Italian wines reign supreme at Best UK Sommelier Villa Sandi Awards 2025

 LONDON — Italian wines once again proved their dominance on the international stage as Villa Sandi’s Friulano captured top honours at this year’s London Wine Competition, earning an impressive 95 points and the 2025 Gold Medal Award. The announcement was made during the Best UK Sommelier Villa Sandi Award and Walkaround Tasting, held at the historic Middle Temple in London on Oct. 13. 

 The Walkaround showcased an array of Italian wines, with Villa Sandi leading the charge. The winning Friulano impressed judges with its “subtle citrus aroma, dry rounded palate, and refreshing acidity,” complemented by “savoury herbal notes and a soft mineral finish.” Known globally for its outstanding prosecco, Villa Sandi reaffirmed its mastery of both still and sparkling wines.

 Adding a touch of glamour to the tasting, Lamborghini Wines made a standout appearance. Produced on the Lamborghini family estate near Lake Trasimeno on the Umbria–Tuscany border, the collection reflected founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s return to his agricultural roots after his legendary success in the automotive world.

 Among the highlights were the Lamborghini “Trescone”, a Merlot–Cabernet Sauvignon blend brimming with fruit and spice, and the Lamborghini Brut Vino Spumante, a dry, well-balanced sparkling wine that proved a crowd favourite. The sweeter Demi-Sec Valdobbiadene Prosecco also drew enthusiastic praise.

 Another standout was Batàr from Agricola Querciabella — a so-called “white Super Tuscan” blending Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. Despite its relatively youthful age, the wine continues to garner critical acclaim for its “freshness and intricate complexity.”

 Terra e Mare Vermentino di Gallura 2023, from Sardinia’s family-run Un Mare di Vino estate, offered a zesty contrast — “crisp, slightly acidic, and effortlessly drinkable.” It was brought to the event by Davy's Wine bar.

 The event celebrated more than just wine. Visitors also sampled Giuseppe Giusti’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, revered for its craftsmanship and tradition. “The perfection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena depends solely on three conditions — choice of the grapes, quality of the barrels, and time,” said a Giusti representative, as guests paired it with rich pecorino cheese and Sicilian sun-dried tomatoes from Ingenio.

 Other Italian producers drew attention for their craftsmanship. Sanctus, a small family-owned winery, poured its non-vintage Brut, made from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir — a blend reminiscent of Champagne. Their 2023 Satèn, made entirely from Chardonnay, was particularly well received.

 Meanwhile, the Borgo Rosé impressed with honey and vanilla notes and a touch of aromatic sweetness, while Don Malantobio Pecorino rounded out the tastings with distinctive freshness and structure.

 The evening also honoured excellence in sommelier craft. Olivier Lefévre, Senior Sommelier at Hide, was named Best UK Sommelier 2025, taking home the Villa Sandi Award for his exceptional skill and knowledge.

 With Italy’s vineyards once again commanding centre stage, the event reaffirmed what wine lovers have long known: when it comes to elegance, expression, and endurance, Italian wines remain without rival. The glamourous setting of Middle Temple, full of history, royalty and prestige was the perfect location for such a high-end award ceremony. 

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