The January 2026 issue of Decanter magazine has delivered its annual ‘Wines of the Year’ assessment, and 2025 emerges as a vintage of significant global impact. Editor Sylvia Wu’s curation presents a compelling narrative of diverse regional strengths and surprising discoveries, marking a clear shift in trends within the wine industry.
A Region-Neutral Approach – A Notable Trend
This year’s selection demonstrates a pronounced move away from established, flagship regions. The Decanter panel, faced with a frankly overwhelming number of strong contenders, ultimately praised the diversity and breadth of styles represented by 2025’s wines. This suggests a growing consumer appetite for exploration and a willingness to move beyond traditional choices.
Burgundy Returns with Bold Flavors
Despite continued interest in recent vintages, Burgundy experienced a powerful resurgence. The panel identified several standout selections from older vintages, illustrating the region’s enduring potential for complex, deeply layered wines. This signals a renewed appreciation for the legacy of Burgundian winemaking techniques.
Rhone Valley Surprises
The Rhone Valley delivered a series of unexpected highlights. Producers successfully navigated the challenges of the vintage to create wines brimming with intensity and character. These bolder, more fruit-forward expressions represent a deliberate move towards showcasing the Valley’s diverse terroirs.
Germany and Hungary Shine – A Power Resurgence
Beyond the established regions, 2025 saw a notable revitalization of Germany and Hungary. Producers returned to methods emphasizing richness and power, offering wines that were both technically accomplished and deeply satisfying. This reflects a significant commitment to these often-overlooked regions.
Georgie Hindle’s Top Pick: Schloss Johannisberg’s Goldlack Riesling Trocken 2022
Georgie Hindle’s selection of Schloss Johannisberg’s Goldlack Riesling Trocken 2022 exemplifies the vintage’s overall quality. Produced during a particularly scorching summer in the Rheingau, this Riesling showcases the region’s remarkable capacity for creating concentrated, age-worthy wines. The intensity of the flavors and the wine’s impressive structure were widely praised.
Bordeaux and Napa Wine – Consistent Excellence
As always, Bordeaux and Napa Valley delivered exceptional wines, reinforcing their reputations as producers of world-renowned classics. However, 2025 saw a greater emphasis on showcasing the nuances within these established regions, reflecting a desire to move beyond solely focusing on the most celebrated vintages.
A Global Focus – Innovation Takes Center Stage
This year’s ‘Wines of the Year’ selection reflects a decisively global outlook. Decanter’s panel highlighted the exciting new wine developments occurring across the globe, emphasizing a trend towards experimentation and innovation. The variety of styles and approaches represented in 2025 solidifies the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional wisdom.
Sources: Decanter Magazine (January 2026)
For more detailed information on Decanter’s ‘Wines of the Year 2025’ selections, please visit Decanter Magazine’s website: [Insert Hypothetical Decanter Website Here]
