A Global Celebration of Excellence: Mondial des Vins Blancs 2025

The Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg 2025, held April 5-6 at the Strasbourg Congress Centre, reinforced its standing as the only international wine competition entirely dedicated to white wines. Under the patronage of the OIV and as a member of VINOFED, the event drew professionals from across the globe to recognize quality, innovation, and excellence in white winemaking.

This 27th edition saw 578 white wines evaluated by 60 expert judges representing 24 nationalities, with awards going to producers in 13 countries. The diversity and reach of this event affirm its position as one of the most influential wine competitions in the world.

A Diverse and International Judging Panel

This year’s jury included experts from Japan, China, France, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and the UK. Among them was Jeanne Peixian, a Sino-French journalist originally from Sichuan, with over 13 years of experience as an oenologist, sommelier, wine merchant, and tasting judge.

Her return to the jury, along with Japanese judges and other international experts, reflects the global credibility and inclusivity of the competition.

Slovakia Wins Big: The Grand Jury Prize 2025

A standout moment in 2025 was the awarding of the Grand Jury Prize to a 22-year-old sweet white wine from Slovakia: Tokajsky výber 6 putňový 2003 by OSTROZOVIC SPOL sro, based in Velká Tŕňa.

This wine amazed the international jury with its deep amber hue, caramel and orange highlights, and a perfectly balanced palate of fruit and acidity. Judges-including representatives from Japan and France-described it as “a truly exceptional wine.” The wine was suggested as an ideal pairing with duck foie gras and fig confit, adding a culinary dimension to its accolades.

This award underscores Slovakia’s growing influence in the world of fine white wine and highlights the enduring prestige of the Tokaj region.

VINOFED Awards 2025: Celebrating Dry and Sparkling Wines

With global interest in dry and sparkling wines on the rise, the 2025 edition presented two prestigious VINOFED Awards:

• Best Still Dry White Wine: Ryzlink Rýnsky 2023 (Riesling) from B\V Vinařství, Czech Republic
• Best Brut Sparkling Wine: Comtes de Champagne 2013 Chardonnay from Champagne Taittinger, France

These awards celebrated outstanding expressions in two of the most technically demanding and commercially relevant white wine categories.

Best Dry White Wine Trophies: A First for the Competition

In a new addition this year, the competition introduced 9 Best Dry Wine Trophies, rewarding wines with a residual sugar level below 4 g/liter. This move reflects the increasing consumer demand for clean, crisp, and food-friendly dry wines.

Highlights:

• Czech Republic: 4 winners
• Slovakia: 2 winners
• Australia, Spain, France: 1 each

This new recognition format incentivizes producers to embrace drier styles while maintaining regional character and complexity.

Denmark’s Debut: A Golden First Appearance

A notable first-time participant, Denmark, entered the competition with striking success. The estate Agger Vin, based in Haarby, won a Gold Medal for its liqueur wine PdC by Agger. This win illustrates the emergence of new winemaking territories and the expanding geography of premium white wine production.

Jury Favorites: Grand Gold Winners Beyond the Grand Prize

In addition to the main awards, three remarkable wines received Grand Gold Medals for their exceptional quality and originality:

1. Atypique 2023 – Best white wine with maceration, from VOGT Laurent, Alsace, France
2. White Pearl 2017 – Best wine from a first-time participant, KOVACH Winery, Ukraine
3. Pálava výběr z hroznů 2024 – Best wine from a native grape variety, VINARSTVI KRIST S.R.O., Czech Republic

These awards highlight the competition’s ability to recognize both classic excellence and innovation in winemaking.

France in Focus: Leading the Medal Count

French producers were well represented, taking medals across five major wine regions. Alsace led with a commanding 76 medals (10 Grand Gold, 55 Gold, 13 Silver), followed by Champagne, Loire Valley, Languedoc, and Bordeaux.

Key winners included:

• Champagne Taittinger – Comtes de Champagne 2013
• Domaine Frank Breton (Loire) – Grand Gold for Chenin AOP Montlouis-sur-Loire
• Caves de Richemer (Languedoc) – Gold for Sauvignon IGP Pays d’Oc 2024
• Domaine des Perchés (Bordeaux) – Gold for Sémillon GPS 2023, a naturally sweet wine

France’s presence once again confirmed its depth and diversity in white wine excellence.

A Bold Step Forward: Dealcoholized Wines Enter the Spotlight

For the first time, dealcoholized white wines were included in the competition. A dedicated masterclass launched the event, led by renowned oenologist Bruno Marret and wine educator Sue Eames, examining dealcoholization methods, market trends, and tasting perspectives.

The Ribeauvillé Winery earned a Silver Medal for its dealcoholized blend Rib0, validating the growing quality and relevance of this emerging category.

Recognizing All Levels of Winemaking Craft

The Mondial des Vins Blancs is unique in its inclusive approach, celebrating winemakers from major international producers to small, independent estates. This year’s collaboration with students from the International Wine Academy of Alsace (AIVA) and the Alexandre Dumas Hotel School brought fresh educational energy to the event. Students assisted judges in creating detailed tasting notes and food pairings for Grand Gold winners-a valuable tool for producers and a hands-on learning opportunity for the next generation of wine professionals.

2025 by the Numbers

• 578 white wines tasted
• 60 judges from 24 nationalities, including China and Japan
• 13 countries awarded medals
• 22 Grand Gold, 125 Gold, and 26 Silver medals
• 10% of entries were sparkling wines
• 19 participating countries, with Denmark debuting and winning Gold

Conclusion: Mondial des Vins Blancs Reflects the Future of White Wine

The 2025 Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg delivered on its promise of celebrating the world’s finest white wines. From a 22-year-old Slovak dessert wine to innovative dealcoholized blends and Danish newcomers, the competition revealed not only the breadth of global talent but also the trends shaping white wine’s future.

With a global jury, expanded award categories, and a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, the Mondial des Vins Blancs continues to set the standard for international white wine recognition.

To view the full list of 2025 winners, visit: www.mondial-vins-blancs.com