Brut d’Or Riesling by Abrau-Durso Named "Wine of the Year"

Brut d'Or Riesling sparkling wine won the main title of the reputable Top100Wines rating, beating more than 300 finalists and taking first place in the hundred best wines of Russia in the anniversary, fifth season of the project. The award ceremony took place at the annual Wine Assembly in Moscow at the Metropol Hotel. A spectacular victory in a well-known professional competition confirmed the status of Abrau-Durso as the flagship of Russian winemaking.

The victory in the rating, which is formed by leading Russian sommeliers, enologists and wine journalists using the blind tasting method, was a special event for the company. The single-varietal sparkling Brut d'Or Riesling distinguished by elegant pearlage, crafted from Riesling grapes using traditional champanization technology, received the highest award of the competition. The wine flavor contains fresh and rich notes of citrus fruits, pears, and green apples. The airy taste is combined with a stable structure due to the acidity characteristic of Riesling grapes. The long aftertaste with a brackish hint chimes with the mineral tones of the flavor. The style of the monocépage Brut d'Or Riesling 2021 not only reflects the brand's modern aesthetic, but also accurately conveys the character of the Abrau-Durso terroir.

"We are very proud that it was "Abrau-Durso" that got the main title "Wine of the Year". The decision to create a classic sparkling wine from 100% Riesling grapes was a real luck for us and has repeatedly confirmed its success. Such victories inspire to further work, experiments and searches— everything that drives modern winemaking forward. And, of course, we are grateful to our team of winemakers led by Georges Blanc, who create Abrau-Durso wines with unfailing professionalism and love," said Pavel Titov, President of the Abrau-Durso Group.

Other Abrau-Durso Group wines were also included in the Top100Wines rating: classic sparkling wines Vintage Brut 2021 Impériale and Victor Dravigny Brut 2021 Magnum, as well as dry rose "Vedernikov Winery" 2024.

In the anniversary, fifth season of the Top100Wines rating, record competition was noted: the number of finalists increased by 49% compared to the previous year. 344 wines with at least 90.5 points out of 100 reached the finals. Categorical distribution of finalists:

· Dry red wines: 151;

· Dry white wines: 105;

· Sparkling wines: 50;

· Rose wines: 10;

· Semi-sweet, sweet and fortified wines: 28.

The organizers of the rating especially noted a marked increase in the number of high-quality Russian wines, which indicates the maturity and rapid evolution of national winemaking.

Separately, the rating summarizes the results of the Bolshoy Kavkaz project, which appraises wines produced in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia and presented on the Russian market. This year, Agdam Reserve aged port won in two nominations with triumph, becoming the "Best Wine of Azerbaijan" and the "Best Fortified Wine". "Abrau-Durso" represents a legendary brand on the home market, which is the national treasure of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

To ensure an impartial and independent appraisal, the organizers of Top100Wines.ru formed an expert group from among qualified and recognized specialists— enologists, sommeliers, wine critics and journalists. It is their joint work that allows the rating to remain the guiding benchmark of quality in Russian winemaking.

You can take a look at other results of the competition on the official rating website.