The 2025 results are out: IWSC Global Judging in Austria
The IWSC has returned to Austria and has just completed its third consecutive year of Global Judging in partnership with the Austrian Wine Marketing Board and this year’s host Wein Steiermark (Styria).
This year 18 gold, 111 silver and 173 bronze medals were awarded with the results illustrating the diversity and dynamism of the Austrian wine scene. The largest number of gold medals were awarded to Sauvignon Blancs from Steiermark/Styria, followed by Reserve Grüner Veltliners from Kamptal and Kremstal. The competition’s silver medals came from a wide variety of region’s and grape variety which underscore Austrian wines’ inherent quality, and as a result, potential. There were more white than red wines judged but we saw strong silver and bronze red wine entries from local and international varieties.
Austria’s best-kept secret? Judges say Styrian Sauvignon Blanc deserves the spotlight
At this year’s IWSC judging sessions a clear consensus emerged from the tasting panels: Styrian Sauvignon Blanc is having a moment and it's one that deserves global attention. The judges were struck by the sheer quality, stylistic diversity, and drinkability of Sauvignon Blancs from Südsteiermark (Southern Styria). Whether oaked or unoaked, these wines showed exceptional class, poise, and personality.
Harry Crowther claimed “Steiermark Sauvignon Blanc is amazing and we should all drink more of it.”Cat Lomax went on to say that “we awarded two golds in very different styles. It is great to see such high-quality Sauvignons coming out of Austria.”
This strong showing comes at a time when consumer interest in Sauvignon Blanc remains high, yet many drinkers are seeking fresh expressions beyond the usual suspects of New Zealand and the Loire Valley. For adventurous palates, Austria’s take on the grape offers both familiarity and surprise, something the judges enthusiastically agreed upon.
Grüner Veltliner: Austria’s flagship under scrutiny
While Sauvignon Blanc soared, Grüner Veltliner’s performance was mixed. Though the Reserve category impressed for its richness and complexity, other regions, especially Wagram and Wachau, underwhelmed. The judges found a large number of well-made Grüners that sat at a mid-bronze level that were nice to drink, but not overly exciting. The feedback signals an opportunity for producers to sharpen regional identity and ensure that Austria’s flagship white grape continues to command international attention.
Lighter, unoaked reds rise to the occasion
In the red wine category, judges highlighted a clear market-aligned trend: lighter, unoaked Zweigelt is the future. There is a growing preference for fresh, juicy, low-intervention reds and this was reinforced across multiple panels. It was the oak-aged expressions, by contrast, that sparked debate, not all of it favourable.
The great Sauvignon oak debate
Though Styrian Sauvignon Blanc dazzled, one style within it caused debate: barrel-aged and matured Sauvignon Blanc. Some judges appreciated the structure and complexity oak could bring, but others questioned whether this style fits the expectations of the broader market. This was illustrated by a comment from Cat Lomax who said “we didn’t have clarity on what the oaked style should achieve but it wouldn’t be right for the vast majority of customers.”
Sweet wines: balance is key
When it came to dessert wines, reactions were mixed. While a few wines earned gold medals for their freshness and complexity, others were deemed overly sugary and lacking acidity. “Gold medal sweet wines were the clear winners, balanced sweetness, freshness, and varietal character” said Freddy Bulmer. However, others felt that some dessert wines relied too much on sugar and would struggle to find export markets. The takeaway? Balance is key. Sweetness must be lifted by acidity and structure to resonate with modern drinkers, especially in export-driven markets.
Conclusion: A changing Austrian landscape
From the breakout success of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc to the shift toward fresher reds and calls for clarity in regional styles, this year’s IWSC tasting painted a vivid picture of an Austrian wine scene in motion. Producers who embrace these insights by championing terroir, refining oak usage, and aligning with evolving consumer preferences are poised to not only receive medals, but lead the next wave of Austrian wine excellence.
This year’s gold medal winning wines
The full list of award winning Austrian wines can be view here.
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