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The 31st edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, one of the world’s most significant and influential wine competitions, marked a historic milestone as it was the first time the event was organized on the American continent in the city of Leon, in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. Drinks+ has been in the thick of it and is eager to share all the details.
During the 3 days of June 7,8 9 under the leadership of CMB ambassador to Mexico, Carlos Borboa, the city of León hosted the 31st edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB). The event was held behind closed doors at the expansive Poliforum de León. During the event, around 7,500 red and white wines from 42 countries were blind-tasted by 350 professional tasters from 45 different nationalities. Among the entries, approximately 620 Mexican wines were registered for this edition. The samples, collected at the competition’s headquarters in Brussels, were transported to Mexico by two planes from Europe.
So why Mexico was chosen for the First American Edition of CMB? Since 2017, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles has hosted the México Selection by CMB, a national competition dedicated to wines and spirits, which has grown in popularity each year. Additionally, the CMB Experience was introduced in Mexico City, featuring the first Wine Bar by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Wine Corner by CMB at Mexico City International Airport, both showcasing medal-winning products.
The 31st Concours Mondial de Bruxelles took place during the Semana del Vino (June 4-9). Baudouin Havaux, president of the CMB, in his first day speech to the audience expressed pride in choosing Mexico, noting the country’s evolving wine scene, diverse grape varieties, and quality producers. He emphasized that Mexican wines deserve global attention and that the competition’s 350 international judges will become ambassadors for the region’s wine tourism.
Carlos Borboa Suárez, director for Latin America & North America of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, added, “Coordinating one of the world’s most important wine competitions in Mexico is a great achievement for Guanajuato and the entire country, reaffirming their place in the global wine industry.”
The competition was organized flawlessly, and the wine presentations were impeccable. Tastings were conducted blindly to ensure complete anonymity, with the only provided indicator being the vintage. For some samples, it was noted that the wine had not yet been bottled. Mixed commissions consisting of five to six jury members were evaluated. Each day began with a calibration sample for all jury members. Who are the judges? These are the respectful and very professional wine experts: buyers, journalists, wine merchants, Masters of Wine, Wine Akademikers, oenologists, etc. carefully selected by the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, representing 45 nationalities. What is also important to add that of all the wines presented, only 30% will take home a medal. This is quite a serious approach, sometimes it looks like a tough approach and really does not guarantee victory, but it is one of the highest global ratings that a wine producer will receive.
Moreover, this time the international jury was asked not only to evaluate each wine but also to provide personal tasting notes for each sample in the specific comment box. These opinions are later analyzed using artificial intelligence Wine Space, the French startup to create a quality profile for each wine. This innovative approach is the first of its kind to be used on such a large scale. According to CMB organizers, the decision to change the judging method aims to “revolutionize” traditional wine evaluation and enhance the competition’s credibility among both consumers and producers. So this year wine producers will receive thorough feedback based on the results of this competition using a truly revolutionary system from leading experts from various industries. With the use of artificial intelligence, this is a generalized and very useful profile in my opinion.
As for my commission, in our very concentrated and coordinated team we had representatives from Romania, France, Greece and Mexico tasting approximately 130 wines from France, Italy, Croatia, China, Armenia, South Africa and Spain.
The results themselves are truly intriguing, with the host country, Mexico, breaking into the top 5 in terms of medals won. China is also making impressive strides, while South Africa continues its upward trajectory.
Uruguay and Romania have emerged as major international revelations with a standout red wine and white wine, respectively. The winners represent wines from all five continents, including both historic wine-producing countries and some surprising origins like Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, and Peru.
The highest-scoring white wine of this year’s competition hails from Romania, while the top-rated red wine comes from Uruguay. A notable addition to the 2024 edition is the Revelations category for the best no-low wines. Italy claimed the highest-scoring aged wine, and Spain earned the highest rating for an organic wine. Both China and Mexico made significant impressions, and South Africa continued to progress.
We are also very happy to congratulate our Wine Travel Awards Community members with the Awarding medals. Among the medalists where Moldova – a large part of our nominees – with 20 gold medals. This year, the young winery Tenuta Manoylo entered the international scene and, following triumphs at spring competitions, won another gold in Mexico. Also, the stunning Jidvei Srl winery won gold and silver medals. More details here.
Next year, the CMB will take place in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
It is important to add in our article that CMB is not just about wine; it’s a cultural hub where activities and cultural understanding are fostered. Through various events, tastings, and collaborations, CMB provides a platform for deeper appreciation and connection with diverse wine cultures from around the world.
This visit to Mexico was truly exceptional, filled with enriching evening programs that offered opportunities to explore its vibrant culture and delicious gastronomy and wine.
The inaugural day of the CMB was truly remarkable, beginning with a captivating conference titled “Wines from Mexico.” Esteemed speakers Manuel Negrete (ES), ASM Master and Director of the Wine Bar by CMB, along with Ramón Vélez (ES), Secretary of Guanajuato’s Grape and Wine Association, provided a comprehensive overview of Mexico’s rich wine heritage and the story of Guanajuato as the Land of Wines. Our editorial is in the process of organizing the interview on the Mexican wines and market features with these professionals and of course our readers is going to be informed immediately to immerse yourself in this interesting market. Here are some fascinating insights into Mexico’s vibrant wine scene:
Despite some jetlag )), our day continued with enriching winery tours, where all 350 jury members were divided into smaller groups to explore the renowned Guanajuato wine region.
They were treated to warm Mexican hospitality, accompanied by delicious food and wine, highlighting the essence of the region. Our standout visit included the esteemed Dos Búhos that offers a warm and inviting hospitality experience that complements its exceptional wines and picturesque surroundings in central Mexico’s El Bajío region with the wine tour by the owner Eric Maycotte.
The winery stands out for its innovative approach to winemaking, particularly with its Pet Nat and Orange wines that was impressive. But moreover, crafting wines from a variety of grape types suited to the high-altitude and cool climate conditions the key grape varieties include: Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The winery also hosts special events, from small gatherings to larger celebrations, providing a charming setting amidst vine-covered hills and sweeping views. It is also can be added to the grapes list of Mexican winemaking Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay etc.
While Mexico is renowned for its wines made from international grape varieties, it also cultivates some indigenous (autochthonous) grapes, though these are less prominent. Here are a few notable indigenous grape varieties used in Mexican winemaking are Mission (Misión or Criolla), Plavac Mali, Lenoir (Black Spanish).
In its exclusive interview to D+ Eric Maycotte describes Mexican wines from El Bajío, as distinguished by their high-altitude origins, resulting in lower alcohol levels akin to “old world” wines. Dos Búhos wines are notably characterized by their high acidity, thanks to a cool and extended maturation season. The culture of wine consumption is rapidly expanding in Mexico, drawing enthusiastic visitors to the winery who are eager to explore wines from this region.
“Throughout the week, we welcome mainly international guests, while weekends typically see a mix of visitors from Mexico City, Leon, Querétaro, and local areas. I believe the wine culture in Mexico is undergoing a significant transformation, with more people discovering and embracing the world of wine.
Mexican consumers are increasingly drawn to the history and diverse range of wines available globally. Our wines, priced between $15 and $45, vary depending on the vintage and whether they are young or reserve wines. We have established distribution channels across Mexico, particularly in coastal regions where our white wines and sparkling rosé are popular. Additionally, we have started exporting to the US and more recently Japan, expanding the reach of Dos Búhos wines internationally”, he added.
It must be said that the dinners and evenings were truly unforgettable. The combination of exquisite dining experiences and captivating performances created moments of lasting enjoyment and cherished memories for all who attended.
The first evening culminated in an unforgettable Welcome Dinner, marking a perfect conclusion to an impressive first day at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. And it was not only one wonderful evenings that CMB Mexico team proposed to us. We experienced traditional food and spirits tasting at Jalpa de Cánovas, the Magical Town Experience as well as had an unforgettable evening in Guanajuato (the state) with the dinner at Esplanade of Alhóndiga de Granaditas hosted by Governor of Guanajuato with the unforgettable theatrical action that tells about the history of Mexico and its struggle for independence. As well as the final day of a loud and super positive concert “The glass of wine” by Filippa Giordano and Daniel Boaventura.
So, the visit to Guanajuato were thoroughly enjoyed, where the rich cultural heritage and vibrant colors left a lasting impression. The unique architecture, winding alleyways, and lively plazas filled with music and laughter were particularly captivating.
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Team’s professionalism, warmth, and hospitality made my stay truly unforgettable. Participating in the CMB Red & White Session in Mexico, Leon was an enriching experience that deepened knowledge of Mexican wines, their origins, and production methods. Interacting with wine professionals from around the world and blind tasting wines from different countries expanded tasting skills and broadened my understanding of global wine trends.
Viva la Mexico!
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