The new guide, the first to be created by an international wine exhibition, is organized into white, rosé, red, sweet, semi-sparkling and sparkling categories.

2,153 wines from Italy, France, South Africa, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Mexico, Romania, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Turkey, Canada and China from 578 companies were judged by leading international experts including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, sommeliers, wine writers, bloggers and journalists.

The project was coordinated by Ian D’Agata, the Scientific Director of the Vinitaly International Academy, with Bernard Burthschy, editor in chief of Figaro Vin, Robert Joseph of Meininger’s, Paolo Basso, best sommelier in the world 2013, and Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW.

Wines were also assessed in the ‘wine without walls’ category, comprised of wines with controlled sulfite levels, judged by a specialist jury headed by Alice Feiring. Out of a total of 68 wines from 37 companies submitted for consideration, the guide contains 5 wines with no added sulfites and 12 with sulfites not exceeding 40mg/l.

Banfi, based in Montalcino, is the first winner of the ‘best wine cellar of the year’ after obtaining the highest average score, with three wines in at least two different categories.

Other selected winners include:

Best white: Vermentino Di Gallura Docg Vendemmia Tardiva “Sciala” 2015 – Surrau Srl Società Agricola – Arzachena – Score 95.

Best rosé: Lazio PGI Rosato “Albiola” 2016 – Casale Del Giglio Azienda Agricola Srl – Le Ferriere – Score 92

Best red: Barolo Docg Bussia 2013 – Agricola Gian Piero Marrone Snc – La Morra – Score 96

Best sweet: Moscadello Di Montalcino Doc Vendemmia Tardiva “Florus” 2014 – Banfi Srl – Montalcino – Score 95

Best semi-sparkling: Colli Piacentini Doc Malvasia Frizzante 2016 – Cantina Sociale Di Vicobarone – Vicobarone Di Ziano – Score 93

Best sparkling: Vino Spumante Di Qualità Brut Rosé “Unique” 2014 – Medici Ermete & Figli Srl – Reggio Emilia – Score 94.

The grand prize of the jury: Vernaccia di Oristano Doc Superiore “Juighissa” 2008 by Cantina della Vernaccia Soc. Coop. Agr. – Oristano – Score 95.

Read more at source: The Drinks Business