22 medals for Croatian wines! The Vinistra association celebrates another great success of Istrian winemakers, a grand gold for Damjanić’s Clemente 2020 and two golds, three silvers

This is a great year for Croatian wines, say the organizers of the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB). Its 32nd edition in the white and red wine session was held in early June in Yinchuan, at the heart of China’s Ningxia wine region, and according to the newly published results, Croatia excelled. It won 22 medals, twice as many as last year, six of which came to Istria.

Kozlović Santa Lucia Malvazija 2018 and Medea Assemblage 2022 won gold medals, Vina Poletti Chardonnay 2024, Agrolaguna Syrah Festigia 2022 and Agrolaguna Castello Festigia 2022 won silver medals, and the Grand Gold went to Damjanić Clemente 2020.

“The judges particularly appreciated this wine for its structure, complexity, and balance. It is a layered and well-crafted wine, revealing intense aromas of dark fruit, spice, and seamlessly integrated oak. On the palate, the tannins are firm yet ripe, supporting the rich fruit without overpowering it. The wine impressed with its beautiful length and overall harmony, finishing long and elegant. A standout wine that combines depth, finesse, and precision” is the tasting description of the Grand Gold and best-rated Croatian wine.

Vinistra proud of Croatian winemakers’ success

At the Vinistra association, which brought the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles to Croatia for the first time two years ago when it hosted the white and red wine session in Poreč – region of Istria, there is immense pride in the Croatian success. Four of its members – Josip Barišić, Marko Krstačić, Ivan Damjanić, and Vinistra director Ivan Marić – participated in the evaluation as part of the Croatian judging delegation, alongside Ivana Ovčina Čagalj, Ina Bednar Jozinović, Tomislav Tuđen, Monika Prović and Ksenija Matić.

“This is yet another exceptional result for Croatia, and especially for Istrian winemakers who are winning medals at the most prestigious competitions, confirming their top quality. This was proven again in China at the excellently organized 32nd edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Participating as part of the Croatian delegation of nine judges and experiencing the Ningxia wine region was an unforgettable experience,” said Josip Barišić, Vice President of Vinistra, the association of vinegrowers and winemakers of Istria, congratulating the Croatian winemakers.

Impressive progress

“We are thrilled with Croatia’s strong performance at CMB 2025 in the red and white wine session, which reflects impressive progress and the growing international recognition of its wines. The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is not only the most rigorous and prestigious wine competition, but also a powerful promotional platform. These medals will certainly have a positive effect on the awarded wines, additionally supported by our numerous initiatives in local markets and retail — including partnerships with major retail chains like CAVAVIN and Pam. Moreover, the development of our Wine & Spirits Experience by CMB project in countries like Mexico, South Korea, and Benin — where only CMB medal-winning wines are presented — further enhances global visibility and prestige,” said Quentin Havaux, CEO of the CMB.

During the three-day evaluation, 375 experts from 56 countries blind-tasted 7,165 samples from 49 countries. As this year’s host, China participated with a record 663 wines, 280 of which were awarded. Chinese winemakers won eight grand gold medals, 100 gold medals, and 122 silver medals.

“Although in terms of wine production and number of wineries we cannot compare with large markets, the Croatian wine scene and Istrian winemakers can proudly look at this year’s results, which once again showed that quality, tradition, knowledge, and dedication are recognized on a global level,” say representatives of the Vinistra association.

Medals for Croatian winemakers

Grand Gold medal: Damjanić Clemente 2020., OPG Ivan Damjanić

Gold medals:

Kozlović Santa Lucia Malvazija 2018., Kozlović vina d.o.o.

Medea Assemblage 2022., Terra Eno Olea d.o.o.

Belje Plus Orange, 2024., Belje Plus d.o.o
Miraz Syrah, 2019., Enosophia
Cmrečnjak Sauvignon, 2024., Cmrečnjak d.o.o.
De Gotho Graševina. 2021., Kutjevo d.d.
Korlat Privé, 2017., Badel 1862 d.d.
Imolata, 2022., Estate Winery d.o.o.

Silver medals:

Vina Poletti Chardonnay 2024., Vina Poletti

Agrolaguna Castello Festigia 2022., Agrolaguna d.d.

Agrolaguna Syrah Festigia 2022., Agrolaguna d.d.

Goldberg Red, 2021., Belje Plus

Goldberg Graševina, 2023., Belje Plus

Miraz Frankovka, 2019., Enosophia

De Gotho Sauvignon. 2023., Kutjevo D.D.

Korlat Syrah, 2021., Badel 1862 d.d.

Vina Čergar White, 2023., Vina Čergar

Royal Hill Estate Blanc de Noir, 2024., Royal Hill d.o.o.

Royal Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2024., Royal Hill d.o.o.

Martin Albus Silvanac Zeleni White, 2024., PP Orahovica

Silvanac Zeleni Vrhunski White, 2024., PP Orahovica