The Chardonnay du Monde International Competition held its 32nd edition from March 11-13, 2025, in Burgundy, France.
This prestigious event once again highlighted the global reach and excellence of Chardonnay wines, attracting entries from around the world. A total of 518 Chardonnay wine samples from 34 countries were evaluated by an esteemed panel of 200 international experts.
Medal Distribution and Award Highlights
After rigorous blind tastings and assessments, 171 medals were awarded, comprising 82 gold and 89 silver distinctions. France dominated the awards, reaffirming its historic role as the cradle of Chardonnay, particularly with the exceptional showing of Burgundy wines. Notable gold-winning wines from Burgundy included:
- Meursault AOC Clos des Grands Charrons Monopole 2022 – Domaine du Château de Meursault
- Bourgogne AOP Moillard Chardonnay 2023 – François Martenot
- Beaune Premier Cru AOC Blanches Fleurs 2022 – Domaine du Château de Meursault
International Recognition: Spain, South Africa, and Australia Shine
While France maintained its stronghold, Spain also stood out with several gold medals awarded to its premium Chardonnays, particularly those aged in barrels:
- Bestué Chardonnay Fermentado en Barrica 2023 – Bodega Otto Bestué (Somontano)
- Blas Muñoz Chardonnay Fermentado en Barrica 2022 – Viñedos y Bodegas Muñoz (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla)
- Tomillar Chardonnay 2024 – Virgen de las Viñas Bodega y Almazara (La Mancha)
South Africa made a strong impression with the Douglas Green Chardonnay 2024 from DGB (PTY) LTD and the Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay from Bottega Family Wines. These wines emphasized the country's commitment to barrel-aging and premium winemaking techniques.
Australia also continued to shine with the Wakefield St Andrews Chardonnay 2023 from Wakefield Taylors Wines, reaffirming its reputation for crafting world-class expressions of this grape variety.
A Truly Global Competition
One of the defining aspects of the 2025 edition was the diversity of participating countries, including regions not traditionally associated with Chardonnay excellence. Belgium, Japan, and Moldova each secured recognition, reflecting the increasing global presence of this versatile varietal.
The medal tally per country further underscores this international dynamic:
- France – 65 medals (20 gold, 19 silver, 26 bronze)
- South Africa – 7 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze, 4 barrel race distinctions)
- Spain – 6 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze, 1 barrel race distinction)
- Canada – 5 medals (4 silver, 1 bronze)
- Brazil – 3 medals (1 silver, 2 bronze)
- Australia & Switzerland – 2 medals each
- Belgium, Japan, Moldova – 1 medal each
Key Takeaways
France remains the undisputed leader in Chardonnay production, with Burgundy reaffirming its dominance. The presence of "Barrel" awards for South African wines highlights the region’s dedication to oak maturation techniques. Spain’s diverse medal distribution showcases its ability to produce high-quality Chardonnay across different styles. Meanwhile, Canada’s success in the silver category suggests a distinct style that appeals to the expert jury.
The growing number of award-winning wines from lesser-known Chardonnay-producing regions underscores the varietal’s adaptability and rising global appreciation. The complete list of winners is available on the official Chardonnay du Monde website, providing an in-depth look at the diversity and quality of this year’s competition.
Source: Vinetur