The International Wine Challenge, the world’s most influential, impartial and rigorously judged wine competition, has announced the 10 highest scoring wines from its 2021 competition. Winners from eight countries were named the top wines of the competition, having proven themselves to be the absolute finest in their categories following multiple stages of blind tastings by a panel of leading global experts.
Five of these outstanding wines have been awarded the ultimate accolade of Champion, which is given to wines that are considered the absolute “best in show”, beating all other National Trophy winners in the categories of red, white, sparkling, sweet, and fortified.
Domaine Sigalas among the winning wineries
For the first time in the history of the International Wine Challenge, a Greek producer from the island of Santorini –a volcanic terroir– Domaine Sigalas, was awarded the 2021 Champion White Wine for Sigalas Santorini Barrel 2020, made from the indigenous grape variety Assyrtiko, with judges describing it as “supremely well balanced and characterful.”
The other four Champions of the competition were: Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron Hospices de Beaune 2019, Maison Albert Bichot (France); Vintage 2008, Piper-Heidsieck (France); Vinsanto di Carmignano Capezzana Riserva 2013, Tenuta Di Capezzana (Italy); and Lustau Palo Cortado V.O.R.S 30 Years, Emilio Lustau (Spain).