Sweet and Fortified Wines: International Diversity Rewarded in Catania
From September 16 to 19, Catania pulsed with the energy of the latest 2025 Session of the CMB, dedicated to Sweet and Fortified Wines. The results, just unveiled, highlight the excellence and diversity of this prestigious category. A total of 350 wines from 27 countries competed, with numerous awards going to Portugal, France, Italy, and Spain – true pillars of outstanding sweet and fortified wine production. Yet the 2025 edition also featured remarkable surprises, as major distinctions were claimed by emerging countries such as Azerbaijan, Cyprus, and Canada, showcasing the expansion and dynamism of the international scene.
Santorini and Marsala take the lead
The two International Revelations of the competition come from Greece and Italy:
- Sweet Wine Revelation: Estate Argyros Vinsanto Late Release
The nose reveals aromas of coffee accompanied by notes of fig and date, enhanced by nuances of intense tobacco and smoke. On the palate, this elegant wine is beautifully supple, with delicious hints of intense caramel and honey. The lovely freshness balances harmoniously with a long, lingering finish. - Fortified Wine Revelation: Single Barrel N° 018 by Cantina Carlo Pellegrino
The nose reveals a refined empyreumatic palette dominated by elegant tobacco and smoky notes, accompanied by toasty, chocolate and carob nuances. Orange adds a delicate citrus balance, while nuts (walnut, hazelnut, cashew) complete this complex bouquet. On the palate, this wine displays generous fullness combined with remarkable suppleness and constant finesse, offering very long-lasting aromas.
Jurançon and Alsace in the Spotlight
French producers earned 16 medals: 2 Grand Gold Medals, 6 Gold Medals, and 8 Silver Medals.
The two most prestigious accolades go to Prestige 2022 from Cave du Jurançon and Gewürztraminer Famille Cattin Sélection Grains Nobles 2022.
Maury, Rivesaltes, and Muscat de Rivesaltes also emerged as medal winners, a promising boost for their region, which will host next year’s competition in October 2026. More info here
Three Pineau des Charentes wines also received awards.
Discover all the French winners here.
Strong Results for the Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula stood out for its excellent wines, garnering numerous medals. Regions such as Douro, Alentejo, Setúbal, Galicia, and the Canaries shone especially brightly, confirming the diversity and vitality of Iberian winegrowing on the international stage.### Sweet and Fortified Wines: New International Stars in Catania.
Discover the full list of medal-winning wines here
Discover the official photos of the competition here
About Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles ｜CMB is a prestigious international competition, established in 1994, known for its rigorous standards and commitment to identifying the world’s finest wines and spirits. Split into various sessions and selections throughout the year, it evaluates over 15,000 entries annually. An exclusively professional tasting panel ensures a blind tasting process focused solely on quality, making the CMB a globally recognized benchmark for excellence in wine and spirits.
Press contact CMB:
Benoît Carion
benoit.carion@vinopres.com
