Italy emerged as the dominant force at the 2025 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC), winning over half of the available gold and silver medals. The competition, now in its twelfth year and held at Goodnestone Park in Kent, attracted entries from 1,000 wines across 23 countries.
Italy claimed an impressive total of 93 golds and 173 silvers from the 175 gold and 279 silver medals awarded overall. France, a former leader in previous years, took second place with 35 golds and 45 silvers. Notably, Champagne has maintained its status by winning the Supreme Champion trophy every year, underscoring its exceptional quality and its role as a benchmark for sparkling wine excellence.
The CSWWC is designed specifically for sparkling wines, judged by a panel of specialists who consider these beverages as deserving of a prominent place on the dining table, thanks to their versatility. The judging process is meticulous, involving weeks of tastings by a consistent team of three judges, distinguishing it from other wine competitions that may rely on larger, less experienced panels.
Wines are shielded from potential light damage during the competition, and all bottles are recorded to ensure transparency and accuracy in judging. Each wine is tasted in silence, followed by discussions only after all scores are submitted, promoting thoughtful evaluation and consensus.
This year marked the first under the guidance of Paul Schofield, who took over from Harriet Wright, introducing efficiency-enhancing tweaks to the judging system. The variety of wines judged spanned from long-standing producers to newcomers and organically-focused vineyards, highlighting a diverse selection across different styles.
Among the standout winners in the competition were:
- Best Trentodoc: Altemasi 2020 Blanc de Noirs Magnum
- Best Burgundy Rosé: André Delorme NV Terroirs des Fruits
- Best Franciacorta: Berlucchi Guido & C NV Berlucchi ‘61 Extra Brut Magnum
- Best Prosecco: BiancaVigna 2024 Extra Dry
- Best Champagne: Piper-Heidsieck 2014 Vintage in Magnum
The competition also awarded regional triumphs, with the top honors acknowledging exceptional wines from various categories and countries, including the United States, Australia, and China.
Special awards were presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to Frédéric Panaïotis posthumously, recognizing his contributions to Champagne. The Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year trophy was awarded to Ferrari Trento for its consistent quality across multiple entries.
With excitement building, the CSWWC not only celebrates individual winery achievements but also emphasizes the collective quality and evolution of sparkling wines globally. The results and discussions from this competition promise to influence both consumers’ choices and producers’ approaches in the years ahead.