Even though the world has been spinning a little differently over the past two years, it hasn’t stood still when it comes to wine – certainly not with regard to the diversity of Iberian producers, who consistently perform at top notch. Spain once again lives up to its reputation as a highly exciting wine country in this assessment. These two days revealed great surprises and interesting developments, even for experienced professionals and Iberian connoisseurs. It was not easy to make the final selection of the most outstanding 100 wines from a total of 289 wines. The bottom line presents a very balanced picture, with a list of insider tips, shooting stars, and classics for every wine professional.
Wine freaks and sommeliers know that the country holds a treasure trove of white wines, but the word has not yet spread to most wine fans. The Blancos of the Best of Spain tasting can change that: from fresh, uncomplicated Verdejo to sophisticated and matured Albariños to real discoveries like Albillo from high altitudes, and an impressive Maturana Blanca – the spectrum is immense.
In terms of red wine, there are also exiting developments such as single-varietal Garnachas from Rioja, single-vineyard Tintos, and the valuable tradition of wellmatured Gran Reservas and Reservas.
Exotic wines such as Maturana Tinta from the amphora or skilful international blends with Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and other varieties in the leading roles also impressed the tasters.
By the way, one should not neglect the rosé wines: Bodegas Pinna Fidelis’s oak-fermented Rosado from 2019 proved that this traditional style yields high-class, serious wines that function as brilliant food companions.
Andalucia contributes an invaluable unique selling point for Spanish wine culture, demonstrating this with superb sherries in our tasting, both from biological and oxidative ageing. These products certainly deserve all the attention they are currently receiving in the German and international media.
Stars and rising performers
Some aspects of the Spanish wine landscape remain valid even in the face of exciting trends. Tempranillo, for example, has underpinned its status as Spain’s undisputed Tinto flagship – across all price ranges and many growing regions.
Whether as Vino de la Tierra (e.g. Clunia 2016 from Príncipe de Viana), modern Ribera del Duero (such as the 100 Aniversario from Avelino Vegas), or as top Rioja in the new single vineyard classification (Viñedos de Sonsierra El Rincón de los Galos in 2017) – Tempranillo is and remains the star.
As Tempranillo for reds, so Albariño for whites. Galicia’s flagship variety dominated the tasting at the top and again astonished with its ability to mature. Best examples: 2016 Armas de Lanzós from Palacio de Fefiñanes and 2012 Pazo Señorans Selección de Añada.
Unbeatable in terms of value for price
The ever-impressive price-performance of the Spanish growths also remained valid in the tasting. Almost 30 wines in price categories I and II (i.e. up to a maximum of 5 euros ex cellar) were awarded one or more medals and are thus absolute best buys for Iberian everyday enjoyment at a high level. The upper mid-price segment (category IV, 8-10 euros ex cellar) recorded a significant increase compared to the previous edition of Best of Spain in 2020, both proportionally in terms of entries and qualitatively in terms of scoring. This is a clear indication that Spain is perfectly capable of catering to increasingly demanding palates.
Christoph Nicklas
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