Results Revealed: IWSC Judging in Conegliano Valdobbiadene
Image: Melania Battiston
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the heartland of premium Prosecco, continues to make waves with its depth, diversity, and expressive charm. This month, the IWSC judging panel spent an immersive week in the region, tasting, walking the steep vineyards, and experiencing firsthand the stories behind the wines, all orchestrated by our partners at the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Of the 127 wines tasted, the results speak volumes: 3% received gold, 43% silver and 48% Bronze. This strong showing underlines the consistently high quality across the denomination and reflects the creative energy and terroir expression that make this region one of Italy’s most distinctive.
A Region of Heroic Beauty
Set in the dramatic, rolling hills of northern Italy, Conegliano Valdobbiadene is more than picturesque, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with vertiginous vineyards, centuries-old woodlands, and hand-crafted terraces that define agricoltura eroica, or heroic winemaking.
“You really understand how difficult it is to produce wine in this part of the world,” said Vincenzo Arnese. “They call it heroic winemaking for a reason.”
That deep connection between landscape and labour is part of what gives the wines their depth. Sarah Abbott MW, who led the panel, described it as “real agriculture as creative culture,” capturing the intentionality and artistry behind every bottle.
Surprising Depth, Standout Styles
While the judges expected quality, they were struck by just how diverse and exciting the wines were.
There was greater variety of styles and aroma profiles than anticipated, from fresh, fruit-forward to lees-aged and terroir-expressive. Several judges noted a refreshing openness and creativity in the winemaking.
One trend that emerged was the performance of Extra Dry versus Brut wines. Extra Dry styles showed more consistency across the board, while the Brut category presented more dramatic highs and lows, perhaps reflecting its newer and still-evolving nature.
That said, when Brut was done well, the results were dazzling. Judges described the best examples as "incredibly pure, joyful, and charming", with the primary fruit of the Glera grape shining through. But where lees work or extended aging dominated, the grape’s natural charm sometimes got lost. A few judges suggested that if producers want to explore these more complex styles, they might consider integrating historic varietals to retain balance and identity.
Three stand out Bruts were the gold medal winning Valdo Cuvée Di Boj Brut NV (96 points) Vincenzo Toffoli Brut 2024 (95 points) and Dal Din Brut NV (95 points).
Wines with Character
Among the most memorable wines were several Sui Lieviti (on the lees) bottlings, praised for their texture, complexity, and balance. A particular highlight was the Guia Incipit Sui Lieviti Brut Nature 2022 (95 points).
Meanwhile, the Rive cru wines continued to impress. Helena Nicklin highlighted these single-vineyard expressions as “not a blanket category… that’s where the excitement is.” Two gold medal winning Rive wines were Andreola Marna Del Bacio Rive Di San Pietro Di Barbozza Extra Brut 2024 (95 points) and Bortolomiol 70th Anniversary, Rive Di Col San Martino Extra Brut 2022 (96 points.)
Helena also noted the aging potential of sweeter styles, saying: “The use of sugar was very well done. I really loved those older vintages.” These wines challenged preconceptions and added further nuance to the region’s already broad stylistic range.
Non-vintage and vintage wines were evenly matched in quality, pointing to the consistency of craftsmanship throughout the denomination.
The Joy of Prosecco, the Sophistication of Superiore
What truly sets Conegliano Valdobbiadene apart is its ability to balance elegance with ease.
“It’s top-end, but it’s relaxed with it,” said importer Megan Clarke. “It just makes you want to eat together, talk together… high-class but not pretentious.”
It’s this blend of sophistication, authenticity, and joyous Italian spirit that defines the best of Prosecco Superiore.
Final Conclusions
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is Prosecco, but elevated. Layered, terroir-driven, complex, and utterly joyful. It’s time this remarkable region claimed its space in the spotlight. With room to grow awareness and continue refining style diversity, the future looks as bright.
The IWSC judges were Sarah Abbott MW, IWSC Wine Judging Committee Member, with Megan Clarke, Vincenzo Arnese MS, Melania Battisson, Helena Nicklin. Jason Millar and Cat Lomax
READ THE FULL RESULTS
IWSC 2025 wine judging in Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Gold medal winners
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