Intense Wine Showdown in Istria: Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Unleashes its 30th Edition!
320 judges from 50 countries gather in Poreč to evaluate over 7.500 wines, including 220 Croatian gems.
Poreč, May 12, 2023 – Brace yourselves for the ultimate wine spectacle in Istria as the world-renowned competition, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, kicks off its monumental 30th edition! With an impressive lineup of 320 judges from 50 countries, this epic showdown will put 7,504 exceptional wines to the test until Sunday, May 14, at the prestigious Žatika Hall in Poreč. Over 220 exquisite samples from Croatia are among the contenders, showcasing the nation’s rich viticultural heritage.
“This marks a historic moment for Croatia and Istria. Our indigenous Malvasia and Teran varieties have garnered numerous international accolades. I firmly believe that Croatian wines will shine brilliantly at this globally renowned evaluation. The event has been a year in the making, dedicated to preparing a truly exceptional experience.” said Luka Rossi, president of Vinistra, the association of winegrowers and winemakers of Istria
The privilege of hosting one of the world’s most extensive wine evaluations is a tremendous honor and a source of immense pride for all of us, emphasized Boris Miletić, the Istrian perfect. Istria, already revered for its natural beauty, captivates visitors with its flourishing wine and gastronomic scene, enticing countless guests to the region. Wine has played a significant role in Istria since ancient times, and today, it is renowned for its vineyards, wine roads, cellars, and the exceptional quality of its wines. As Miletić passionately stated, “We are too small to settle for mediocrity, which is why we strive for excellence in everything we do—a winning combination that has propelled our wine story forward.”
The promotion of Croatian tourism also takes center stage. Kristjan Staničić, the director of the Croatian Tourist Board, expressed his delight at Poreč and Istria being the prestigious hosts of this remarkable event. “Croatia is an ideal host for this occasion due to our long-standing tradition of wine production, representing the identity and culture of our various regions, from the coast to the mainland. Together, we will seize this opportunity to promote Croatian tourism further and elevate our wine culture, gaining recognition among discerning wine connoisseurs worldwide,” Staničić proclaimed.
The Mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, extended a warm welcome to the judges and representatives of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Dragan Pujas, the president of the board of Plava Laguna, a long-standing partner of Vinistra, expressed his excitement about the event during the pre-season, ensuring an exceptional experience for guests throughout the year.
The selection of Istria for the prestigious 30th edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is a remarkable acknowledgment of Istrian and Croatian wines. Baudouin Havaux, the president of the evaluation, expressed his satisfaction with this year’s destination choice. “We are thrilled that the jubilee 30th Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is being held in Istria. Our goal is to reflect market trends, and Croatia, with its long history and growth potential in the world of wine, perfectly embodies that. Wine has become an integral part of tourism, and the evaluation will offer judges a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes, top-notch cuisine, and exquisite wines that define this captivating wine region,” Havaux highlighted.
