Bacchus 2026: Unforgettable Tastings & Connections
Awaken your senses to the refined warmth of Spanish hospitality, timeless flair, and electrifying energy of Concurso Internacional Bacchus. The Bacchus International Wine Competition (Concurso Internacional Bacchus) remains Spain’s premier annual tasting for wine, vermouth, and spirits. Organized since 1996 by the Unión Española de Catadores in Madrid, Bacchus is recognized by the OIV and respected within the VINOFED network — a benchmark for technical rigor, international visibility, and industry credibility. Bacchus XXIV (Bacchus 2026), held in Madrid from 23–26 March, welcomed a diverse field: 1,462 wines, 28 vermouths, and 35 spirits from 14 countries. Ninety-two judges from 27 nationalities — critics, sommeliers, winemakers, educators, and importers — came together for strict blind tastings. Spanish entries were especially strong, covering 51 geographical indications and 42 designations of origin. Medals across Gran Bacchus de Oro, Bacchus de Oro, and Bacchus de Plata were awarded, with Mexico leading the international medal count. The competition’s logistics run like a well-tuned cellar: flights randomized, controlled tasting conditions, and multiple judges per sample to reduce bias. A calibration session at the start aligned scoring criteria and reference styles, helping ensure coherence across a widely varied panel. Beyond medals, detailed tasting notes offered producers and trade professionals practical feedback on market readiness and stylistic direction. Bacchus balances rigorous assessment with cultural and commercial programming. Over three full days, core blind panels were paired with masterclasses, producer showcases, trade tastings, and evening events — a mix that highlights both established appellations and fresh, experimental projects. The opening Ambassadors of Diversity Wine Salon set the tone, showcasing identity-driven wines and signaling that Bacchus values both tradition and innovation. Several wines stood out. Bodegas Serdio’s 50 VORS sherries revealed oxidative mastery: an Oloroso with nutty-caramel depth, an Amontillado layered with dried apricot and savory nuance, and a Palo Cortado of toasted-walnut precision and saline lift. Paco & Lola’s 2018 Albariño impressed with citrus lift and saline minerality; Granvazan Limousin Albariño offered creamy texture and toasted-almond nuance; Altos de Corona Caíño popped with green apple, wild herbs, and mineral energy; and Pago de los Capellanes Parcela El Picon 2021 showed concentrated dark fruit, warm spice, and silky, refined tannins. As a first time attendee, it was a genuine honor to participate in this esteemed competition. The event’s perfect scale created such wonderful camaraderie among wine professionals from around the globe, giving us the ideal setting to connect and build meaningful relationships with colleagues from every corner of the industry. Adding to the magic of the event were the exceptional lunches, masterclasses, and dinners that followed each day of tasting. All lunches and the core blind tasting sessions took place at the historic MOM Culinary Institute El Pardo — housed in a beautifully repurposed 19th-century convent in Madrid’s El Pardo district. That atmospheric setting, with its timeless architecture and warm, professional vibe, added an extra layer of charm and history to every moment. Culinary pairings and masterclasses were integral to the Bacchus experience, each designed to reveal new facets of the wines: – Lan & Sogrape hosted a standout lunch where grilled octopus and succulent Iberian pork cheek were paired deftly with elegant, balanced wines. Following this, a Raventós Codorníu masterclass showcased Cava’s traditional-method precision — crisp, fine bubbles and focused acidity that demonstrated the region’s world-class sparkling craftsmanship. – An asador dinner at Asador Gonzaba Madrid, sponsored by Marqués de Riscal, provided a quintessential Spanish grilling experience: jamón ibérico de bellota; jamón-and-cheese croquetas; grilled Galician scallops; and a magnificent chuletón de ternera, each course enlivened by generous pours of iconic Rioja and other classic Spanish labels. – Torres hosted a refined luncheon that highlighted varietal finesse and cellar craft, while a Zamora Company masterclass later in the day put a spotlight on exceptional Godello from Finca Lobeira and Godeval alongside a vibrant Ramón Bilbao Albariño — tastings that illustrated how soil, exposure, and vine age influence aromatic lift, texture, and aging potential. – Restaurante Zen Velázquez delivered an elegant Asian-fusion dinner paired with Bodegas NOC, where the Selección de Familia Ribera del Duero 2023 revealed plush dark cherry, violet florals, and polished tannins. Guests were also treated to one of the first public tastings of Bodegas NOC’s inaugural traditional-method sparkling rosé from Tempranillo — a milestone release that speaks to the region’s innovation. The closing day’s lunch at MOM tied the week together with elevated comfort fare — empanada de atún y Manchego, tuna encebollado, Iberian pork tenderloin, and a salted chocolate tart — alongside a strong lineup of standout wines. Noteworthy pours included Familia Navascues Mas de Mancuso Cariñena 2023 (sensual blackberry and pepper wrapped in silky tannins), Arrayan El Bufón Albillo Real 2023 (explosive pineapple and peach with electric acidity), Arrayan La Suerte 2021 (rich dark fruit and tobacco with a long polished finish), and Bodegas Pascual Fernández Siete Peldaños 1857 Selección de Viñas Viejas 2020 (deep cherry, leather, earth, and velvety texture). Sharing these wines with their producers, Jorge Navascues and Maite Sanchez Marquez, underscored the dialogue between bottle and maker that makes Bacchus so meaningful. The evening ended on a high note with a farewell dinner at Sua by Triiclea — a fresh, vibrant Rías Baixas celebration hosted by the Consejo Regulador. They poured 27 impressive Albariños; standouts included Lusco Albariño 2025 (zesty lemon, sea-breeze freshness), Pazo Señorans 2024 (peach and white-flower elegance, bright acidity), Albariño de Fefiñanes 2024 (crisp green apple, saline minerality), Pazo de Rubianes 2024 (creamy texture with tropical fruit) and Granbazán Don Álvaro de Bazán 2022 (honeyed apricot, toasted almond, long refined finish). The menu was exceptional (toast with smoked butter and anchovies were swoon worthy) & framed the wines beautifully and sent the week off in style. From a professional standpoint, Bacchus 2026 balanced technical rigor with access and storytelling. The scoring and medal outcomes continue to offer a reliable external validation that producers can leverage for market entry, trade attention, and consumer trust. For importers and distributors, the competition’s results and the relationships forged here provide a practical roadmap
The 24th Brasil Selection Wine & Spirits Lights Up Bento Gonçalves!
Olá, my delightful vine explorers! 🍷✨ Imagine this: rolling hills kissed by the southern sun, air humming with the promise of fresh grapes, and the unmistakable buzz of passion in every pour. That’s Bento Gonçalves for you – Brazil’s beating heart of wine country – where the 24th edition of the Brasil Selection Wine & Spirits held on October 19 to 22nd 2025 just wrapped up like a perfectly aged vintage. Held over three unforgettable days, this gem of an event, organized by CMB (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles), turned the Serra Gaúcha into a playground for palates and a toast to viticultural magic. Let’s rewind the reel a bit. Picture 35 expert judges – including five international stars hailing from Canada, Peru, the USA, and the UK – diving deep into a sea of excellence. They evaluated a whopping 200 wines and 300 spirits, each one a story bottled up from Brazil’s diverse regions. The wine squad? They powered through 96 samples across those sun-soaked days, noses attuned, tongues dancing. But oh, it wasn’t just about the sips! The program wove in cultural gems, lively samplings, and those heartwarming moments that make you feel like family. (Stay tuned for the juicy details on pairings and hidden gems – I’ve got scoops coming your way!). The closing gala unfolded at the prestigious USC Escola de Gastronomia, where the organizers announced next year’s epic celebration will take place in the enchanting Flores da Cunha! This isn’t your average tasting; it’s a full-on showcase of Brazil’s viticultural prowess. From the bold reds echoing Italian roots to the crisp sparklers that rival the world’s best, these wines and spirits are proving that South American soil is crafting world-class wonders. Culminating in the big reveal of this year’s top-tier honorees, it’s the kind of event that reminds us why we chase that next glass – for the discovery, the joy, and the sheer felicidade it brings. A massive, heartfelt obrigado to the incredible volunteers and CMB crew who poured their souls into making it all seamless. And shoutout to the Spa do Vinho staff – your hospitality turned every moment into pure bliss. You created an unforgettable tapestry for every participant, judge, and wide-eyed attendee. Here’s to you, the unsung heroes behind the vines! Fellow wine lovers, if you’re not already plotting a pilgrimage to Bento Gonçalves (Brazil’s official “Capital of Wine,” with over 600 wineries calling the Serra Gaúcha home), what are you waiting for? This event is a siren call to explore, taste, and fall head over heels for Brazilian brilliance. Grab a bottle from a past winner, raise it high this weekend, and let’s keep the conversation bubbling. Saúde to more adventures on the vine!