Loire region, which includes Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

Though they’re administratively distinct, the combined result is impressive: the region has arguably the most forward-looking and complete sustainability roadmap in French wine.

How has this come about? In short, the Loire is a region of small, multigenerational domaines, so families live and breathe the vineyards, experiencing change first-hand and often more acutely.

Ahead of its time, the BIVC’s technical arm SICAVAC has been supporting Centre-Loire producers since 1994.

Founded and funded by growers for growers, it is unique in France, conducting research, vineyard monitoring, laboratory analysis, R&D, training and newsletters that flag forecasted issues and how to mitigate them.

By the late 1990s, while many other regions were preoccupied with marketing, the Loire was setting ambitious environmental targets, and nudging growers towards more sustainable farming.

A resilience ‘toolbox’

In 2000, it began precision terroir mapping across the whole wine-growing region – an area of about 66,000ha.

Thirteen years later, the results were made available online via the E-terroir platform, which now provides detailed maps of both soils and water.

Then, in 2018, InterLoire launched a program, led by the French Vine and Wine Institute, around heritage and new grape varieties.

‘This work is about building a library of genetic diversity so growers can match plant material to shifting soils and climates,’ says Etienne Goulet, InterLoire’s technical director.

This was followed, the next year, by the launch of Le Plan Filière Loire 2030, a strategic roadmap for the region’s wine industry. The first of its kind in France, it included targets for environmental certifications, such as organic and Terra Vitis (sustainable wine-growing).

Foundations were also laid for a shared ‘toolbox’, that would be accessible to everyone from educators to growers.

Among the tools in that toolbox are the Agroclimatic Atlas, which provides data on climatic evolution and its potential long-term impact on terroir and varietal suitability, and Loire Météo, which delivers hyper-local weather forecasts and disease alerts to guide vineyard decisions.

While resilience tools are impressive, reducing wine’s carbon footprint must also stay front of mind. Intent from the top is clear, and the WinePilot platform, rolled out by InterLoire from late 2024, enables growers and wine companies to measure their carbon footprints and identify reduction pathways.

There’s also new funding for a major bottle-reuse campaign and for helping growers invest in energy-efficient equipment.

Mitigations & frustrations

With such ambitious plans however, it’s worth asking how much is actually filtering down to producers.

The big-picture results are encouraging. The plan aims for organic or HVE (High Environmental Value) certification for 100% of the region’s vineyard area by 2030.

According to InterLoire, 85% was already there by 2023.

The BIVC has also recorded a five-fold increase in certification in just five years.

‘We know change is hard, so we’re focused on finding practical solutions to the technical challenges raised by this environmental commitment,’ says François Dal, technical expert at the SICAVAC.

Goulet says: ‘Tool usage among producers is strong and steadily increasing, but we’re working to expand adoption further by raising awareness and demonstrating relevance.’

On the ground, however, I found many winemakers were keen to emphasise the upsides of warmer vintages and riper wines. Others seemed so accustomed to environmental directives that they no longer viewed them as remarkable.

Yet when pushed, several acknowledged growing threats, such as vine disease flavescence dorée.

Most also admitted that each new vintage now brings weather extremes of some sort, testing resilience every year.

Results in the glass

For wine drinkers, this isn’t simply academic. Without vigilance, climatic pressures will mean rising prices, loss of vinous identity and patchy quality. Extra ripeness isn’t always a drawback for Loire wines but already, it’s tipping towards the edge.

The Loire’s proactive stance aims to safeguard its wines’ unique characteristics, meaning Cabernet Franc retains its fragrant poise and Sauvignon remains elegant, for example, while ensuring they always speak of place.

There is obviously still plenty to be done, but the Loire seems better placed than many other regions to face the challenges ahead.

In the meantime, in the spirit of collaboration the plan champions so well, it will also fall to us as wine lovers to help tell their story.

Sip to make a difference: Loire wines to try

Domaine Théo Blet, La Peyanne, Saumur Blanc 2023

100% organic Chenin Blanc, balancing delicate floral aromatics with a textured palate of apricot and white peach.

Lulu l’Alouette, Chinon, 2023

Perfumed and silky, with notes of spiced raspberry and graphite, this is an elegant, easy-drinking Cabernet Franc.

Related articles

• The ethical drinker: ‘Community is the answer’
• The ethical drinker: Biochar – the secret to the soils, and wines, of the future?
• The ethical drinker: The big blue: winemakers’ quiet ally?

Tickets are now on sale for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) New York, returning for its fifth year on Saturday 6 June, on the 60th floor at the stunning Manhatta.

High above the city skyline, the DFWE New York is a one-day tasting experience built for discovery. Guests are invited to taste widely, learn with confidence and deepen their understanding of fine wine, guided by the people who know it best.

The New York Encounter opens Decanter’s global Fine Wine Encounter series for 2026, ahead of later editions in cities including London, bringing together exceptional wines and expertise in an elegant, relaxed setting.

Discover what you like

At the heart of the day is the Grand Tasting, bringing together 55 producers from around the world, including E. Guigal, Château d’Esclans, Mazzei and Ridge Vineyards. Each will present four wines, including a special cuvée awarded 95+ points by Decanter. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, guests can compare styles, revisit favourites and speak directly with producers, building confidence in their palate while discovering new wines along the way.

Learn from the best

For those looking to explore further, a curated programme of three masterclasses offers focused insight into some of the world’s most celebrated names and regions.

Confirmed masterclasses include  Salon and Delamotte, hosted by Cristian Rimoldi, and Super Tuscans, led by Italian wine expert Michela Morris, with a third session to be announced.

Each class runs for 75 minutes and is limited capacity, allowing for a more in-depth, engaging experience.

A seat at the table with a winemaker

After a successful debut across Decanter’s global Fine Wine Encounters last year, the Winemakers’ Lunch returns to New York, having quickly become a highlight of the programme.

This intimate dining experience offers guests the chance to enjoy relaxed, in-depth conversations over lunch with winemakers and members of the Decanter editorial team. Dr Laura Catena of Catena Zapata is confirmed, with more names to be announced.

Essential information

DFWE New York

Date: Saturday June 6 2026 from 11am to 5pm

Location: Bay Room at Manhattan, 28 Liberty Street, 60th Floor

New York, NY 10005

Price: from $225 + US sales tax

BUY TICKETS HERE

Jefford accepted his award at the V d’Or Business Awards ceremony having been called to the stage by none other than pop superstar Kylie Minogue.

In introducing Jefford, Minogue revealed that she had turned to him for advice when she was first considering launching her own wine range.

‘I was very nervous ahead of our first Zoom call. But he was so supportive, and kind and insightful… he gave me a lot of fortitude,’ she said.

‘Like many of you I loved his book, ‘Drinking with the Valkyries’. And he has written with charm and intelligence for many publications, such as Decanter,’ Minogue added.

In a short acceptance speech, Jefford described the moment as, ‘possibly the most surreal evening of my life. My wife will never believe this’.

‘We’ll send them a selfie,’ Minogue piped up.

The award, presented by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), in association with industry publication The Drinks Business, recognises the ‘substantial contribution of an individual to the global wine community, and recognises vision, determination and innovation’.

‘For more than 30 years Andrew’s writings have contributed to the canon of the wine industry. It takes great skill to write about the nuances of wine and to communicate so eloquently,’ said Sarah Harrison, executive director, IMW.

‘To this day, his writing continues to educate, inform and inspire. Andrew is a very deserving recipient of this honour.’

The V d’Or Business Awards ceremony is held just before the annual Wine Paris trade show, which is taking place in the French capital this week (9-11 February).

The aim of the awards is to recognise those in the world of wines and spirits providing new initiatives and solutions to the various challenges they face.

This includes areas such as education, climate change, new consumption patterns and loss of traditional expertise, all of which undermine the long-term futures of these categories.

Andrew Jefford’s columns can be read every month in both Decanter and on decanter.com.

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On 20 January, French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticised US President Donald Trump after Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wine and Champagne, a warning that came amid rising tensions over US-European relations and Trump’s push for US control of Greenland.

The dispute deepened after Macron declined to participate in a US-led peace initiative, prompting Trump to publicly signal that punitive trade measures on French wine would follow if France did not join.

Trade war implications

From an economic standpoint, a 200% tariff would effectively eliminate most French wine from the US market, according to an analysis made by VIVI Economics.

French wine currently enters the US at an average landed value of $11.80 per bottle. A tariff of this magnitude would add $23.60, tripling the cost before state taxes, distributor fees, and retail markups. Under such conditions, imports of bottled French wine would collapse.

The implications for the broader US wine market would be meaningful, but not catastrophic. In 2025, the US imported 167 million gallons (about 70 million cases) of French wine. This equates to 15% of total imports and 5% of domestic consumption. While the loss of this supply would be disruptive, it would not create an outright shortage.

US wine inventories currently sit well above demand and would cushion the immediate impact.

If tariffs persist, VIVI Economics estimates that average US retail wine prices would rise by roughly 2% above baseline projections within six months. While French wine occupies a premium position, many high-quality producers in the US and other regions are struggling to find buyers and could fill shelf space relatively quickly. That adjustment, however, would come at the expense of consumer choice. American drinkers with a preference for French wine would be forced to reconsider, as most of the tariff burden would have to be borne by US consumers.

Bubbles, bubbles, tariff troubles

The impact on sparkling wine would be far more acute. France supplies approximately 45% of the sparkling wine consumed in the US, and viable substitutes for Champagne are limited.

Prices would surge, pushing even entry-level Champagne into luxury territory. For these reasons, it would not be surprising if Trump exempts Champagne, as he did during his first presidency. If such exemptions were granted, the affected trade volume would shrink to roughly 109 million gallons.

Restaurants and wine bars would face immediate pressure. French restaurants in the US would be especially exposed, as wine pairings are central to their dining experience. Wine’s share of restaurant alcohol sales has already declined over the past four years due to rising prices, and further increases would accelerate consumer shifts toward beer and cocktails.

The pain for French producers

For France’s wine industry, the consequences would be severe. In 2025, French wine exports to the US totalled €5.2bn ($5.7bn), representing roughly 20% of the total value of France’s global wine exports.

Losing access to the US market would force producers to redirect supply rapidly, leaving consumers in Europe and Canada with a sudden abundance of high-quality French wine. If tariffs persist for more than a year, downsizing across France’s wine sector would likely accelerate.

In the short run, that displaced wine would have to go somewhere. Much of it would remain in Europe or be diverted to nearby markets such as Canada, increasing supply and pushing prices down, at least initially benefiting consumers in those regions.

The downside would be intensified competition and thinner margins, not only for French producers but also for wineries already focused on those markets, which would suddenly find themselves competing with an unexpected surge of French wine.

Ultimately, a 200% tariff on French wine would function less as a negotiating tool and more as a blunt consumer tax. American drinkers would face higher prices and fewer choices, while France’s wine industry would absorb lasting damage.

But the effects would not stop at the US-France border. Wine is a globally integrated market with long production cycles and limited short-term flexibility. When political shocks sever a major trade route, the resulting imbalances ripple outward, reshaping prices, trade flows, and investment decisions across continents.

Trade wars may generate headlines, but in wine markets, the consequences linger long after the politics move on.

Trump also threatened extra tariffs on European countries over their stance on Greenland. By Thursday (22 January), however, the US president had reportedly backed away from this, citing a ‘framework’ for a future deal, although the situation remained uncertain.

Related articles

• Trump returns: The impact on the US wine industry
• China removes punitive tariffs on Australian wine
• Ontario’s boycott on US wine: A crisis paused but not averted

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Engaging with wine lovers in more than 100 countries around the globe, Decanter provides authoritative content, independent advice and inspirational events and competitions.

As the oldest consumer wine publication in the UK, Decanter was founded in London in 1975 following the success of wine columns in British newspapers.

It was the brainchild of Colin Parnell and Tony Lord, two of the most unlikely magazine entrepreneurs Britain has ever seen. Parnell was editing the wine trade magazine Wine & Spirit when he and his deputy, Lord – a young Australian journalist and wine enthusiast – spotted a gap in the market for a wine magazine for consumers.

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Winemaking in war time

In the early hours of 28 August 2025, in one of Russia’s largest drone and missile attacks of the war, a drone ploughed into the distribution warehouse of Pilot’s Wines in Kyiv. The explosion left a smouldering mess of twisted metal and shattered glass.

Economic losses aside, ‘nearly all sample bottles that had received Decanter and other awards’ were destroyed, which was ‘especially painful’, company representative Olena Sizarova told Decanter.

‘These bottles were… part of our brand’s history. We planned to use them for professional tastings, masterclasses, staff training and presentations. We wanted Ukrainian consumers to taste the very wines that had been recognised by experts.’

The attack was only the latest in a seemingly endless series of blows to the wine industry in Ukraine. Since the war began, wineries have been bombed, occupied or abandoned. Supply chains have been upended and employees have fled or joined the fight against Russia.

Ukraine’s preeminent sparkling wine producer, Artwinery, had to relocate from the eastern city of Bakhmut, which now lies in ruin. At Koblevo winery in the Mykolaiv region, Russian paratroopers reportedly landed in the vineyards.

At nearby Beykush winery on the south coast, Russian troops are only about 8km away on a strip of land across the water, from where they routinely shell Ukrainian towns and villages.

Yet throughout the nearly four years of grinding war, Beykush has not ceased production, and a new wave of small independent wineries like it are radically reshaping the Ukrainian wine scene.

Finding a way ‘out’

The conflict has not only highlighted the resilience of Ukraine’s wine producers, it has also catalysed change and spurred wineries to look abroad, according to Svitlana Tsybak, Beykush’s CEO and head of the Ukrainian Association of Craft Winemakers.

She recently had to deal with the theft of thousands of bottles of Ukrainian wine in the UK from the back of a lorry bound for London City Bond.

After Russia’s 2022 invasion there were tight liquor restrictions. ‘I decided at the time to switch my focus to export markets, which helped us survive,’ said Tsybak. Other wineries did the same.

‘Before the full-scale war, small wineries didn’t export, except for a few bottles here and there, because the domestic market was the main market.’

In the weeks after Russia invaded, Tsybak, whose husband is a former sommelier serving in Ukraine’s armed forces, frantically set out to find new overseas buyers and promote an industry facing an existential threat.

That year, Beykush was short of staff and couldn’t bottle its latest vintage because of a lack of glass. But the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), judged in London, were approaching, which Tsybak felt was an unmissable opportunity to showcase Ukraine’s top wines.

Amid the chaos and clogged borders, Tsybak couldn’t ship wines that were already registered for export from Ukraine and the window for awards entries was about to close.

With the help of a friend, she managed to get samples out of the country to Hungary and from there an acquaintance from the UK carried them back in two suitcases and delivered them to the Decanter warehouse.

The effort paid off. Beykush’s 2019 Reserve Chardonnay won a gold medal at the awards that year.

A Ukrainian wine list

Two years later, in the spring of 2024, Polish Master of Wine Wojciech Bońkowski set off for western Ukraine with wine exporter and former global marketing director for New Zealand Winegrowers Chris Yorke (currently CEO of Wines of Austria), whom Bońkowski credits with the boom in New Zealand wine exports.

Bońkowski and Yorke held a two-day tasting involving winemakers from across Ukraine. ‘One idea that emerged was that a competition is a very useful tool to select the best wines and showcase the country,’ Bońkowski said. He is also the regional chair of Central and Eastern Europe at DWWA. He envisioned 24 leading Ukrainian wines that could serve as a ‘presentable shortlist of wine to show in any country’.

At a tasting in Warsaw that July, Bońkowski and five other MWs came up with the list, which included sparkling, orange and late-harvest wines, capturing the rich array of styles, varietals and terroir in a region with an ancient winemaking tradition.

Booming small-scale wineries

Meanwhile, Tsybak pointed to the rising number of small-scale wineries as evidence of green shoots in Ukraine’s wine sector.

‘New family-owned wineries are opening every year, and about twenty opened last year. They’re small wineries, producing a few thousand bottles a year,’ she explained.

Her association now represents nearly 80 small-scale wineries and their exports are steadily growing. But the bigger picture is complex. The loss of the Russian market meant a dramatic decline in overall exports – from about $38m in 2017 to only around $9m in 2022, according to Ukraine’s state customs service. Bulk wine from big producers accounted for much of that.

According to Tsybak, boutique wineries entering new markets are now driving the rebound in foreign sales. Still, international consumers are yet to fully appreciate Ukraine’s wine heritage, she added. ‘I participated in many wine events in many countries, and you usually get the same question: Ukraine produces wine?’

And yet Ukrainian wine is truly Old World. The country was a thoroughfare for successive waves of invaders and settlers who have left their imprint on Ukrainian wine – ancient Greeks, Romanians, Ottomans and others.

The industry’s modern history, however, has been fraught. During Soviet times, Ukraine was a major producer, but under the stifling weight of a command economy wineries prioritised volume, churning out sugary bulk wine. In the 1980s, Mikhail Gorbachev’s campaign to curb alcoholism dealt a devastating blow to Ukraine’s wineries. Vast areas of vineyards were uprooted.

Before the Kremlin’s 2022 full-scale invasion, Ukraine was still reeling from the loss of its most historic wine-growing region, Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. With Crimea no longer under Ukrainian control, the country effectively lost around half of its vineyards overnight.

The much-needed aid

Today, Ukraine lags behind other regional wine producers like Georgia and Moldova, where viticultural revolutions are well under way.

In both those countries, a crisis helped precipitate change when, in 2006, Russia, their main export market, suddenly embargoed their wine, ostensibly over quality concerns. The real reason was widely believed to be retaliation for the two post-Soviet states shifting westwards.

Foreign aid has been considered key to Georgia and Moldova’s success, helping their industries innovate and open new markets. In Moldova especially, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ‘completely revolutionised the industry’, said Wojciech.

USAID also assisted Ukrainian wine producers in recent years, worked with Wines of Ukraine to promote the country’s products abroad and ‘financed their going to wine fairs, business missions and so forth’, he said. But Trump’s funding cuts ended that, depriving Ukrainian winemakers of much-needed support as they continue to grapple with the hardships of a war.

The end of war may seem a long way off, but that day will eventually come, and Sizarova of Pilot’s Wines believes that Ukrainian wine could become a ‘confident, respected player on shelves and wine lists worldwide’ backed by ‘a growing wine-tourism culture’.

Wojciech agrees. Peace will bring increased investment and rising local consumer affluence, greater EU integration and, he said – pointing to a Ukrainian bakery franchise next to the coffee shop in Warsaw where we met – a massive expansion of potential markets.

Related content

Ukraine: A wine odyssey

Ukraine wine harvest 2023: Sipping resilience

Ukrainian wine photographer Arsen Fedosenko dies in war

The holy grail

Leader: Amy Wislocki, Magazine Editor

It’s not just teetotallers watching the booming non-alcoholic drinks category with interest. Drinkers looking to moderate, those on driver duty, those who have to abstain for health reasons – there are many wine lovers who dream of a non-alcoholic alternative that would give the same experience and reward.

But as Majken Bech-Bailey, an innovator in the category, points out in this month’s A drink with… interview, anyone expecting a non-alcoholic wine alternative to taste like wine will be disappointed – because it contains no alcohol. You have to accept that it will be a different experience, even if the drink is equally complex in a different way, and served with the same ceremony. But the growth of this category can only be a good thing – even for wine lovers like us.

PS: You’ll notice a refresh this month (rather than an overhaul), in design and content, including a new back-page interview. We’d love to hear your views: editor@decanter.com.

In my glass this month

The thing that puts me off many non-alcoholic wine alternatives – apart from the lack of alcohol! – is an overly fruity taste, or discernible sweetness. So I’m a big fan of the Hojicha sparkling tea from Saicho (as is Fiona Beckett – see her What to pair with tea feature for details. No alcohol, but it’s beautifully packaged and the savoury profile (nutty and smoky) and umami character make it as satisfying as a non-wine food pairing can be.

See what’s inside Decanter magazine January 2026

In focus

• Wines of the Year 2025 The year’s highlights, from our Regional Editors
• Burgundy 2024 A tricky vintage, but Charles Curtis MW has found some gems among the small crop of wines
• Heitz Cellar Clive Pursehouse and Jonathan Cristaldi report back from a historic tasting at the Napa pioneer
• Under the radar: Dr Edge Cassandra Charlick meets the music-obsessed maverick winemaker in Tasmania
• An unorthodox pairing Running and wine is an increasingly popular combination, says Marianna Hunt
• Bolgheri latest release The 2022 vintage and more, by James Button

Spirits

• Distilled Spirits news & cocktails
• Shrubs take root Chris Losh on the latest trend in zero-alcohol drinks

Food & travel

• What to pair with tea Brewing up some nice matches, with Fiona Beckett
• Travel: The world’s best wine spas Let Alicia Miller lead you to the best places for a proper pampering

Learning

• Books etc Sophie Thorpe enjoys the first book in a new series on Bordeaux
• Wine wisdom Expert advice to help you on your ongoing wine journey

Buying guide

• Panel tasting: Cool-climate Australian Chardonnay Terroir shines through on a tour of the great southern land’s cooler climes
• Panel tasting: Southeastern European indigenous reds The grapes and regions may be unfamiliar to wine lovers, but the quality is high
• Expert’s choice: Lisboa Ines Salpico picks 18 great wines to introduce this exciting Portuguese coastal region
• Weekday wines Decanter’s in-house tasting team brings you 25 top picks, ready to drink and priced at £30 or less
• Weekend wines Priced £30-£60, seven standout buys to impress
• DWWA 2025 Shiraz story: 14 medal-winning wines from Australia

Collecting & investing

• Marketwatch Auction news and new releases, plus a view on the market

Regulars

• Writing this month Meet four of the authors from this month’s Decanter
• News The latest from the wine world
• The brief Ideas and inspiration
• Andrew Jefford’s column
• Katherine Cole’s column
• Guest column Amber Gardner on the swing back to familiarity in wine
• The Ethical Drinker ‘The wines & people that made me stop and think’
• DFWE Singapore report Photo highlights from our latest live event
• On the rack: Eric Asimov The New York Times wine critic opens up

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It’s well established that the wine industry is one of the more challenging businesses in hospitality, food or beverage. Restaurants, wineries and wine shops navigate shifting consumer tastes, razor-thin margins, and stubbornly high failure rates.

Along with long‑standing business pressures around labour, supply chains, licensing and rising costs, 2025 layered on a new set of political and economic threats.

The current presidential administration, led by Donald Trump, has implemented (or threatened) tariffs on key trading partners, with wine squarely in the crosshairs.

European producers now face a 15% US tariff on wine, while broader measures target a wide range of food and beverage imports, from pasta and cheese to items like glass and cans.​

At the same time, pointed rhetoric about crime and immigration has been part of stepped‑up enforcement in certain cities, with deployments of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and, in some cases, the National Guard.

These moves may seem like political theatre, but in dining rooms and tasting rooms, they translate into anxiety for staff and guests, and a heightened sense of risk for everyone.​

Whether these policies ultimately deliver on their goals is beyond the scope of this story.

In March, as part of his ‘Liberation Day’ rollout, President Trump threatened tariffs as high as 30% on key wine‑producing regions, before settling on 15% in the summer.

Trump’s early threats added to already complicated buying decisions and injected uncertainty into an industry that depends on long‑term planning.

The result is a wine industry that feels more fragile than ever.​ At least according to what you read.

The view from the news

Both perceived and real, the immediate impact of America’s new political climate was felt early by the wine industry.

Over the summer Oregon’s Willamette Valley endured the abrupt detention of vineyard manager Moises Sotelo by immigration agents on his way to work.​

Around the same time, the Los Angeles Times covered increasing concerns about immigrant worker safety when ICE raids began. The story featured Lasita, a natural wine-focused restaurant, which saw a 95% drop in reservations after protests forced Mayor Karen Bass to institute a curfew.

In Washington, DC, a survey by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington found that 73% of respondents cited federal workforce layoffs, and 68% cited the impact of immigration policies on staffing as major concerns. And 44% of full‑service casual operators said they may be forced to close this year.

The immediate effects were hard to miss. Tensions, raids, and headline‑grabbing policy shifts darkened the outlook for businesses already operating with razor-thin margins.

Yet conversations with owners and workers reveal a more layered story. One that cuts past political soundbites and headlines and shows how, and if, these pressures are actually reshaping dining rooms, tasting rooms, and wine shops.​

The reality on the ground

For some, these developments feel like a distant reality, while those in places like the Willamette Valley, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, are encountering them directly.

Running a wine business is a balancing act, on both the retail and restaurant side, even before politics enters the picture.

Beyond basic supply and demand, professionals manage a perishable, expensive product subject to the whims of weather and shifting tastes. But when political forces interfere with daily operations, the impact is far more complex than a simple fluctuation in sales.

Washington, DC, is one of the epicentres of this tension. The city has faced a convergence of pressures from tariffs and ICE raids, to the unprecedented deployment of National Guard troops.

‘In a city with a diverse group of employees, people became more worried about coming into work,’ said Jen Anderson, founder of Novella Wines.

This anxiety was compounded by the longest government shutdown in US history. A total of 43 days that limited cash flow in a city reliant on federal business.

As a result, high-profile closures like one-Michelin-star Tail Up Goat and wine shop The Urban Grape fuelled a grim narrative, but not everyone blames politics.

Jess Outer, owner of Unwined in Alexandria, acknowledges the shutdown caused a ‘down tick’ in visitors but remains sceptical of politics as a primary driver of long-term business challenges.

‘The narrative has gotten out of control,’ she said. ‘I don’t think these [closures] have to do with the government; I think it has to do with broader business decisions.’

On the West Coast, Joseph Shaughnessy, a sommelier at Southern Oregon’s MÄS and former US Army aviator, views this as political theatre. He believes the national guard deployments are purely for publicity’s sake.

‘That’s exactly what all this is. They’re not actually doing much,’ he said. But he also urges the industry to look past the current administration. ‘But, there will be a day when this administration is no longer in charge. Longterm, we can’t lose sight of larger issues like climate change and generational shifts.’

In Los Angeles, restaurants and bars are seeing customers with increased tension on their faces and in their wallets. But that hasn’t stopped sommeliers and restaurant staff from doing what they do best.

‘In April of this year, when tariffs were first raised, that was when I first noticed guests seemed anxious about what they were spending. Regulars normally in the $300 to $500 range per bottle, were suddenly asking for recommendations under $200,’ said Briana O’Connor, former sommelier at upscale Italian restaurant Marea in Beverly Hills and wine consultant for Lokey Wine.

‘The restaurant business is always challenging,’ O’Connor continued. ‘The political climate just adds extra stress to that, but hospitality professionals are never going to stop doing what we love, which is taking care of people, especially during these trying times.’

Navigating turbulent times

The political issues of 2025 have undeniably reshaped the landscape. But for most operators, these aren’t singular game-changers, but layers added to an already heavy load.

This era represents yet another headwind in a notoriously demanding industry. For struggling businesses, it can accelerate decline. For others, it forces adaptation: tighter operations, evolved offerings and a deeper reliance on loyal customers.

‘I don’t think it’s just doom and gloom for the sector,’ said Anderson. ‘It’s certainly a challenging time, but DC is resilient.’ Outer agrees, emphasising the lifeline of local support: ‘Our community sticks with us no matter what. It’s everything.’

Closures are rarely the result of a single factor. Political turbulence matters, but it isn’t the whole story. It is simply the latest chapter in an industry defined by its ability to absorb the shock waves, evolve and keep pouring.

Related articles

• California’s wine communities face deeply human costs amid Trump’s immigration raids
• Ontario’s boycott on US wine: A crisis paused but not averted
• US tariffs may wipe €1bn off Italian wine exports