Hungarian champagne among the best ones! – Decanter World Wine Awards 2019

In 2019, Decanter World Wine Awards ended with great Hungarian success. The domestic champagne originating from Kreinbacher Vineyard of Somló was given 96 points by the professional jury, by which Kreinbacher Brut Classic won the gold medal. The international competition was organised in London; the Hungarian champagne was chosen as the best one among 17,000 beverages of 54 countries.

Decanter World Wine Awards is the most significant international wine competition, within the framework of which 17,000 beverages were compared, originating from 54 countries. International experts represented the professional jury – this year 280 specialists arrived in London from 30 different countries, including 23 Masters Sommelier and 70 Masters of Wine.

According to turizmusonline.hu, organisers highlighted the fact that 2019 – the 16^th anniversary of the Awards – was outstanding with a record number of medals given to the participants. The continuous improvement of quality, and the emergence of less-known regions’ special products such as China and Mexico, all contributed to the high standards of the competition.

Hungary was awarded by three platinum medals and seven gold medals. Besides Tokaj resounding success, another traditional Hungarian champagne was chosen among the best ones.

Kreinbacher Brut Classic of Somló received 96 points, as a result of which a gold medal awarded the beverage. This was the third successful year of the Hungarian speciality, which is a substantial feedback for the producers who are continuously working on shaping its design and making it more unique.

Kreinbacher Brut Classic is produced by bottle refermentation process during a period of 18 months. Besides its fruity taste and furmint character, the elegance and refreshing aroma of Chardonnay can be enjoyed. According to DWAA’s assessment, likewise the elegance of Brut Classic, its complexity was also highlighted, referring to the delicate ageing features and the intensive citrus aromas.

Apart from Brut Classic, Kreinbacher Vineyard of Somló won two silver medals as well: “Öreg Tőkék Wine 2016”, and “Juhfark Selection 2016”. Above these, a bronze medal was also taken by the Vineyard’s Extra Dry champagne.

DWWA Competition

The professional jury applied blind tasting method, categorised by countries, wine regions, colours and variety of grapes. Golden medals were given to those excellent wines – between 95-96 points – which have outstanding complexity and characteristics. Platina medals were given between 97-100 points – to the best ones in the second round.

The presidency of the professional jury was represented by Michael Hill Smith MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Andrew Jefford, and Steven Spurrier. Hungary participated in the category of Northern, Central, and Eastern European countries, evaluated by specialists of the region – Caroline Gilby Master of Wine and Beth Willard. Peter Liem assessed champagne characteristics.

The decision-making process consisted of different steps – wines and champagnes were tasted three times; the decision of the tasting jury was validated by the president of the regional panel, followed by the presidency of the jury.