This week, Italy played host to the third Global Judging event of the 2025 Awards, conducted in partnership with the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG. A panel of six judges, led by Judging Committee Member Sarah Abbott MW, assessed wines from the region over two days, identifying key trends and standout performances.
The judges reported an impressive level of consistency across the board, with the majority of wines earning medals. Notably, nearly 50% of entries secured Gold or Silver awards. They observed a broader range of styles and aromatic profiles than anticipated, reflecting both creativity and openness in winemaking.
Extra Dry styles demonstrated greater uniformity in quality compared to Brut wines. While both categories showcased excellence, the judges found that Brut wines displayed more variation. They speculated that this disparity may stem from Extra Dry’s longer-standing presence, whereas Brut is still evolving stylistically.
The most exceptional Brut wines were praised for their purity, vibrancy, and charm, highlighting the expressive primary fruit of the Glera grape. However, the panel noted that in some cases, lees work or extended aging overshadowed the grape’s inherent appeal. They suggested that producers experimenting with these techniques might consider incorporating ancient, permitted varietals to enhance balance and complexity.
Among the other highlights were several Sui Lieviti (on the lees) wines, which stood out for their depth and harmony. The judges also lauded the Rive cru wines, recognizing compelling examples that reflected distinct terroir characteristics. Additionally, they found that non-vintage and vintage wines were comparable in quality, further underscoring the region’s overall excellence.
The judging panel featured industry experts Melania Battiston, Cat Lomax, Jason Millar, Vincenzo Arnese, Megan Clarke, and Helena Nicklin. Behind-the-scenes moments from the tastings and other activities can be found on the event’s social media channels.
The full results of the 2025 Awards event will be released on 31 March.
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