Udine fires the starting shot for the 10th Concours Mondial du Sauvignon
With over 1,000 entries from 26 countries and 73 international judges, the 10th Concours Mondial du Sauvignon started today in Udine, in the heart of the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) wine region.
Pictures from the Opening Ceremony 2019
Since its beginning in 2010, the number of entries in the competition has nearly doubled, reaching 1,010 wines in 2019.
“With rising popularity over the past decade, the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon has evolved into one of the most influential Sauvignon events on the planet”, says director Thomas Costenoble. “It is more than just a competition between producers and appellations. It is a meeting point for industry specialists, which aims to promote recognition of the grape variety and provide valuable insight into the underlying trends affecting both production and consumption of Sauvignon worldwide.”
For the second time, after the 2015 event, the region of FVG has been chosen to host the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.
“This is a sign of international recognition for our wine region,” states the regional councilor for agri-food, forestry and fishing resources, Stefano Zannier. “Such a prestigious showcase will draw attention to the quality of our wines and the skills of our winemakers.”
“The 2015 edition was a very successful one, both in terms of participation and as regards the promotion of our region, its wines and cuisine”, comments Gianni Mighetti, general director of the Regional Agency for Rural Development. He adds: “Looking at this year’s numbers, I am sure the 2019 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon will also be auspicious”.
White vine varieties cover more than 80 % of acreage in Friuli and Sauvignon blanc ranks as the fifth most widely grown variety. 35 % of Italian Sauvignon is produced in the region. Therefore, it is no surprise that nearly 70 % of all Italian wines entered in the competition this year come from FVG.
The three-day event program started on March 7 with a dinner-conference on the wine supply chain accompanied by a tasting of regional wines and local dishes. The organizers have chosen to host the tasting sessions in one of the most prominent venues in the city – the Loggia del Lionello, one of the oldest and most important historic buildings in Udine and a fine example of Venetian Gothic style architecture.
“As mayor of Udine it can only be an honour for me to host the tenth Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in the heart of our city – the halls of the Palazzo D’Aronco, the Town Hall”, says Prof. Pietro Fontanini. “This is one of the most important wine events in the world, and its choice of venue is not just a reward for Udine but for the whole of Friuli.”
On March 8thand 9ththe judges will be accompanied on guided tours where they can discover the history, culture, flavours and aromas of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
“Through the choice of activities, we have sought for the right balance between the many specialties that this extraordinary area offers, in order to allow the competition’s guests to enjoy unique places and leave them with beautiful memories of our region”, explains Renato Pontoni from the Pregi event agency.
The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon panel comprises oenologists, sommeliers, wine journalists, importers and influencers from all branches of the wine industry who travel from six continents and epitomise the competition’s exceptional diversity.
In addition to Grand Gold, Gold and Silver medals, special Revelation trophies are awarded to wines securing the highest scores, recognizing the excellence of Sauvignon blanc in the relevant categories.
During a ceremony on March 17 at 4.00 pm at ProWein, Hall 13, the organizers will announce the results of this year’s competition and will offer a taste of the awarded revelation wines.
To join the award ceremony at ProWein please register by e-mail with valentina.phillps@vinopres.com.
About the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon
The competition was launched in 2010 by the Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur growers’ organization to promote awareness of its white wine proposition and turn the spotlight on one of the world’s most popular white varietals. The event has now evolved into a global challenge with new producer countries entering every year and overseas venues including FVG in Italy, Rueda in Spain and Styria in Austria.
Technical management of the tastings is handled by the organizers of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles who bring with them over 25 years’ experience in organizing major international wine competitions.
The competition is open, without discrimination, to all wines produced mainly (min 51%) from Sauvignon and/or Sauvignon gris, regardless of their producer, origin or category. Since 2017, a new category has been added to offer Sauvignon-based sparkling wines the opportunity to take part.
During the tastings, the wines are divided into consistent flights, taking into account the category, origin, proportion of Sauvignon and retail price of each entry.
