Emerging Wine Regions and Varieties to Watch from DWWA 2026

The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026 has once again affirmed its status as an influential platform, presenting nearly 17,000 wines judged from 58 countries. Traditionally dominated by established wine nations like France, Italy, and Spain, this year's competition also unveiled remarkable entries from unexpected regions, reflecting a shifting global wine narrative.

Hungary and the New Reds

Hungary has long been synonymous with its sweet offerings, particularly the celebrated Tokaji Aszú. However, the 2026 awards revealed a noteworthy achievement for Hungarian reds, highlighting the country’s broadening winemaking expertise. For the first time, Hungary clinched a Platinum award for a red wine with Heumann's La Trinità, Villány 2019, a striking 100% Cabernet Franc. This wine, praised for its complex profile of red cherries and herbal notes, stood out in a competitive field.

Dr. Caroline Gilby, a Master of Wine and an expert on Central and Eastern European wines, spotlighted this development, suggesting that Cabernet Franc is making a name for itself on the Pannonian Plain, potentially positioning Hungary as a new reference point for this varietal.

Brazil and Its Dynamic Range

Brazil achieved a historic milestone at DWWA 2026, recording its highest number of Gold and Silver medals ever. Notably, the emergence of sparkling wines struck judges as a promising trend, with Vinícola Salton’s Ouro Moscatel NV earning Brazil's first Gold in this category. It's not just sparkling wines gaining traction; Casa Geraldo's Signature Cabernet Franc from Serra da Mantiqueira 2023 also garnered a Gold medal, signifying a breakthrough in the country’s red wine production.

Paz Levinson, an acclaimed Argentine sommelier overseeing South American wine submissions, commented on the remarkable quality and diversity evident in this year’s Brazilian wines. Her observations underscore Brazil's growing identity in the wine world, breaking free from the overshadowing presence of its neighbors.

The Balkans Rising: Unique Grapes Taking Center Stage

This year, one of the most thrilling aspects of DWWA was the exceptional performance of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly with its indigenous grape, Žilavka. The country achieved its best-ever Gold performance, highlighted by Vino Milas’s Žilavka, Mostarsko Vinogorje 2024, which received an impressive 96 points. Such achievements signal a promising future for wines from this less familiar region.

Dr. Gilby noted an uptick in medal-winning entries from neighboring Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia, suggesting that the western Balkans are emerging as a hotspot for unique wine experiences. Her recommendation to adventurous drinkers is to explore these offerings, which promise not just quality but also an opportunity to discover distinctive flavors.

The Rise of Orange Wines

Skin-contact white wines, once a niche interest primarily from natural wine enthusiasts, have gained traction on the global wine stage. The 2026 DWWA results highlight Georgia, the cradle of orange wine, which earned 28 awards, including two Golds for its skin-contact offerings. However, the trend extends beyond the Caucasus region.

Noteworthy entries included Oregon's bhn’s Riesling 2023, which took home a Gold for its amphora fermentation technique, and Argentina's skin-contact Torrontés, marking a significant moment for these styles across diverse terrains. This growth hints at an expanding palate among wine drinkers who are increasingly inclined to explore these intriguing expressions.

Wines from the Volcanic Islands

Lastly, Pico, a small volcanic island in the Azores, gained recognition for its distinct wine offerings. Tarelo’s Monumental 2018 earned Gold for its 100% Arinto, showcasing a profile characterized by mineral notes and sea-salted freshness. Such wines reflect the unique terroir of the island, which has been cultivated in small basalts to shield vines from harsh Atlantic conditions, underscoring how remarkable flavors can emerge from unlikely locations.

The array of surprises from DWWA 2026 serves as a reminder that the world of fine wine is constantly evolving. These unexpected stars not only challenge preconceived notions about wine quality and origins but also invite industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to broaden their horizons. The future of wine is vast and diverse, urging consumers to seek out these hidden gems and keep an eye on their ongoing development in the international market.