LONDON — The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has unveiled its 2025 red wine results, marking a global celebration of excellence in winemaking. Out of thousands of entries from 30 countries and over 160 grape varieties, just 19 red wines were awarded the coveted Gold medal — a distinction reserved for the most outstanding expressions of character, balance, and regional authenticity.
Over a two-week period, expert panels convened in London to blind-taste and evaluate red wines of exceptional pedigree. While an impressive 79% of wines earned medals, Gold status was conferred on only a select few. Judges emphasized that technical perfection alone was insufficient; Gold medalists needed to display depth, personality, and a sense of place.
“Gold medal wines must stand out among their peers,” said Alistair Cooper MW. “They should show personality, balance, complexity — and remain true to their origin.”
Alex Hunt MW described Gold-winning reds as “three-dimensional,” combining richness with freshness and marrying fruit-driven character with savory nuance. “They convey an idea or a place with clarity and beauty,” he added.
Victoria Mason MW highlighted structural harmony in standout Italian entries, noting, “The integration of tannin, acidity, alcohol, and fruit must be seamless. A Gold medal wine shows cohesion and completeness.”
Dirceu Vianna Junior MW emphasized the emotional resonance of a top-tier red. “These wines have a ‘wow factor.’ They exude finesse and purity, and generate a visceral response. They’re wines to be proud of.”
This year’s Gold medalists hailed from 11 different nations, underscoring the international scope of excellence in red wine. Australia led the count with four Golds, while countries such as Brazil, England, Japan, and Georgia also delivered remarkable performances.
“The most compelling wines weren’t chasing trends,” said Hunt. “They felt deliberate and confident in their identity.”
Despite stylistic diversity, the Gold winners shared essential hallmarks: clarity, character, and confidence. These wines were not only technically outstanding but also emotionally expressive — compelling representations of their respective regions.
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