From April 11 to 13, 2025, the scenic coastal city of Burgas, Bulgaria, welcomed the world of Sauvignon Blanc as it played host to the 16th edition of the Sauvignon Selection by CMB—the most prestigious global competition dedicated exclusively to wines made from the Sauvignon grape.
With more than 1,000 samples from 26 countries and 60 international judges, this year’s event once again confirmed the dynamic vitality and stylistic diversity of Sauvignon Blanc worldwide.
France Leads the Medals, but Global Stars Shine Bright
France took the lion’s share of medals this year, reaffirming its expertise and deep-rooted connection to the variety. Languedoc-Roussillon doubled its medal count, while Val de Loire strengthened its dominance with 71 medals, including two Grand Golds. Standout wines included:
- Les Chailloux Silex 2024 – Domaine Chatelain, Val de Loire
- La Grande Chatelaine 2022 – Vignobles Joseph Mellot, Val de Loire (Vinolok Trophy – France Revelation)
The rise in France’s medal-winning rate from 23% in 2024 to 29.3% in 2025 is a strong indicator of the continued refinement in Sauvignon winemaking despite challenging vintages.
New Zealand: Small Country, Big Flavors
Already a global powerhouse for Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand impressed yet again, with 21 medals from just 34 entries, showing both consistency and precision.
The New Zealand Revelation and Grand Gold Medal was awarded to:
-
Nelson Cliffs 2024 by Domain Boyar
This remarkable success underscores New Zealand’s ability to blend zesty aromatics with vibrant structure—a formula that continues to captivate judges and consumers alike.
Austria’s Steiermark – Sauvignon Sophistication in Every Sip
Austria, and in particular Styria (Steiermark), continues its steady climb toward Sauvignon greatness. This year, 45% of Austrian entries were awarded medals, with an exceptional haul of 95 total medals:
- 5 Grand Gold Medals
- 40 Gold Medals
- 50 Silver Medals
The Austrian Revelation of the competition was:
-
Pichler-Schober Sauvignon Blanc Ried Nebenegg 2021
Steiermark's unique terroir, marked by alpine freshness and mineral-rich soils, has proven ideal for producing nuanced, age-worthy Sauvignon Blancs.
South Africa Stands Tall
South Africa once again impressed with a 48% medal success rate, the second highest among all countries. Its distinctive maritime-influenced Sauvignon Blancs are increasingly gaining global acclaim.
Top honor went to:
-
Flagstone The Surge Sauvignon Blanc 2024 from Darling – Grand Gold & South African Revelation
Additional awards included 7 Gold and 23 Silver Medals, reflecting the country’s depth and innovation in Sauvignon Blanc expression.
Breakthrough Nations: Chile, Romania, and Bulgaria
Chile delivered one of the competition's most exciting stories. With just a handful of entries, Chile earned 7 medals, including 2 Grand Golds:
- Day One Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2024
- L’Aura Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – also named International Revelation of the 2025 Competition
Both wines are crafted by Viña MontGras, a pioneering estate known for its sustainable practices and quality-first ethos. The Aura Reserva 2024 particularly impressed with its complexity, multilayered fruit expression, and elegant acidity—a true ambassador for Chilean Sauvignon.
Romania also had a standout performance, taking home 8 medals, with the Sweet Revelation awarded to:
-
Conacul Ambrozy Sauvignon Blanc 2022 by Cramele Recaș
Meanwhile, host country Bulgaria made history with 20 medals (3 Golds and 17 Silvers), spotlighting a rising domestic industry.
A Truly Global Celebration of Sauvignon
The Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles began in Bordeaux in 2010 and has since become a global stage for excellence in Sauvignon Blanc. With past editions held in iconic wine-producing countries—France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, and South Africa—this year’s stop in Bulgaria showcased both its burgeoning wine scene and its ability to host an event of international prestige.
As results continue to ripple through the industry, one thing is certain: Sauvignon Blanc is thriving across the globe, driven by passionate producers and diverse terroirs. Whether from the rolling hills of Styria, the coastal vineyards of Chile, or the sunlit slopes of New Zealand, the 2025 edition proved that this beloved varietal has many voices—and all are worth listening to.
🍇 Discover the full list of winners and explore the world’s finest Sauvignons!