The world's finest wines: a selection for discerning wine lovers

Thanks to its vineyards in Bordeaux, Languedoc, Roussillon, the Loire Valley, and Provence, France is a global leader in the world of wine. It's no surprise, then, that it had two representatives in the top 5 of the 2021 International Wine Challenge . Other countries also made impressive showings, with Greek, Italian, and Spanish wines also featured in the top 5.

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron Hospices de Beaune 2019, Maison Albert Bichot

International experts and judges were so blown away by the quality of this Pinot Noir that they awarded it 5 titles at the 2021 International Wine Challenge :

• IWC Champion Red Wine 2021
• International Pinot Noir Trophy
• Red Burgundy Trophy
• French Red Trophy

The Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron Hospices de Beaune 2019 also received a prestigious award at the Decanter World Wine Awards. It is one of the greatest sources of pride for the Albert Bichot estate in Beaune , alongside the equally renowned Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Domaine du Pavillon 2019. The wine owes its strengths in particular to the conditions found on the gentle slopes of the Grands Crus hill, the area where its vineyards are located.

This drink is recognizable by its aromas of red fruits, cherry, aniseed tobacco and menthol .

On the palate, it stands out for its subtlety, power, and robust flavor with crisp fruitiness. It is also characterized by the intensity and aroma of candied notes and spices in its finish.

On the table, this award-winning wine from the 2021 international selection will pair perfectly, according to Paul Bocuse and sommeliers like Olivier Poussier, with:

• Big game
• Red meats
• Mature and strong cheeses
• Coq au vin
• Truffle risotto

Podium completed by Vintage 2008, Piper-Heidsieck and Sigalas Santorini Barrel 2020, Domaine Sigalas

Second place in the 2021 international wine competition went to another French wine: the 2008 vintage from Piper-Heisieck. This wine is a carefully crafted blend of 20 crus, which gives it its brilliance and elegance . It is characterized by its fruity taste, allowing for a harmonious balance between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its exceptional aging is primarily due to its ranking among the world's finest wines, which allows it to improve with age. This wine is best enjoyed on a special occasion, where it will perfectly complement dishes such as foie gras terrine, garlic snails, shrimp fritters , roast lobster, and Saint-Nectaire cheese puff pastry, among others.

Third place was awarded by the panel of experts and judges, including Robert Parker, to a wine from the Greek estate Sigalas: the Sigalas Santorini Barrel 2020. This wine also took first place in the white wine category. On the nose, it is recognizable by its citrus and floral aromas .

On the palate, it's rich, but this doesn't obscure its citrus, floral, and woody notes. The finish is a bit long and characterized by a lower acidity. Does this wine's flavor improve with age? Don't hesitate to cellar it, after removing some air, for later use with white meat, pasta with fish in tomato sauce, smoked or grilled fish, and aged cheeses .

Italy and Spain are also represented in the top 5

Italy is also among the world's leading producers of the finest wines. This was further demonstrated at the 2021 International Challenge with the 4th ^place finish of the Vinsanto di Carmignano Capezzana Riserva 2013, from Tenuta Di Capezzana . This wine is a skillful blend of Trebbiano, which makes up 90% of the blend, and San Colombano.

The grapes used to make this wine come from vines growing at altitudes of 100 to 150 meters. However, they are not the only reason for its recognition. Its fruity and woody flavors also contribute, resulting from aging in small barrels made of cherry, chestnut, oak, and other woods . This wine, offering an excellent balance between acidity and tannins, is an ideal accompaniment to dishes featuring poultry, beef, or veal.

The final member of the top 5 in the 2021 International Challenge is a Spanish wine. It's the Lustau Palo Cortado VORS 30 Years from Emilio Lustau, which also received the Champion Fortified Trophy. This means that for years, this wine has consistently ranked among the best in the world. This recognition is largely due to the finesse of its aroma and flavor . It's particularly difficult to miss the delightful bitterness of the chocolate and the elegance of the fine palomino grape. In terms of food pairings, this wine is ideally served with blue cheeses, chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and, on special occasions, game.