Award-winning white wines

Buy award-winning white wines – excellent wines for connoisseurs and gourmets

The world of award-winning white wines

White wine is very popular – not only on summer evenings on the patio, but also as a versatile food companion with a high aromatic range. Among white wines, however, those wines that have been honoured at renowned competitions and by respected wine guides stand out in particular. In the world of wine, award-winning white wines are considered a safe choice for quality, elegance and substance.

They are produced in renowned wineries in Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa, Austria and other countries, where winemakers put all their expertise into each bottle. The grape varieties used range from Riesling to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Bianco, as well as more exotic varieties such as Viognier and Malvasia.

What makes a white wine ‘award-winning’?

A wine is designated as ‘award-winning’ if it has been honoured in a competition or by a recognised critic. The criteria for judging include aroma, texture, balance, finish, ageing and overall impression – usually according to a points system, as used by James Suckling, Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate), Luca Maroni or Falstaff.

Many of these wines receive medals such as gold, silver or bronze at competitions such as the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse, Decanter World Wine Awards, Berliner Wein Trophy, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles or the Mundus Vini. In the associated wine guides, there is often also a ranking with over 90 points – an indicator of above-average quality.

A wine with 95 points, for example, is rated as ‘excellent’ – a result that only a small proportion of all submitted products achieve.

The importance of award-winning white wines for consumers

When you buy a medal-winning or highly rated white wine, you are choosing certified quality. While personal taste preferences can never be replaced, ratings can help you find your way around. If you are looking to discover new grape varieties, regions or vineyards, it is worth taking a look at wines that have already convinced expert juries.

What's more, award-winning white wines are often the result of particularly careful work: strictly selected grapes, gentle pressing, controlled fermentation and well-thought-out maturation – whether in stainless steel, large wooden barrels or barriques. As a result of these careful production methods, complex aromas and a harmonious taste develop, distinguishing the wine.

Particularly for connoisseurs who value aroma, texture and finish, reaching for an award-winning wine is a worthwhile decision – whether for everyday drinking, a celebration or as a gift.

A wide range of grape varieties – classics and rarities among the award-winning white wines

Riesling – aromatic, elegant, long-lasting

Riesling is considered the queen of white wine varieties. It originated in Germany, but today it is also successfully cultivated in Austria, Australia, the United States and South Africa.

A distinctive feature of Riesling is its precise acidity, which gives it freshness and a long ageing potential. Highly rated Rieslings exhibit aromas of lime, green apple, white peach, minerals and blossoms.

Depending on the vinification, it can be bone dry, off-dry or lusciously sweet – a diversity that hardly any other grape variety offers to this extent.

Chardonnay – the global all-rounder

Chardonnay is grown worldwide and is an integral part of the wine landscape, particularly in Burgundy, California, Australia, South Africa, but also in northern Italy.

Award-winning Chardonnays are often aged in barriques and exhibit aromas of citrus fruits, pineapple, butter, toast or vanilla. At the same time, there are many fresh and reductively aged variants – for example from the Chablis region – which are characterised by elegant minerality and clarity. Another method for producing sparkling wines from Chardonnay is the Charmat method, in which the wines mature in thermally conditioned stainless steel tanks, resulting in a fine perlage and fruity aroma.

Depending on the style, Chardonnay is an ideal partner for fish, poultry, risotto or mature cheese. It is no wonder that it is at the top of many international award lists.

Sauvignon Blanc – juicy, lively, modern

Sauvignon Blanc has become a real star in recent decades. Wines made from this variety are characterised by intense fruit aromas and lively acidity.

Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé), New Zealand (Marlborough), but also from South Tyrol and Styria, are particularly highly rated.

On the nose, they often show aromas of gooseberry, green apple, paprika, cassis leaves or citrus fruits. Many of these wines consistently score over 90 points in Falstaff, Vinum and other guides.

Pinot Bianco – subtle and balanced

Pinot Bianco (also known as Weissburgunder) impresses with its restrained fruit, elegant structure and fine minerality. It goes perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine and harmonises with fish dishes, white meat or asparagus.

Pinot Bianco wines from South Tyrol, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy in particular repeatedly achieve top placings in international competitions.

Some Italian Aziende Agricole specialise in high-quality Bianco cuvées, in which Pinot Bianco forms an elegant backbone.

Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Viognier and Malvasia – aromatic diversity

These varieties are synonymous with opulent, perfumed white wines with an exotic touch.

Gewürztraminer from Alsace, Viognier from the Rhône Valley, Muscat from South Tyrol or Malvasia from Croatia produce floral, spicy and sometimes slightly sweet wines.

They often win awards for their harmonious balance of alcohol, fruit and acidity. These wines go extremely well with spicy dishes, foie gras, mature cheeses or as an accompaniment to Asian cuisine. An example of an aromatic wine with intense fruit flavours is the Nero d'Avola, which is known for its deep red colour and aromas of dark fruits such as cherries and plums.

The origin of quality – regions that produce award-winning white wines

Germany – the home of great Rieslings

In hardly any other country is white wine as culturally ingrained as it is in Germany. The Riesling grape variety in particular enjoys a worldwide reputation and is an integral component of many award-winning white wines from regions such as Mosel, Rheingau, Nahe and Pfalz.

German wines are often characterised by a clear acidity, floral notes, fresh fruit and often remarkably low alcohol content with a high aroma pressure.

Many of these wines are regularly found among the recommendations in the Gault Millau, Falstaff or Eichelmann wine guides.

In particular, off-dry Rieslings with 91 to 94 points are considered perfect all-rounders for connoisseurs and discerning palates.

France – white wine as a cultural asset

France is synonymous with vinophile sophistication like no other country. In the world of award-winning white wines, three regions in particular play a prominent role:

• Bourgogne – the origin of great Chardonnay crus such as Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet or Chablis.
• Loire Valley – home to elegant Sauvignon Blancs from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
• Alsace – known for Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Muscat.

Many of these wines mature on the yeasts, are gently aged in wood or are vinified as a single variety. Their depth, clarity and longevity earn them awards year after year in competitions and in trade publications.

Italy – expressive white wines with regional character

Although Italy is known for classic reds such as Barolo and Brunello, Italian white wines are increasingly coming into focus. In particular, Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Piedmont are home to award-winning white wines of international renown.

Some examples of grape varieties that thrive here:

• Pinot Grigio from Lombardy
• Gavi DOCG from Cortese grapes in Piedmont
• Contadi Castaldi, a renowned producer of high-quality sparkling wines from Franciacorta

Many of these wines impress with moderate alcohol, delicate fruit and an elegant, dry style that regularly scores over 90 points from Luca Maroni or James Suckling.

South Africa – Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape

For years, the wines of the Western Cape have been surprising people with their high quality – and excellent value for money.

Award-winning white wines made from Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier come from areas such as Stellenbosch or Constantia.

Often grown on cool high plateaus, they display clear fruit, a lively structure and well-integrated acidity. Many South African white wines are among the frontrunners in international tastings – with ratings that are on a par with those of European wines.

Maturation, texture, residual sugar – it's all in the details

Stainless steel tank, barrique or amphora?

The maturation of a white wine has a significant influence on its aroma, texture and longevity. Various types of maturation can be found in modern cellars:

• Stainless steel tank: for clear, fruit-forward, reductively matured white wines
• Barrique: For creamy, full-bodied wines with notes of toast or vanilla
• Large wooden barrels: For traditional ageing methods with gentle oxygenation
• Amphora or concrete tank: For natural, handcrafted wines

Award-winning white wines are often characterised by a deliberate choice of ageing method that perfectly matches the grape variety and region.

Texture and mouthfeel as a sign of quality

An award-winning white wine is not only convincing in terms of its aromas, but also in terms of its harmonious texture, creamy or crystalline mouthfeel and long, finely tuned finish.

Wines that are particularly well rated show balance – between fruit, acidity, body and alcohol.

Terms such as ‘exciting’, ‘delicate’, ‘full-bodied’ or ‘salty and mineral’ are often found in tasting notes for wines that score more than 92 points.

Residual sugar, alcohol and balance

The residual sugar content of a white wine also contributes significantly to the taste.

• Dry white wines contain a maximum of 4 g/l residual sugar (with exceptions of up to 9 g/l with the appropriate acidity).
• Off-dry wines range between 9 and 18 g/l and are slightly sweet with full freshness.
• Noble sweet wines such as Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and ice wine have a significantly higher sweetness, often buffered by a pronounced acidity.

The alcohol content of award-winning white wines is usually between 11.5 and 13.5%, with lighter wines often being produced in cooler vintages and at higher altitudes. An alcohol content that is too high can mask the subtlety of the wine – but this is rarely the case with award-winning wines.

Wine and food – a harmonious pairing with award-winning white wines

White wine with an aperitif

A fresh Sauvignon Blanc or a Blanc de Noir with delicate fruitiness is the ideal way to start an evening with friends or guests. Goes well with:

• Olives
• Salted almonds
• Puff pastry
• Smoked trout mousse on toast

An award-winning white wine elevates the simple aperitif culture to a higher level.

Starters: Refined, light, white

A Pinot Bianco or a Gavi DOCG goes well with pikeperch carpaccio, a salad with burrata and yellow beetroot or gratinated goat's cheese on rocket.

The award-winning freshness of these wines emphasises the fine ingredients and ensures a harmonious start to the meal.

Fish and seafood – classics with white wine

Grilled salmon, sea bass in a salt crust or scallops with lemon butter are perfect with a Chardonnay aged in oak barrels.

A smooth, ripe-fruit Viognier is also a wonderful match. The combination of roasted aromas and creamy texture is a delight at the highest level.

Pasta, vegetables, vegetarian cuisine

A white wine with delicate fruit and a medium body goes well with asparagus with hollandaise sauce, pasta with truffles or vegetable quiche.

A fine dry Riesling or a Malvasia from northern Italy provides excitement on the palate without drowning out the delicate vegetable flavours.

Poultry and white meat

White wines with an elegant structure go well with tender veal fillet, fried chicken breast or lemon chicken. Award-winning Chardonnay or Pinot Bianco wines, with a little oak ageing, are perfect here.

A white wine with floral and nutty notes can delicately emphasise the umami flavour of the meat dishes without dominating. Wines with a medium alcohol content and a silky texture are particularly good at making these dishes a harmonious and enjoyable experience.

Cheese platter and white wine – an underrated combination

Whether fresh goat's cheese, young Taleggio or mature Gruyère – many types of cheese harmonise perfectly with white wine.

A Sauvignon Blanc complements the freshness of the cheese, while a Viognier emphasises its creaminess and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Even blue cheese finds a surprisingly exciting counterpart in a residual-sweet Riesling or Chenin Blanc.

Dessert and white wine – delicate sweetness, great pleasure

Fruity desserts such as peach tart, apple strudel or lemon sorbet go well with wines with residual sweetness and award-winning balance.

A Riesling Spätlese, a Trockenbeerenauslese or a Moscato d'Asti with fine perlage complement sweet dishes without overpowering them.

The combination of sweetness, acidity and length of flavour is a true finale for a successful dinner.

Wineries in the spotlight – producers of award-winning white wines

Boutique wineries with a big signature

Numerous award-winning white wines come from smaller, family-run wineries that process their grapes with the utmost care.

Some of these vineyards only produce a few thousand bottles a year, but they place a great deal of emphasis on terroir, hand-picking and ageing.

These wines are often found in the upper echelons at international tastings – even if they rarely appear in mass retail.

International greats with high consistency

At the same time, larger bodegas, aziende agricole and vineyards also repeatedly manage to produce award-winning white wines on a large scale.

Some examples:

• Contadi Castaldi (Italy) – famous for sparkling wines from Franciacorta
• Azienda Agricola Ca' dei Frati – awarded for Lugana and Trebbiano
• Bodegas Naia (Spain) – internationally acclaimed for Verdejo

These wineries combine technology, tradition and expertise to deliver consistent quality at a high level year after year.

Award-winning white wines and sustainability – a growing category

Organic, biodynamic and natural

An increasing number of award-winning wines come from organic or biodynamic wineries.

The terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘certified viticulture’ are not just buzzwords, but are increasingly influencing the assessments in competitions.

Avoiding synthetic pesticides, greening the vine rows, hand-picking and spontaneous fermentation often lead to wines with a special authenticity and expressiveness – exactly what judges appreciate.

Water consumption, carbon footprint and packaging

Sustainable wineries today not only pay attention to the vineyard, but also to processing, transport and packaging.

More and more often, lighter bottles with reduced glass content, recycled cardboard, bio-caps or even bag-in-box solutions in a noble design are coming onto the market.

These products are on a par with traditional glass bottles in terms of quality and are increasingly being rated positively in tastings.

Buy award-winning white wines online – tips for choosing

Read labels – recognise ratings

When buying online, look out for information such as:

• Gold, silver, bronze medals
• Scores (usually between 85 and 100 points)
• mentions of wine guides such as Falstaff, James Suckling or Luca Maroni

This information will help you to assess the quality and origin of the white wine – regardless of the price.

Sort by filters – quickly find the right wine

A good online shop offers filter functions by category, vintage, alcohol content, region, grape variety, ageing or price.

This makes it possible to search specifically for wines that go well with a particular dish, occasion or gift. Filtering by rating (e.g. ‘90 points or more’) or by ‘award-winning products’ is particularly helpful.

Shipping in a box – choose quantities cleverly

Many suppliers offer free shipping on orders above a certain minimum value or above a certain number of bottles.

It often makes sense to order a mixed box with several award-winning white wines – this increases enjoyment and saves shipping costs.

Experience the variety of white wine – one drop, many categories

Sparkling white wines – sparkling award-winners

Award-winning sparkling wines made from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier or Pinot Bianco bring freshness and structure. Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noir types are particularly popular – whether from Champagne, Lombardy or Provence.

Many of these wines achieve high ratings at international competitions – as an aperitif, with oysters or simply on their own.

Exclusive white wine cuvées

In addition to single-varietal wines, the award-winning white wines also include complex cuvées, often made from several white grape varieties.

They combine fruit, texture, tension and length and are the result of precise winemaking. They often have creative names that reflect their origin or terroir – and are ideal as gifts or for special moments.

Wines with ageing potential

Not all white wines should be drunk young. In particular, wines with well-integrated acidity, aged on the lees or in barriques, can age for several years.

Some Chardonnays, Rieslings or Chenin Blancs only develop their full depth after 5–8 years – something that many consumers underestimate.

Competitions and points – finding your way through the variety

How do wine ratings work?

Many competitions use the classic 100-point scale, which was developed by critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling. Not only flavour is judged, but also aroma, colour, structure, balance, finish and overall quality.

A white wine scoring over 90 points is generally considered ‘very good’, from 94 points ‘excellent’, and from 96 points and above, it enters the rarefied zone of exceptional wines.

Some important rating systems are:

• Falstaff points
• Vinum Weinguide Germany
• The Wine Advocate / Parker points
• James Suckling rating system
• Luca Maroni's 99-point method

Many of these sources list award-winning white wines in clear vintage tables – a useful tool for connoisseurs and beginners alike.

Well-known competitions with a focus on white wine

Some international competitions have particularly distinguished themselves in the field of white wine:

• Berlin Wine Trophy
• Mundus Vini
• Grand Prix du Vin Suisse
• Decanter World Wine Awards
• Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Wines from all over the world are tasted and classified according to origin, grape variety and category. Wines that win a gold or silver medal here often also make it onto the wine lists of good restaurants or into the recommendations of the trade press.

Seasonal tips: white wine in spring, summer, autumn and winter

Springtime – freshness for the senses

In spring, Sauvignon Blanc, Silvaner or Muscat go well with light starters, spring vegetables and fish. In particular, white wines with citrus flavours and invigorating acidity complement the newly awakening cuisine of the season.

Summer wines – fruit, freshness, joy

In summer, crisp, cool wines with moderate alcohol content dominate. Riesling Kabinett, Pinot Grigio or Blanc de Noir in the 75cl bottle are ideal companions for a picnic, barbecue or a Mediterranean lunch with friends.

Autumn – golden aromas, more structure

When the cuisine becomes heartier, the white wine can also show more depth. Chardonnay with barrique ageing, Viognier or aged Chenin Blanc go well with pumpkin, wildfowl, cream sauces and mature cheese.

Winter – white wine as a festive companion

The winter menu calls for full-bodied white wines with a lingering aftertaste. Grand Cru Chardonnays, off-dry Rieslings or elegant white wine cuvées aged in oak barrels are synonymous with elegance and warmth. A full-bodied white wine with a fruity sweetness or creamy texture can also be a pleasant surprise with cheese fondue or raclette.

Trends in the world of white wines

Orange wine and natural wine

Award-winning white wines from the natural wine scene are also experiencing an upswing. Long maceration, unfiltered maturation, minimal intervention – such wines are achieving high recognition in specialised competitions. Their aromas are often more complex, sometimes more tart, but full of character.

Old grape varieties rediscovered

Varieties such as Elbling, Aligoté, Furmint or Clairette are increasingly being cultivated by dedicated wineries – often with astounding results. Many of them receive high ratings in blind tastings because they prioritise authenticity and individuality.

Small batches, special editions, barrique whites

More and more wineries are releasing white wines in limited or special editions. Special barrique whites with yeast ageing or individually numbered bottlings from a single vineyard with a golden capsule are in high demand – especially as gifts.

Wine and culture – the role of wine in society

Wine plays an important role in many cultures and is often part of traditions and customs. In Germany, for example, wine is an important part of culture and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. Germany's wine regions, such as the Moselle or the Rheingau, are not only known for their excellent wines, but also for their wine festivals and traditions, which attract people from all over the world. Wine is not just a beverage, but an expression of joie de vivre and community.

Wine and society – social aspects of wine enjoyment

Wine enjoyment also has social aspects, such as participating in wine tastings or joining a wine club. Many wine connoisseurs share their passion for wine with others and exchange experiences. Wine can also be given as a gift and is often a symbol of friendship and hospitality. Some of the most well-known wine critics, such as James Suckling, Robert Parker and Luca Maroni, have made wine an important part of modern culture. Their ratings and recommendations influence the decisions of many wine lovers and contribute to the spread of wine culture.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about award-winning white wines

What does it mean when a white wine is awarded?

An award-winning white wine has been judged and awarded a medal or score by a recognised competition or renowned wine critic. These awards are an indicator of particularly high quality, often tested according to international standards.

Which grape varieties are most often represented in award-winning white wines?

Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, Chenin Blanc and Gewürztraminer are among the most frequently awarded grape varieties. These varieties offer a wide range of flavours and produce exceptional quality in different climates and styles of vinification.

How can I recognise award-winning white wines when shopping?

Look for information on the label such as medals (e.g. Berliner Wein Trophy, Mundus Vini) or points (e.g. 94 points James Suckling). Many online shops also offer filter functions for awards or lists of wine guide recommendations.

Do award-winning white wines automatically cost more?

Not necessarily. While some highly rated white wines are in the premium segment, there are also many award-winning wines that cost less than CHF 20. Price and quality don't have to be mutually exclusive – as numerous competitions prove.

Which award-winning white wines are particularly suitable as gifts?

Particularly suitable are white wines with Grand Cru status, special editions, magnums or wines with special packaging (e.g. in wooden boxes). Cuvées or mature vintages with high scores also make stylish gifts.