Next week marks the beginning of one of the most important wine evaluations dedicated to indigenous grape varieties of Southeast Europe – Vranac Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, which this year brings together international judges, experts, and wines from across the region.

This unique competition, launched under the umbrella of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, represents the first globally relevant project that systematically valorises the Vranac grape variety, while also placing it within the broader genetic and stylistic context of its relatives such as Kratošija/Tribidrag and Plavac Mali, positioning the Mediterranean part of the wine peninsula of Southeast Europe as an authentic “New Old  Wine World".

The competition will be held in Podgorica, with the presence of renowned wine judges from Europe and beyond, including MWs, oenologists, sommeliers, and wine journalists, and in collaboration with the hosts Wine Academy of Montenegro and the National Association of Sommeliers of Montenegro. The focus of the evaluation will be on stylistic interpretations of Vranac from different terroirs and within a wider Pan-Adriatic context.

Vranac Selection is not merely a competition, but a strategic platform that confirms the growing international interest in indigenous varieties from the Mediterranean part of the "wine peninsula" of Southeast Europe. At a time when the global market increasingly seeks authenticity, identity, and a sense of origin, Vranac emerges as a powerful ambassador of the wine identity of Southeast Europe, while revealing Montenegro to the world as the cradle of this significant variety.

A particular added value of this evaluation is its educational dimension, a professional masterclass for judges dedicated to the styles of Vranac from different countries and terroirs, further deepening the understanding of the variety beyond conventional commercial frameworks, to be led by the renowned wine expert Caroline Gilby MW.

As an initiative that has already demonstrated a tangible impact on the international visibility of regional wines, Vranac Selection by CMB reinforces a long-term vision: the affirmation of indigenous varieties as a key differentiator of the Wine Peninsula of Southeastern Europe.

In the coming days, we will bring exclusive reports from the evaluation itself, an analysis of the styles of the submitted wines, and insights into the trends shaping the future of wines on the global wine scene.