Meganoir 2023 Takes Top Honors as Switzerland Leads the Competition

The 19th edition of the Mondial du Merlot & Assemblages 2026 brought together 417 wines in Sierre, Switzerland, on 19–20 May, evaluated by an international jury of wine experts from 12 countries. Recognized as the world’s only international wine competition entirely dedicated to the Merlot family, the competition was held under the patronage of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), VINOFED, and the Swiss Union of Oenologists (USOE). A total of 116 medals were awarded, including 2 Grand Gold Medals, 73 Gold Medals and 41 Silver Medals, confirming the outstanding quality and diversity of Merlot wines worldwide.

The competition’s highest distinction went to Meganoir 2023, produced by Les Trois Terres (Morges, Vaud), which achieved the top score of the 2026 edition. The wine received a Grand Gold Medal, the Best Blend Award, and the prestigious VINOFED Award for Best Red Wine. The international jury highlighted its remarkable complexity, intense black fruit character, elegant minerality and exceptional persistence, placing Meganoir 2023 at the forefront of global Merlot excellence.

Switzerland once again confirmed its leadership in Merlot production, with remarkable performances from the regions of Ticino and Valais. In Ticino, Chiar di Luna 2025 by Delea Angelo SA was awarded Best Merlot Rosé / White Wine, while Arca Rubra 2019 by Tenuta Arca Rubra received the Best Older Vintage Award and Millevolti Rosso Riserva 2021 by Fumagalli SA was recognized as the Best Organic Wine. From Valais, Fernand Cina Merlot 2024 by Fernand Cina SA earned the title of Best Swiss Pure Merlot, praised for its aromatic richness, balance and refined tannin structure.

The international dimension of the competition was highlighted by France’s success, with Cap Sud Merlot 2025 by SAS Alma Cersius (Coteaux de Béziers) receiving the award for Best Foreign Pure Merlot, demonstrating the global versatility and quality potential of the Merlot grape across different terroirs.

The prestigious Gran Maestro du Merlot 2026 Award, which recognizes outstanding consistency across three consecutive vintages, was awarded to Cave François et Mathieu Constantin (Valais, Switzerland) for its Merlot Barrique 2021, 2022 and 2023. This distinction celebrates technical expertise, dedication and long-term commitment to excellence.

The 2026 edition of the Mondial du Merlot & Assemblages once again confirmed the elegance, diversity and international reputation of Merlot wines. The winning producers were celebrated in Zurich during the official awards ceremony, followed by the Festival of Award-Winning Merlots and VINEA On Tour, bringing together wine professionals, enthusiasts and producers from around the world.

Mondial du Merlot & Assemblages 2026 once again proved that exceptional Merlots.

The Full List of Competition Winners is available on the website https://www.mondial-du-merlot.com/#palmares