Spectacular results for Croatian wines from IWC competition

Croatian wines achieved the best result in the International Wine Challenge competition history!

International Wine Challenge 2023 results

International Wine Challenge is undoubtedly the strictest wine competition in the world, where Croatian wines achieved outstanding results. 

Croatian wines were awarded

• 5 gold, 
• 25 silver, 
• 26 bronze and
• 39 commended medals.

The brightest gold medals were won, in alphabetical order, by the 

• Belje Winery from Baranja for Graševina 2006, 
• Bora Winery from Zadar for two wines, Pošip 2021 and Maraština 2022, 
• Franković Winery in Istria for the dessert wine Luna d`Oro 2021 and finally 
• the Korčula Winery Krajančić for Pošip Sur Lie 2021.

One of the Croatian gold medalists also won the trophy for the best regional wine at the competition, and the winner’s name of that trophy will be announced in five days, on May 23 at noon.

Gold and silver medalist from IWC 2023

Table 1. List of Croatian gold and silver medalists with IWC 2023 and associated points:

The International Wine Challenge is the most influential global wine competition behind Decanter’s World Awards, so these results once again testify to the continuous growth of the quality of Croatian wines. 

About International Wine Challenge Competition

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) employs a meticulous judging process that thoroughly evaluates each wine in a blind tasting, focusing on its adherence to style, region, and vintage.

To achieve an IWC medal, a wine must undergo multiple tastings by different panel judges, with a minimum of two panels tasting together on at least three occasions. Furthermore, the panel results are verified by two Co-Chairs to ensure accuracy and consistency.

The IWC judging teams consist of esteemed experts and influential figures from the global wine industry, including commercial decision-makers, buyers, and Masters of Wine (MW).

These professionals collaborate harmoniously to identify the finest quality wines each year from the 52 wine-producing countries represented in the competition.

Why is the IWC competition different?

What sets the IWC competition apart from others is its rigorous process. A minimum tastes a wine that receives an IWC medal of eight judges before it is awarded.

International wine retailers and buyers highly regard this stringent approach, as it facilitates effective communication in the realm of international trade.

To maintain objectivity, all wines are tasted blindly, meaning no information regarding pricing or producer is provided to the judges.

The wines are categorized based on

• type,
• region,
• alcohol percentage, and
• sugar content, ensuring that similar wines are assessed together for a fair evaluation.

The IWC takes pride in transparency, as all its wine results are published on the official IWC website, accompanied by a photograph of the respective bottle.

This practice enables trade professionals and consumers to easily identify the winning wines and stay informed about the latest developments in the competition.

IWC Medal system

• Trophy Winners and Special Awards ‘Best in Show’ wines and winemakers,
• Gold Medal (95 – 100 points),
• Silver Medal (90 – 94 points),
• Bronze Medal,
• Commended Award.

Uncover more awarded Croatian wines and read about all Decanter award-winning ones in our ultimate guide!

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