The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon becomes Sauvignon Selection by CMB
Vinopres is proud to reveal the new name of its Sauvignon-centric competition, which aims to better reflect its vision and international commitment. Sauvignon Selection by CMB is the world’s largest competition focusing on Sauvignon wines.
Since its inception, the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon has moved forward to become a key event in the wine world. Poised to enter a new era, Sauvignon Selection is designed as the standard-bearer of a newly-minted identity which aims to broaden its horizons and inspire a community that continues to grow and expand in scope. The new name also emphasises the close links with the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) by joining the list of CMB sister competitions.
“The name change marks an important milestone for our competition”, says Baudouin Havaux, Chairman of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. “Our aim was to create a more dynamic and inclusive brand name with the ability to connect with a broader audience, yet still retain the competition’s quintessential spirit and values”.
Sauvignon Selection continues to honour the features that have made it successful whilst introducing new prospects, new partnerships and an even more deeply rooted international vision. The changes are part of a desire to continually reinvent itself so that it can provide a more bespoke response to producers’ needs.
Steiermark, the destination for the 15th competition
From 18 to 20 April 2024, Sauvignon Selection by CMB will be held in Steiermark, Austria
Predictably, the Austrian wine region Steiermark takes home countless medals every year. This is the second time the competition will travel to the prestigious Steiermark region.
Steiermark has established a reputation as a prime area for crafting top quality Sauvignon. As part of the tastings, the 60 international experts will learn more about the region’s terroir, wines and winegrowers. On the steep hills of Steiermark in the heart of Europe, Sauvignon Blanc finds ideal conditions. The Steiermark climate, soil and sites suit the grape variety very well, which is why Sauvignon Blanc has become increasingly important in recent years. According to the wine cadastre 2020, Sauvignon Blanc, the parade variety and winner of many international wine awards, leads the grape variety ranking in Steiermark region in terms of area with 902 hectares (17.7% share of the total area of 5,096 hectares). In relation to the high Sauvignon Blanc density in Steiermark, the total area of Sauvignon Blanc in Austria is 1691.67 ha with a total vineyard area in Austria of about 45.000 ha.
“The Sauvignon blanc grape variety produces world-class wines in Steiermark, across its three regions Südsteiermark, Vulkanland Steiermark and Weststeiermark. When so many high-level winegrowers focus on a single grape variety, success is bound to follow. Another very important aspect is that the terroir in the Steiermark wine region is the perfect fit for this grape variety”, explains Stefan Potzinger, chairman of Wein Steiermark.
Chris Yorke, Managing Director of wines of Austria agrees: “We are very pleased to welcome the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon back to Austria and to introduce our international guests to the diversity of Austrian wine. Austria’s Sauvignon Blancs are among the most independent and best in the world. We will defend this position once again at the Concours.”
More information about the hosting region Steiermark: steiermark.wine/en/en-concours-mondial-du-sauvignon/
About the competition
The competition was launched in 2010 to promote white wines and turn the spotlight on one of the most popular white grape varieties in the world. Since then, the event has become an international competition, with the number of producer countries entering their wines increasing year-on-year. The technical aspect of the tastings is managed by the organisers of the CMB (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles), who boast over thirty years’ experience in organising prominent international wine competitions. The competition is open, without discrimination, to all wines made from a majority percentage (min. 51%) of Sauvignon and/or Sauvignon gris, irrespective of their producer, origin or category.
Press contact:
Benoît Carion
benoit.carion@vinopres.com
Tel : +32 (0) 2 533 27 66
For more information about Steiermark, please contact
Wein Steiermark
Andrea Jöbstl-Prattes
Hamerlinggasse 3. 8010 Graz. Austria
0043 (0)316 8050 1447
info@steiermark.wine
www.steiermark.wine
