5StarWines - the Book 2021

JUDGES
The virtue of 5StarWines - the Book lies in the highly qualified,
international panel of judges comprising Masters of Wine, Master
Sommeliers, sommeliers, wine journalists, and oenologists. The
international team of remote judges was coordinated by an expert
panel of judges: Pedro Ballesteros Torres, Master of Wine from Spain
and Member of the Governing Council of the Institute of Masters of
Wine; Bernard Burtschy, President of the French Wine Press and
columnist for Le Figaro; Robert Joseph, Editor at Large for Meininger’s
Wine Business International; Daniele Cernilli, “Doctor Wine” and cofounder
of Gambero Rosso; Monty Waldin, wine writer (Decanter),
broadcaster, and author of 13 books on organic and biodynamic wine.
Wines were initially tasted by individual judges and assigned
points up to 100, in order to receive the 5StarWines recognition,
any wines that were deemed faulty or the candidates to be scored
90 or above during the round of tasting were re-sampled by the
General Chairmen in Verona to provide an extra level of integrity.
The judges were comprised of 50 professionals with high
credentials, including not only Masters of Wine, but also
highly experienced industry and Italian wine specialists; wine
writers, importers, educators, and esteemed wine sector
professionals, giving this guide immense credibility and standing.
The significance of the 5StarWines selection is even more important
in a year when the entire industry has been impacted by Covid-19.
This Selection allowed Italian wine to continue to be in the hearts and
minds of wine professionals and highlighted to the industry at large
that Italian wine is very much continuing with its passionate project
to bring their wines into a global market. As Pedro Ballesteros has
said “5StarWines should be a major tool for Italian producers to
receive feedback on how the quality of their wines is perceived by
top-level experts from all over the world. A unique opportunity for
Italian producers to source precious information about their wines.”
The international and expert reputation of the judges coupled with
the participation of over 2,000 wines from not only Italy, but Europe
and South America, highlights the growing importance of 5StarWines
globally.
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