French and Italian Muscats Dominate Top 10

The 24th annual Muscats du Monde International Competition took place on July 11, 2024, in the renowned Burgundy region of France. This prestigious event, dedicated to Muscat wines, gathered entries from 15 countries, reflecting the global passion and expertise surrounding this beloved varietal. Over the course of one day, an assembly of international experts meticulously evaluated 145 Muscat wines, both still and sparkling, to determine the finest offerings of the year.

The panel consisted of 55 highly respected international jurors, each bringing a wealth of experience and a discerning palate to the table. The rigorous judging process adhered to the highest standards of quality, ensuring that the wines were assessed under optimal conditions. This thorough evaluation process culminated in the awarding of 48 medals—31 gold and 17 silver—signifying a mark of excellence and reliability in selection.

The standout feature of the 2024 competition was the diversity and quality of the entries, representing a wide array of styles and terroirs. The top Muscat wines showcased not only technical precision but also a deep connection to their respective origins, offering a vivid palette of flavors and aromas unique to each region.

The Top 10 Best Muscats du Monde 2024

The pinnacle of the competition was the announcement of the Top 10 Best Muscats du Monde 2024, a list that, due to the exceptional quality and ties in scores, extended to 12 remarkable wines. These selections are a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the winemakers.

• France - Alsace Grand Cru AOC - Clos Saint-Imer - Sélection de Grains Nobles - Muscat Goldert 2018 by ERNEST BURN
• Italy - Moscato di Terracina DOC - Passito - Capitolium 2020 by CANTINA SANT'ANDRÉA AZ. AGRICOLA
• Austria - Gelber Muskateller - Trockenbeerenauslese 2017 by WEINGUT FELBERJORGL
• Australia - Morris - Cellar Reserve - Grand Muscat by MORRIS WINES
• Portugal - Moscatel de Setubal DOC - 10 Anos by ADEGA COOPERATIVA DE PALMELA
• France - Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOP - Vintage 1992 by DOMAINE DE COYEUX
• Portugal - Moscatel de Setubal DOC - Venancio da Costa Lima - Reserva da Familia - 5 Anos by VENANCIO DA COSTA LIMA LDA
• France - Île de Beauté IGP - Incanto - Muscat - Impassitu - Vendange Passerillée by SICA UVAL
• France - Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOP - Carte Or 2023 by RHONEA
• Spain - Catalunya DO - Viña Esmeralda 2023 by MIGUEL TORRES SA
• Italy - Moscato di Terracina DOC - Secco - Oppidum 2023 by CANTINA SANT'ANDRÉA AZ. AGRICOLA
• South Africa - Groot Constantia - Grand Constance 2019 by GROOT CONSTANTIA WINE ESTATE

Notable Winners and Their Unique Contributions

Each wine in the top list exemplifies the best attributes of Muscat, whether through historical heritage, innovative production techniques, or a profound expression of regional terroir. The diversity among the winners—from the rich, aged Muscat de Beaumes de Venise of France to the fresh and aromatic Viña Esmeralda of Spain—illustrates the versatility and broad appeal of Muscat wines.

French wines made a strong showing, particularly those from the Alsace and Rhône regions, which are renowned for their superior Muscat varietals. The Alsace Grand Cru AOC from ERNEST BURN, with its noble selection of grains, represents a pinnacle of elegance and complexity. Similarly, the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise by DOMAINE DE COYEUX, with a vintage dating back to 1992, highlights the aging potential and depth of character that these wines can achieve.

Italy's CANTINA SANT'ANDRÉA AZ. AGRICOLA demonstrated versatility with two entries in the top 12: the luscious Moscato di Terracina Passito and the dry, yet aromatic, Secco. These wines underscore Italy's ability to produce both sweet and dry Muscats that captivate the palate.

The inclusion of wines from Australia, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and South Africa highlights the global appreciation and cultivation of Muscat. Each of these countries brought unique expressions to the competition, whether it was the intense sweetness of Austria's Trockenbeerenauslese or the fortified richness of Australia's Grand Muscat.

The 2024 Muscats du Monde International Competition once again underscored the exceptional quality and diversity of Muscat wines available worldwide. The awarded wines not only reflect the skill and dedication of their producers but also the enduring appeal of the Muscat varietal across different cultures and regions. As these wines continue to gain recognition and appreciation, they pave the way for future innovation and excellence in winemaking.

This year's competition leaves us eagerly anticipating the next wave of extraordinary Muscat wines and the stories they will tell.