Set to Enchant: The Competition Unfolds from 28th to 29th September in Italy

AYMAVILLES – In the world of wines, there are those that are produced with more ease and those that emerge from challenges. The latter, often termed as “heroic”, take center stage at the celebrated Mondial des Vins Extrêmes competition.

The Legacy:

Organized by CERVIM, and enjoying the patronage of the OIV (International Organisation for Wines and Vines), this distinguished event is authorized by the Ministry for Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies. It stands unique, being the sole competition that celebrates wines produced in “heroic” wine-growing areas, areas marked by their extreme viticultural conditions.

These regions are not just geographically challenging. They are emblematic of age-old traditions, possessing a rich history that intertwines with unique landscapes. Their primary focus is on cultivating local vine varieties. However, they come with their own set of challenges – the production costs in these areas are a staggering ten times higher than traditional flatland vineyards, making them endangered “wine-growing sanctuaries”.

Evolution Over Time:

Formerly known as the “International Mountain Wines Competition”, its past 23 editions have witnessed a growing interest from wineries globally. With entries from nineteen European countries and other nations like Armenia, Chile, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey, the competition has seen an average of over 700 wine submissions in recent years.

The Competition’s Unique Taste:

Distinguished panels comprising oenologists, expert wine tasters, and specialized press journalists from around the world convene to judge these wines. These panels use a specialized computer program, premiered in Italy at the Cervim competition. The key allure of the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes is the tasting of wines which are predominantly from local vines, grown on unique terroirs. This results in unparalleled fragrances and flavors that become the signature of these wines.

Every year, the Aosta Valley, with its breathtaking vistas, becomes the host for this competition.

Categories and Entrants:

The wines, divided into nine distinctive categories ranging from still white wines to fortified wines, must bear the label of either PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) to qualify.

Honoring the Best:

Once tasted and scored, wines stand a chance to win the Grand Gold Medal, Gold Medal, or Silver Medal. There are also special prizes such as best organic/biodynamic wine, best young producer, best female producer, and even a prize for the vine-growing region that enters the most number of wines. Unique to this competition is the Prix VINOFED, given to the best dry wine with the top score. If it coincides with the GRAND PRIX CERVIM, the honor goes to the next ranked wine.

The 31st Edition:

As we approach the 31st edition of the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes, it’s important to note its transition from being known as the International Mountain Wines Competition. This competition, a combined effort of CERVIM, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, and AIS Valle d’Aosta, still retains its core essence: to celebrate wines from some of the world’s most challenging terrains.

Eligibility extends to wines grown at altitudes exceeding 500 meters, on terraces or steep slopes, or those from small islands. Wines from European DOP and IGP classifications, and even high-quality sparkling wines, find their place here.

In conclusion, the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes is more than just a competition. It’s a tribute to the indomitable spirit of winemakers who, against all odds, bring forth some of the world’s most exquisite wines. With each edition, it serves as a reminder of the beauty and resilience that lies in extremities.

Registration are open till September 5th at: https://www.mondialvinsextremes.com/en/the-wine-competition/inscription