Three core wine nations, central to Europe’s multi-faceted wine manufacturing, all with a protracted custom of winemaking, are formed by various landscapes and distinct regional identities.
Austria has cultivated vines since Roman instances, with the Kamptal area standing out for the prevalence of loess beneath its vineyards and vary of rocky soil profiles that improve the character of its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines. The nation has some 44,210ha beneath vine, with greater than 40 formally authorised grape varieties that outline its winemaking identification.
Germany is famend for its Riesling, notably from the Mosel, Nahe and Pfalz areas. The classification system, together with Grosses Gewächs (GG, equal to the French ‘grand cru’ idea), highlights the nation’s emphasis on terroir and precision in winemaking.
These wines, typically able to ageing for many years, proceed to outline the nation’s viticultural popularity. Germany boasts 103,295ha of vineyards (Destatis, 2024), cultivating greater than 140 grape varieties, together with Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), which performs an vital position within the nation’s high quality purple wine manufacturing.
Scroll down to find 15 DWWA 2024 awarded wines
Switzerland, although smaller in manufacturing, affords an enchanting array of wines formed by its diverse topography and microclimates. With virtually 14,700ha beneath vine and 252 grape varieties in all, the nation’s viticulture is each various and deeply rooted in custom.
The Valais area, benefiting from high-altitude vineyards and vital sunshine, produces distinctive wines reminiscent of Petite Arvine, which is understood for its vibrant acidity and layered complexity.
The 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) outcomes highlighted the area’s excellence, with three Finest in Present, six Platinum and 7 Gold medals awarded to wines from these areas, which showcase variety, high quality and character.
Uncover extra DWWA medal-winning favourites from everywhere in the world at awards.decanter.com
Finest in Present
Domaine Gérald Besse, Martigny Petite Arvine, Valais, Switzerland 2022
Finest in Present, 97 factors
besse.ch
A splendid instance of Petite Arvine’s capability to be each nervy and recent, but on the similar time dense and rewarding. Smells of fresh-picked apples, fruit blossom and spring forests, but the palate virtually surprises in its depth, with the emphasis firmly on fruit. Perfumed apple and beguiling notes of ripe pear and quince are given a bolt of whitecurrant acidity. A very dry wine that contrives to counsel one thing candy when you’ve swallowed. Alcohol 14.5%
Dr Loosen, Urziger Würzgarten Reserve Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Mosel, Germany 2012
Finest in Present, 97 factors
£98.99 Harrogate Wines
With ample age, this Mosel traditional is effectively into its stride, although it’s nonetheless a youthful green-gold within the glass. On the palate, an virtually spicy wealth of flavour combines with succulent textures, however the wine’s orchestral acidity and stony depth carry it effortlessly, and it leaves the mouth clear and eager for extra. Simply 9g/L sugar is sufficient to soften the blade of acidity, however nonetheless depart it as a helpful accomplice for richer although delicately framed savoury dishes. Alc 12.5%
Korrell, Von den Ersten Lagen, Nahe, Germany 2022
Finest in Present, 97 factors
korrell.com
Inexperienced apple, pressed lime and a haunting cardamom word – cottage-garden flowers, too, for individuals who look, and a dusting of child talc. It’s fuller, deeper and extra structured than a Mosel wine could be – but considerably much less mushy and spicy than a Rheinhessen or a Pfalz. Its pristine, pure and authoritative Nahe classicism may be very a lot part of its upright character, and the dry model makes this a compelling meal-time prospect. Advanced and rewarding. Alc 12.5%
Austria
Birgit Eichinger, Grüner Veltliner Ried Grub, Kamptal 2022
Platinum, 97 factors
weingut-eichinger.at
An intoxicating swirl of apricot, pear, pineapple and starfruit, with a discreet underpinning of chervil, basil and delicate spice perfume. Daring and beneficiant with a finely chiselled acidity chopping by. Lengthy and entrancing. Alc 13%
Loimer, Riesling Ried Steinmassl 1ÖTW, Kamptal 2021
Platinum, 97 factors
£48.99 Alexander Hadleigh, Liberty Wines
Tangy apricot and yellow orchard fruit atop smouldering layers of smoky minerals and fragrant herbs. Precision and class, with melting acidity and a elegant construction. Lengthy and memorable. Alc 12.5%
Steinschaden, Grüner Veltliner Ried Stein, Kamptal 2022
Platinum, 97 factors
£14.95 Albion Wine Shippers
Crystalline lemon, yellow pear and peach aromas introduce this bewitching, targeted surprise. The acidity shines by the opulent construction with a flawless pure mineral character, hovering in direction of an countless end. Alc 13%
Allram, Grüner Veltliner Ried Lammberg, Kamptal 2022
Gold, 96 factors
POA £ ABS Wine Businesses
Positively glowing with peach, yellow apple and honeyed pear, a plethora of ginger and saffron spice, and a contrasting savoury acidity. Textured, mouthfilling and lengthy. Alc 13%
Münzenrieder, Zweigelt, Neusiedlersee, Burgenland 2022
Worth Gold, 95 factors
£14.99-£15.50 Move Wines, Latitude Wines, Milestone Wines
Splendidly aromatic cherry blossom, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit is emboldened by a refined spicy tone. Simmering with juicy, vibrant character with immaculate tannins. Alc 13.5%
Germany
Fritz Wassmer, Kaiserberg Herbolzheim Spätburgunder, Baden 2021
Platinum, 97 factors
£49.99 Daniel Lambert
The epitome of class and sophistication, with aromatic florals main the best way. Morello cherries, raspberries and oak come collectively on the palate, with a light-weight dusting of tannin and acidity. Alc 13.5%
Korrell, Kirschheck Riesling, Nahe 2022
Platinum, 97 factors
korrell.com
An explosion of apricot, peach and candied lemon zest laced with a scattering of white blossom and honeysuckle fragrance that swirls throughout the verdant acidity and wonderful mineral construction. Immaculately conceived, with a wide ranging end. Alc 13%
Juliusspital, Volkacher Karthäuser Weisser Burgunder GG, Franken 2021
Gold, 96 factors
juliusspital-weingut.de
Plush yellow apple, peach and pear, ripe pineapple and a wonderful toasting of vanilla. Lavishly wealthy and creamy with a citric drive of acidity. Prolonged. Alc 13%
Reichsrat Von Buhl, Forster Ungeheuer Riesling GG, Pfalz 2021
Gold, 96 factors
£49.95-£60 Hayward Bros, Tom I’Anson
Distinctive power, exhibiting white flowers, peas and apricots, with a seductive flinty mineral core. Textured and crisp, fantastic stress and size. Alc 12.5%
Switzerland
Histoire d’Enfer, L’Enfer du Calcaire Pinot Noir, Salquenen, Valais 2019
Platinum, 97 factors
histoiredenfer.ch
Raspberries, strawberries and freshly picked cherries, with a scrumptious infusion of purple liquorice, clove and star anise. Capacious and warming, with a simmering gravelly undertone of mineral tannins. Merely excellent. Alc 13.9%
Domaine Jean-René Germanier, Heida Réserve, Valais 2021
Gold, 96 factors
POA £ Alpine Wines
Aromas of meadow flowers, white blossom and camomile interwoven with potent lime zest and candy yuzu fragrance. Wealthy and sapid with a prolonged, herbaceous end. Alc 14%
Liesch, Prezius Pinot Noir, Graubünden 2021
Gold, 95 factors
liesch-weine.ch
Shiny acidity and judiciously employed oak be part of pleasant floral scents and fragrant purple fruits, befitting the elegant, cool-climate model. Depth and pleasure in equal measure. Alc 13%
