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Best Malvazijas from Damjanić, Dešković and Zigante Vero; best Terans from Tomaz and Kozlović; first-time champions for Žlahtina and Muškat momjanski
The results of the 31st Vinistra Wine and Spirits Awards and the 16th The World of Malvasia are known, marking a year of exciting changes and standout winners. With completely new rules in place and significantly elevated standards, this year’s victories carry even more weight. The title of Best in Show for the best Malvazija was awarded to Justina by Damjanić Wines. This 2019 Istrian Malvazija earned the prestigious accolade among 350 competing Malvazijas from eight countries.
Champion titles were awarded to Vina Dešković for the best young Istrian Malvazija 2024 and to Zigante Vero for the best aged Istrian Malvazija from the 2020 vintage. In the Teran category, Vinarija Tomaz was awarded for the best young Teran 2024, while Vinarija Kozlović triumphed with its Santa Lucia Teran 2019. Slovenian producers were also among the winners, with Vinska klet Kralj taking the title for its Refošk 2024, and Jogan for its aged Refošk 2020.
For the first time in the history of Vinistra’s competition, champion categories were introduced for Žlahtina and Muškat momjanski. The winners were Vinska kuća Pavlomir for Žlahtina 2024 and Vina Franković for their Muškat momjanski Luna d’Oro 2021.
A total of seven platinum medals were awarded this year to wines and spirits that scored at least 95 points. Four went to Malvazijas: the Monemvasia-Malvasia 2010 from Greek winery Monemvasia, the Malvazija San Salvatore 2015 by Benvenuti Vina, Templara 2023 from Vinarija Rossi, and the Istrian Malvazija Grand Cru 1 2020 from Vina Brčić. A platinum medal was also awarded to Teran Barbarossa 2021, while two more went to spirits: Rossi Distillery’s Travarica and Aura’s Fernet Amaro 78.
This year’s evaluation, held in early April at Hotel Parentium in Plava Laguna, followed a new structure inspired by the world’s leading wine competitions. It introduced a three-phase process: in the first, provisional scores were assigned; in the second, only samples scoring 89 or more points advanced to determine medal winners; and in the third, champions were selected.
One of the biggest innovations was the tasting method. Instead of individual assessments, wines were judged in tasting “flights,” or themed groupings, similar to the approach used at the Decanter World Wine Awards. This change further improved the objectivity and professionalism of the competition.
According to Luka Rossi, president of the Vinistra Association, gold medals were awarded to entries scoring at least 90 points, while platinum medals went to those scoring 95 or more. The judging panel consisted of six committees, with a total of 30 experts including enologists, sommeliers, wine critics, and holders of the prestigious Master of Wine title. In the first phase, each panel had five members, while the second phase involved three expert panels.
Every technical detail was carefully considered to ensure fairness and precision. Four types of wine glasses were used, most commonly Riedel for Malvazija, and all wines from 2020 and earlier were decanted using specially selected Riedel decanters. Each wine was served at its optimal temperature.
Rossi emphasized that medals awarded at Vinistra serve as a powerful promotional and sales tool, representing a guarantee of quality and offering strong motivation for consumers. As the criteria become stricter, the competition gains prestige and relevance. Wines awarded champion titles and platinum medals attract the most market attention, although silver and bronze distinctions should not be underestimated.
The first opportunity to taste these award-winning wines will be at the 31st Vinistra, taking place in Poreč from May 9 to 11.
You can view the full list of results on the website: