WOW! The Italian Wine Competition announces 2026 special award winners

The ninth edition of WOW! The Italian Wine Competition has announced its special award winners. The competition awarded a total of 180 gold, 347 silver, and 194 bronze medals.

Among the special honors, eight wines were named ‘Best in Class’ for their exceptional performance within their specific categories. These include:

• Best Metodo Charmat Sparkling: Conte Collalto – Ponte Rosso, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Colfosco Extra Brut Docg 2025 • Best Metodo Classico Sparkling: Freccianera – Casa delle Colonne Brut, Franciacorta Riserva Docg 2016 • Best Rosé Sparkling: Rotari – AlpeRegis Rosé, Trentodoc Brut 2021 • Best Red Sparkling: Quintopasso – Maestro, Lambrusco di Sorbara Brut Doc 2020 • Best White Wine: Cantina Colterenzio – LR, Alto Adige Riserva Doc 2022 • Best Rosé Wine: Il Feuduccio – Feuduccio, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Doc 2025 • Best Red Wine: Castello di Bolgheri – Bolgheri Superiore Doc 2023 • Best Sweet Wine: Masseria Falvo 1727 – Milirosu, Calabria Moscato Passito Igt 2025

Additionally, 64 wines were recognized as ‘Territory Ambassadors’ for distinguishing themselves within their specific denominations or geographical indications. Nine wines received the ‘Tipicità’ (Typicality) Award, having achieved an average typicality score exceeding 9/10.