As March draws to a close, wine enthusiasts and professionals eagerly await the results of the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), particularly its Rosé Wine Session.
This year, held in Split, the picturesque city of Dalmatia (Croatia), the competition saw a staggering 1,205 rosé wines vying for recognition from a panel of 55 esteemed judges hailing from across the globe.
Italy Shines: Villa Cordevigo Gaudenzia 2019 Takes the Spotlight
Among the sea of contenders, one wine stood out as the epitome of excellence – the Villa Cordevigo Gaudenzia 2019, crafted by Vigneti Villabella from the renowned Veneto region of Italy. Not only did this exceptional rosé clinch the prestigious Vinolok International Revelation Trophy, but it also secured three Gold and one Silver medal, reaffirming the winery's dedication to producing wines of unparalleled quality.
Vigneti Villabella's sweeping success underscores the artistry and commitment involved in crafting outstanding rosé wines, setting a benchmark for excellence within the industry.
France Reigns Supreme
In the realm of rosé production, France reaffirms its status as a powerhouse, dominating the competition with an impressive tally of 137 award-winning wines. This commanding performance solidifies France's reputation for producing stellar rosés, showcasing the diversity and sophistication inherent in its winemaking traditions.
Diverse Triumphs: Croatia, Romania, and Greece
While France takes center stage, the 2024 CMB Competition also heralds the emergence of rising stars within the global wine landscape. Romania and Croatia, often overshadowed by their counterparts, seize the spotlight with an impressive haul of 18 medals each.
Notably, Romania secures the coveted Medium-Sweet Revelation award with the enchanting C’est Soir – Busuioaca De Bohotin Semi-Sweet of Crama Hermeziu. Romania has emerged as a particularly formidable contender, boasting gold-award winners that reflect both tradition and innovation.
The recipients of gold awards from Romania (8 Medals):
- Crama Girboiu, Bacanta Special Edition Traminer Roz 2023 - Grand Gold
- Cramele Recas, Muse Day Roze 2022 - Gold
- Cramele Recas, Balauri Roze 2023 - Gold
- Crama Hermeziu, C'est Soir - Busuioaca De Bohotin Semisweet 2023 - Gold
- Via Viticola, Caii de la Letea Volumul I and II Rose 2023 - Gold
- Via Viticola, Caii de la Letea Geneza Rose 2023 - Gold
- Strunga Winery, Velier - Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 - Gold
Gold-award winners from Croatia (8 medals):
- Agrolaguna, Rose Festigia 2023 - Gold
- Agrolaguna, Rose Vina Laguna 2023 - Gold
- Vinarstvo Provic, Teuta Rosé 2023 - Gold
- Bastian, Bastian Rose 2023 - Gold
- Fakin Wines, Fakin Rose 2023 - Gold
- Testament Winery, Testament Opolo 2023 - Gold
- Agro Promina, Promina Rose 2023 - Gold
- Vinarija Grabovac-Provin, Crveno Jezero 2023 - Gold
Meanwhile, Greece makes a notable impression with 10 medal-winning wines, including the illustrious Lenga Pink by Avantis Estate, which clinched a prestigious Grand Gold medal. These accolades underscore the rich tapestry of flavors and styles emanating from Greece's dynamic wine regions, further solidifying its position on the global stage.
- Avantis Estate, Lenga Pink 2023 - Grand Gold
- Kir Yianni, Agathoto Rosé 2022 - Gold
- Lantides Panos Estate - Afoi Lantidi, Little Ark Rose 2023 - Gold
- Ktima Pavlidis, Alma 2023 - Gold
Other Central and Eastern European countries which have received gold-awards are listed below.
Moldova (4 medals):
- Purcari Wineries, Vinohora Feteasca Neagra - Pinot Grigio Rosé 2023 - Gold
- Purcari Wineries, Nocturne Rosé de Purcari 2023 - Gold
- Purcari Wineries, Native Rosé de Purcari 2023 - Gold
- Castel Mimi, Rara Neagra Rose 2023 - Gold
Austria (4 medals):
- Langmann Wein u. Sekt, Stainz Schilcher 2023 - Gold
- Langmann Wein u. Sekt, Ried Hochgrail Schilcher 2023 - Gold
- Peiserhof - ferien.wein.gut, Schilcher Ried Guntschenberg Reserve 2021 - Gold
- Peiserhof - ferien.wein.gut, Schilcher Eibiswald 2023 - Gold
Bulgaria:
- VP-Brands International, Face to Face Rose 2023 - Gold
Czechia:
- Bohemia Sekt Prestige Rosé Brut 2021 - Gold
Georgia:
- Badagoni Rose 2022 - Gold
Hungary:
- Haraszthy Pincészet, Haraszthy Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 - Gold
Celebrating Diversity and Excellence
As these Central and Eastern European producers continue to refine their techniques and showcase their unique terroirs, the future looks promising for the region's rosé wines. With each award and accolade, they further solidify their position as formidable players in the global wine industry, inviting enthusiasts to explore and savor the diverse flavors and stories captured within each bottle.
The 2024 CMB Rosé Wine Session transcends geographical boundaries, celebrating the diversity and excellence inherent in rosé winemaking across the globe. From the timeless elegance of French rosés to the innovative craftsmanship of Italian vintages and the emerging talents of Central and Eastern Europe, each medal-winning wine encapsulates a narrative of fervor, commitment, and unparalleled artistry.