Italy and Spain Dominate Prestigious Global Wine Competition 50 Great Red Wines of the World by Wine Pleasures

Italy and Spain took center stage at this year’s 50 Great Red Wines of the World 2024 competition, with their remarkable entries shining through during the two-day blind tasting event. Italy emerged as the front-runner, with three Barolos each earning an outstanding 98 points. The Italian dominance continued as eight more wines from the country scored 95+ points. Spain also made a strong impression, with notable gold medal winners from Montsant, Ribera del Duero, and Utiel-Requeña, solidifying both nations’ leadership in the world of fine red wines.

Silver Medal Winners Celebrate Diversity

While Italy and Spain ruled the gold category, the silver medal winners (scoring 90-94 points) offered a delightful exploration of wine regions worldwide. Entries from Austria, France, and South Africa complemented the already impressive selections from Italy and Spain, showcasing the diversity and breadth of winemaking excellence across various countries.

Judging Process and Criteria

A panel of 3 expert judges conducted the blind tasting over two days, sampling 103 wines. Each wine was evaluated based on its barrel aging and sugar levels, with price points ranging from €9 to €360. To ensure impartiality, the wines were judged without disclosing their prices or regions, allowing the panel to focus purely on quality and taste.

Top-Scoring Wines

Among the standout wines that captured the attention of the judges were the Barolo DOCG Paiagallo by Casa E. di Mirafiore (Italy) and Peraj Ha´abib 2022 by Celler de Capçanes (Spain), both receiving an impressive 98 points. The Barolos from Italy, including entries from Borgogno and Fontanafredda, were exceptional, reflecting the region’s mastery in red winemaking.

Key Highlights from the Competition

• Italy and Spain secured the top honors, dominating both the gold and silver categories.
• Italian Barolos topped the charts with three wines earning 98 points, showcasing the country’s prowess in red wines aged over 24 months.
• Spain dazzled with a 97-point gold winner from Bodegas El Inicio and a 97-point Peraj Ha´abib from Celler de Capçanes in the 12-18 months oak category.
• Silver medals spanned from €4.40 to €366, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

Upcoming Event: Wine Pleasures International B2B Workshop 2024

In addition to the competition, the Wine Pleasures International B2B Workshop will take place from October 21-23, 2024, at the Altafulla Mar Hotel in Tarragona, Spain. This event will bring together buyers and cellar representatives to discuss export opportunities.

For more information about the winning wines, the complete list of medalists, and details on the upcoming B2B workshop, visit the official website here: https://www.winepleasures.com/contest/50-great-red-wines-of-the-world-2024-awards-scores