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A Belgian sparkling wine was selected by the judges of the international wine competition in Brussels to win the 2019 International Revelation Sparkling wine award, over several French champagnes.
The 2014 Cuvée Prestige from Chant d’Éole in Guévy was named this year’s “revelation” at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, beating out 730 submissions, including several French champagnes for the first time in the competition’s 26-year history.
“It is a very surprising result,” said contest director Thomas Costenoble. “We had to double-check the numbers and make sure the tasters had not made a mistake,” he added.
The 15-hectare Chant d’Éole estate, where the winning wine came from, was created in 2011 and now has 130,000 vines, producing 80,000 bottles of wine a year.
“It is an honour and a privilege for us. We put so much energy and passion into our business. Receiving this recognition is exceptional,” said vineyard owner Hubert Ewbank in a statement.
“This award obviously upsets the wine world. For Belgium, it is an exceptional moment. We were seen as amateurs, a small region making wine. Finally, we have international recognition,” he added.
Maïthé Chini
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