Les Citadelles du vin, a prestigious competition, has just celebrated its 14th anniversary in Bourg (Bordeaux) under the patronage of the OIV. Since this year, it has been recognized by VINOFED, becoming the seventh competition to be highlighted by this federation. To meet this requirement, the CDV (Concours des Vins), the organizer, has chosen a very strict course of action. Only Gold and Silver medals are awarded. No more than 30% of medals may be awarded. In the eyes of professionals and consumers alike, these medals are a real guarantee of quality.
The jury itself follows certain rules. The 50 tasters are divided into different juries.
In each case, 3 of the 5 members must be foreigners. For the 2014 edition, they tasted 1,081 samples of great wines. Three sessions of 15 wines each enabled them to fully appreciate the quality and specific characteristics of each one. Specific criteria such as taste, smell and sight guided their selection.
Analysis grids facilitated classification. Each category of wine – sparkling, white, rosé and red – had its own sheet.
In addition to the medals, special prizes are awarded. One of these is awarded by FIJEV (Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains des Vins et Spiritueux). One special prize per country is awarded to the wine with the highest score in that country. Each country must present a minimum of 10 wines for this election. There is also a special Malbec prize, one for each hemisphere (south and north).
Mr Romat, president of the Concours des Vins, spoke of the spirit of Citadelles du Vin.
He also gave his definition of a great wine.
This year’s guest of honor was Brazil. The president of the CDV explained the uniqueness of Brazilian wines compared to other Latin American productions.
Two prestigious speakers gave talks on the particularities and future of Brazilian wines. Mr. Braga, founder of the Brazilian Sommelier Association and eminent oenologist, explained the economic aspects. Exports and imports, types of consumption for the domestic market, putting the market into perspective through the valorization and readjustment of exports. He emphasized certain points, in particular the diversity of grape varieties.
Mr Taffarel, Technical Director of the Brazilian Oenology Association, highlighted the diversity of grape varieties and terroirs.
For 2014, 134 gold medals were dispensed and 183 silver. The breakdown by country is as follows: France 27 Gold Citadelles, 42 Silver, Portugal 26 Gold Citadelles, 38 Silver, Chile 18 Gold Citadelles, 25 Silver, Spain 13 Gold, 15 Silver, Italy 7 Citadelles d’Or, 13 d’Argent, Hungary 5 Citadelles d’Or and 8 d’Argent, Canada 3 Citadelles d’Or and 3 d’Argent, USA 3 Citadelles d’Or and 2 d’Argent, Argentina 3 Citadelles d’Or.
The special country prizes are broken down as follows,
ARGENTINA Paz Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2012, Grupo Penaflor Sa, appellation san Juan red.
AUSTRALIA Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz 2012, fox Creek Wines, appellation Fox creek Wines.
BRAZIL Milantino gran reserva 2005, Vale Dos Vinhedos Red.
CANADA Magnotta Chardonnay Limited Edition 2012, Magnotta Winery Corporation, Niagara Peninsula White appellation.
CHILE Cosecha Noble 2012, Vina Cono Sur Sa, appellation Vallee Del Bio-Bio Sweet White.
CROATIA Festigia Malvazija 2013, Agrolaguna D.D., appellation Istre White.
FRANCE Ruhlmann-Schutz Vendanges Tardives 2011, Sarl Ruhlmann-Schutz, appellation Alsace Gewurtztraminer Sweet White.
GREECE Ovilos 2013, Ktima Biblia Chora, appellation Vin de Pays de pangeon White.
HUNGARY Kesoi Szuretelesu Chardonnay 2009, Koch Vin Kft, Hajos-Baja white appellation.
ISRAEL Meron 2010, Galil Mountain Winery, appellation Upper Galilee Red.
ITALY Maria Constanza 2007, Azienda Agricola G. Milazzo S.P.A., appellation Sicilia red.
JAPAN Tomi 2012, Suntori Wine International Ltd, apellation Yamanashi White.
PORTUGAL Portas De lisboa Castelao 2013, Casa Santos lima, appellation Vinho Regional Lisboa red.
SPAIN Teon 2010, Bodegas Ontanon S.L., Ribera Del Duero Crianza Red appellation.
SWITZERLAND Chateau de Chouilly 1er Cru 2011, B Rochaix Les perlières, appellation Château de Chouilly 1er Cru Red.
USA Barefoot Moscato, E & J. Gallo Winery, appellation California Red.
The Prix Spécial Malbec, Hémisphère nord was awarded to a French wine. The VIinovalie / Cotes D’Olt, apellation Aoc/Aop Cahors is an Astrolabe Malbec 2012.
The special Southern Hemisphere prize celebrated a Chilean wine from Vina Luis Felipe Edwards, appellation Vallée de Colcaguah, reference LFE900 Malbec 2012. 
The CIVB, or Conseil interprofessionnel des vins de Bordeaux, is the ideal place for anyone interested in oenology to learn about it and perfect any skills they may have. It was created in 1948 to meet the needs of the wine industry. Its members include Bordeaux winegrowers, merchants and brokers. Its role is to promote the image of these wines internationally, to provide information on their production and marketing, and to safeguard their quality. A Wine School completes the process.
From specialists to novices, there’s a course for everyone. A special student program has been set up, offering a wide range of possibilities. In this Campus section, tasting workshops and visits to wineries are available at incredible prices. For full details and registration, visit the website. In this building in the center of Bordeaux, your taste buds are tantalized from the moment you enter. 
The notion of pleasure becomes obvious. A bar offers the opportunity to discover a number of great estates. A few less famous but high-quality wines can also be tasted. Fun fact sheets trace the history of some of the great Bordeaux wines and encourage ecotourism.
Every detail, from the products to the decor, celebrates wine. A must-see! CIVB 1 Cours du 30 Juillet 33075 Bordeaux Cedex 05 56 00 22 66 www.bordeaux.com/fr Photo credits, Les Citadelles du Vin, Sofia LAFAYE Video credits, Sofia LAFAYE
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