Cantina Sant’Andrea, a family-owned winery with a storied history dating back to 1850, has once again brought global acclaim to Italy’s winemaking prowess. The winery’s exceptional Muscat wines captured the hearts of international judges at the prestigious Muscat du Monde competition, earning two coveted spots in the top 10.
Award Season Continues for Cantina Sant’Andrea
Cantina Sant’Andrea, a renowned winery nestled in the heart of Agro Pontino and owned by Gabriele and Andrea Pandolfo, continues its streak of accolades. Since 1850, the Pandolfo family has been passionately dedicated to winemaking, cultivating a romantic connection to the land that has been passed down through generations. Their journey began over a century ago in Pantelleria, continued in Tunisia, and finally found its home in Borgo Vodice.
International Recognition
The family’s resilience, dedication, and commitment to viticulture have been once again recognized at the prestigious “Muscats du Monde” international competition. In the 24th edition held in France, Cantina Sant’Andrea proudly secured two spots in the top 10, representing Italy on the global stage.
A panel of international experts rigorously evaluated 145 Muscat wines, adhering to the highest quality standards. The Muscat grape, with its ancient origins dating back to Greece, is renowned for its distinctive aroma and is considered a symbol of the Mediterranean.
Double Victory
Among the world’s finest Muscats in 2024, Cantina Sant’Andrea’s Moscato di Terracina DOC Passito Capitolium 2020 claimed the silver medal, while the Moscato di Terracina DOC Secco Oppidum 2023 secured the ninth position.
“We are thrilled and honored by this recognition,” said Andrea Pandolfo of Cantina Sant’Andrea. “It is a source of immense pride to see our province triumph on the international stage, representing Italy in such a prestigious competition. Promoting our region and its treasures is our passion and constant challenge, and achieving this success is incredibly rewarding and motivates us to strive for even greater heights.”
Award-Winning Wines
Capitoli
This wine boasts an intense aroma, elegantly blending notes of candied fruit, honey, ripe apricot, date, and orange blossom. Its golden hue complements a rich, sweet palate, balanced by a unique freshness and minerality. Capitolium pairs exceptionally well with traditional wine biscuits, cream cakes, apricot tarts, and medium to long-aged cheeses.
Oppidum
Characterized by a deep straw-yellow color and an exuberant bouquet, Oppidum offers a captivating blend of floral and fruity aromas. While sweet on the nose, it presents a dry palate with a well-structured, pleasantly savory finish. This versatile wine makes an excellent aperitif and complements a wide range of seafood, including oysters, clams, and truffles, as well as fish carpaccio, smoked fish, and fresh or medium-aged cheeses.
Cantina Sant’Andrea’s double triumph at the Muscat du Monde competition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and their ability to produce exceptional wines that capture the essence of the Mediterranean.
Muscats du Monde: A Celebration of Diversity and Excellence
The 2024 edition of the Muscats du Monde competition showcased the extraordinary range and quality of Muscat wines from around the world. With 145 entries from 15 countries, the competition was fierce. Ultimately, seven of the top ten spots were claimed by France, Italy, Austria, Australia, and Portugal, highlighting the exceptional Muscat offerings from these regions.
A hallmark of the competition is its focus on diversity. From dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and even pink to dark red shades, the Muscats entered showcased a remarkable spectrum of styles. The judges were impressed by the exceptional sensory complexity exhibited by many of the wines, a level rarely found in other grape varieties.
Sweet wines, particularly those made from late-harvest grapes or through the mutage process, excelled, earning numerous gold medals. However, the competition also recognized the excellence of dry Muscats, characterized by elegant acidity and vibrant floral aromas. Sparkling Muscats impressed with their lightness and finesse.
Top 10 Muscat du Monde Winners
This event is therefore a unique opportunity to bring together and discover a wide variety of Muscats wines in all their forms. This year’s top ten winners showcase the incomparable palette of aromas that Muscat wines can offer.
Diversity of Sensorial Expression Each of the wines that distinguished themselves at Muscats du Monde
did so because of their own intrinsic quality, not in comparison with the other wines.
Here’s a breakdown of the winning wines:
- France | Alsace Grand Cru AOC – Clos Saint-Imer – Sélection de Grains Nobles – Muscat Goldert 2018 |Ernest Burn
- Italy | Moscato di Terracina Doc – Passito – Capitolium 2020 | Cantina Sant’Andrea Az. Agricola
- Austria | Gelber Muskateller – Trockenbeerenauslese 2017 | Weingut Felberjorgl
- Australia | Morris – Cellar Reserve – Grand Muscat | Morris Wines
- Portugal | Moscatel de Setubal Doc – 10 Anos – Adega de Palmela | Adega Cooperativa de Palmela
- France | Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOP – Vintage 1992 | Domaine de Coyeux
- Portugal | Moscatel de Setubal Doc – Venancio da Costa Lima e Reserva da Familia – 5 Anos |Venancio da Costa Lima Lda
- France | Île de Beauté IGP – Incanto – Muscat – Impassitu e Vendange Passerillée | Sica Uval
- France | Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOP – Carte Or 2023 | Rhonéa
- Spain | Catalunya Do – Vina Esmeralda 2023 | Miguel Torres Sa
- Italy | Moscato di Terracina Doc – Secco – Oppidum 2023 | Cantina Sant’Andréa Az. Agricola
- South Africa | Groot Constantia – Grand Constance 2019 | Groot Constantia Wine Estate