The judges said we have a perfect wine! – Teran Superior 2021 by the Tomaz family scored a maximum 100 points.
On Tuesday, 31 March, Zagreb’s Miva bistro & wine bar hosted the presentation and awarding of diamond distinctions and champion titles from the second edition of the Kvarner Trophy – International Wine & Spirit Competition 2026.
The judging was held on 23 March 2026 at Pršutana Gospoja in Vrbnik on the island of Krk. A total of 287 samples of wine and spirits from six countries were entered, giving the competition a genuinely international character. The samples were assessed by 30 judges across 5 panels, with Dr Ivana Puhelek chairing the judging commissions.
Among the awarded wines we were able to taste, special mention must go to the overall champion, Teran Superior 2021 from the Motovun-based Tomaz winery, which scored an incredible 100 points – suggesting the Tomaz family has crafted a perfect wine. Teran, the robust, high-acid red of the Istrian karst, rarely shows this kind of poise. All the category winners, as well as the other wines awarded a diamond medal (over 95 points), can be seen at https://kvarnertrophy.winecompass.eu/?locale=en
The Kvarner Trophy – International Wine & Spirit Competition is establishing itself as an increasingly relevant regional competition for wines and spirits, with a clear ambition to position producers on both the domestic and international markets. The organisers’ idea is to offer a platform for valorising the quality of wines and distillates, with an emphasis on strengthening Kvarner’s standing as a wine and gastronomic destination.
The Kvarner Trophy displays several of the key elements needed for long-term success: a clearly defined purpose, expert evaluation and a strong regional context. At a time when the market abounds with wine competitions, its advantage lies not in size but in focus and authenticity. If the organisers wish to hold this course and achieve lasting success, and to build a respectable competition within an international framework, it is clear that consistency in judging quality will be needed to guarantee the credibility of the medals, along with international expansion of both entrants and judges, and close ties with the media and the HoReCa sector.
If these elements continue to develop, the Kvarner Trophy can grow into an important quality filter for the wines and spirits of south-eastern Europe, as well as a relevant reference point for buyers and professionals.
