Award-winning red wines

Buy award-winning red wines: exclusive wines with distinction

The world of wine is diverse, multi-faceted and deeply rooted in culture and history. In particular, award-winning red wines enjoy a high reputation in the wine world and stand for quality, craftsmanship and the critical eye of international wine critics.

If you want to buy award-winning red wines, you are choosing wines with a story, an outstanding vintage or a special location. In this article, we take a detailed look at the best award-winning red wines from around the world and show how they can be enjoyed with the right food. The variety of flavours and the aroma of these wines play a decisive role.

What are award-winning red wines?

Award-winning red wines are wines that have been recognised by renowned wine critics and expert labels. These awards are a reliable indicator of the quality and taste of the wine. They are based on strict evaluation criteria that take into account aspects such as aroma diversity, texture, acid balance and finish.

Award-winning red wines are available in a range of price points, meaning that both occasional drinkers and dedicated wine lovers can find something to suit their tastes. From affordable options under €20 to exclusive vintages, award-winning red wines offer something for every taste and occasion.

What makes award-winning red wines stand out?

Award-winning red wines are recognised by renowned wine competitions, trade magazines and independent wine critics. The evaluations are based on various criteria, including texture, aroma, flavour, finish, alcohol structure, acidity and balance. The best-known evaluation method is the 100-point scale, which is used by Robert Parker, James Suckling and Wine Spectator, among others.

The role of wine critics

Some of the most influential names in wine criticism include Antonio Galloni, Luca Maroni, Stephen Tanzer, James Suckling and Robert Parker. Their opinions are considered groundbreaking for wineries, retailers and consumers. Ratings from these critics significantly influence the price and popularity of a wine. A drop that scores 94 points or more attracts worldwide attention.

International wine competitions and awards

Competitions such as Mundus Vini, the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse and the Decanter World Wine Award present medals to wines of outstanding quality every year. The awards presented by these competitions are highly regarded in the wine world. National platforms such as Weinwisser and Gambero Rosso, as well as specialist magazines and newspapers, also contribute to the evaluation of award-winning wines.

Award-winning red wines from around the world

Switzerland in the spotlight: Diego Mathier and his award-winning red wines

In Switzerland, Diego Mathier in particular has made an international name for himself with his award-winning red wines. His wines from the Valais region regularly win prestigious awards and show just how much potential there is in Swiss terroir.

The ‘L'Ambassadeur de Diego Mathier red AOC VS’ was named Grand Maestro at the Mondial des Pinots, making it the world champion. With its deep dark colour, ripe fruit aromas and elegant structure, it represents excellence in Swiss winemaking.

The Syrah Diego Mathier AOC VS was honoured twice at the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse: as Swiss champion for varietal wines and with the Prix Vinissimo as the jury's favourite wine. Its spicy depth, long finish and polished tannins make it a companion full of character for hearty dishes.

The ‘Cuvée Madame Rosmarie Mathier red AOC VS’ also convinced the jury of experts and was named Swiss champion in the red blend category. It skilfully combines the strengths of several grape varieties into a harmonious whole.

Merlot Nadia Mathier AOC VS was named the best Swiss red wine and winner of the Prix Vetropack. Velvety, dense and with notes of dark berries and liquorice, this wine showcases the excellent quality of the Merlot grapes grown in the Valais region.

Last but not least, the Pinot Noir Réserve de Salquenen AOC VS is considered the best Swiss Pinot Noir. Finely structured, elegant and with a long, silky finish, this wine is a highlight for Pinot lovers.

The many awards won by Diego Mathier's red wines underscore the international recognition of Swiss wines and show that Valais is one of the most exciting regions for award-winning red wines. 

Award-winning red wines from Spain: Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero is considered one of the best red wine regions in Spain. The Tinto Fino grape variety, a variety of Tempranillo, and Monastrell dominate here. Wineries such as Vega Sicilia and Pingus are world-famous and have received multiple awards for their complex, long-lasting red wines. Wines from this region are characterised by their deep colour, fine tannins and intense aromas of dark fruits and spices.

Italian elegance: award-winning red wines from Italy

With regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto, Italy offers an enormous variety. Famous grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Merlot are vinified in a centuries-old tradition. Award-winning wines from Lombardy or Veneto, including Prosecco, are particularly sought after by connoisseurs. The Gambero Rosso awards the coveted ‘Tre Bicchieri’ for exceptional quality. Names like Sassicaia or Barolo Riserve are regularly mentioned in the international rankings.

Red wines from Austria: complexity and freshness

Austria has also earned a permanent place among the wine-producing countries. Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Gewürztraminer from Burgenland show structure, depth and freshness at the same time. Award-winning red wines from Austria repeatedly attract positive attention at competitions such as AWC Vienna or in publications such as Falstaff. These wines are ideal food companions, especially with vintages that have been aged for a long time.

The New World: award-winning wines from the West

Regions such as Western Cape in South Africa, California, Mendoza or Australia are known for their innovative spirit. This is where award-winning red wines are produced, which are highly rated by both James Suckling and Wine Spectator. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Garnacha develop their own unique expressions in these countries. The combination of plenty of sunshine and cool night air is particularly good at ensuring ripe aromas while maintaining acidity.

France's diversity: Burgundy, Rhône and Bordeaux

France's most classic wine-producing regions deliver award-winning red wines year after year. Whether it's a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from Burgundy, a Syrah from the Rhône Valley or a powerful Bordeaux from the Médoc: the combination of centuries of experience and excellent terroir ensures wines with depth and elegance. Bordeaux châteaux such as Mouton Rothschild, Margaux or Pétrus regularly achieve the highest scores from Wine Spectator or Robert Parker.

The importance of location and vintage

Not only the grape variety and the vinification process, but also the location and vintage have a decisive influence on the character of a red wine. Prime locations with a good microclimate and well-drained soils produce concentrated grapes with a balanced acid and sugar profile. Vintages with optimal vegetation cycles produce dense, long-lasting wines that are highly rated by wine critics.

Filtering by grape variety and origin

When buying award-winning red wines, it is advisable to filter and sort by grape variety, such as Merlot, Syrah, Garnacha or Pinot Noir, and by region. This makes it easy to find wines that both suit your personal taste and offer good value for money. Filtering by awards, such as those from Antonio Galloni, James Suckling or Gambero Rosso, also helps you find your way around the wide range.

Award-winning red wines and pairing with food

Pairing award-winning red wines with the right dish can lead to an unforgettable taste experience. Full-bodied Bordeaux cuvées go wonderfully with game dishes, beef pot roast or rack of lamb. A Sangiovese from Tuscany highlights the flavours of truffle pasta or braised rabbit with rosemary.

A Nebbiolo from Piedmont, with its structure and delicate acidity, is an excellent accompaniment to roast veal, tagliata or mushroom risotto. Garnacha-based wines from Spain are ideal with grilled pork or tapas. Award-winning Merlot wines with a soft tannin structure complement creamy sauces, pasta dishes with parmesan or saddle of veal with morels.

Structured reds are also excellent companions to vegetarian dishes such as braised aubergine, lentil ragout or a selection of cheeses. The aromatic depth of a Syrah or Blaufränkisch brings out even vegetable components.

An elegant rosé is perfect as an aperitif and is an ideal companion for light starters or festive occasions.

Texture and mouthfeel: what ratings really show

One criterion that is often mentioned in ratings is mouthfeel. The way a wine presents itself on the palate – velvety, powerful, silky or robust – often determines how it is emotionally perceived. The aftertaste, i.e. how long the aromas remain after swallowing, also provides clues about quality and ageing.

Tips for storing award-winning red wines

If you buy award-winning red wines, you should make sure you store them correctly. A constant temperature between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, low humidity and darkness are optimal conditions. Wines with a high ageing potential, such as Barolo, Bordeaux Grand Cru or Syrah from the Rhône region, gain complexity in the first ten years. The soils in the south also offer climatic advantages that increase the ripening of the grapes and thus the quality of the wines.

Combine award-winning wines in your shopping basket

When putting together a shopping basket for different occasions, variety is key. An aromatic Pinot for a light evening, a full-bodied Merlot for a festive menu, a mature Garnacha for a fireside chat. A special tip: if you filter by ratings, you can be sure that every drop in the package has already been appreciated by experts.

FAQ about award-winning red wines

What is the significance of point ratings for red wines?

Point ratings such as those from Robert Parker or James Suckling provide information about quality, structure and storage life. From 90 points upwards, the wines are considered particularly recommendable.

What does ‘Grand Cru’ mean for award-winning wines?

The term ‘Grand Cru’ refers to the best sites within a growing region, particularly in Burgundy or Bordeaux. These wines often receive high ratings.

What role does the vintage play in award-winning red wines?

Vintages with ideal climate and healthy grapes have a greater chance of winning awards because they offer optimal conditions for ripening and vinification.

Which Swiss red wines have won international awards?

Wines from Diego Mathier, such as L'Ambassadeur, Syrah, Pinot Noir Réserve or Merlot Nadia, have won numerous national and international prizes.

Are award-winning wines worth buying for everyday drinking?

Yes, award-winning red wines are a pleasure to drink on an everyday basis and their awards are a guarantee of a certain quality consistency.