In the recent edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024, seven Spanish wines have shone brightly by achieving the highest distinction of 97 points and the coveted title of Best in Show, standing out as the best in their category. Below, we present a detailed description of each one, along with information about the prestigious wineries that produce them.
Bodegas Tradición, 30 Years, Amontillado, NV (Sherry)
Bodegas Tradición is a historic winery located in Jerez de la Frontera, renowned for its commitment to the winemaking tradition of the Sherry region.
The 30 Years Amontillado is a masterful example of their craftsmanship. Aged in Jerez oak casks for three decades, this wine exhibits deep aromatic complexity with notes of hazelnut, caramel, and a dry, persistent finish that delights the senses.
Its limited production makes Amontillado Tradición VORS 30 years a true oenological gem.
This Amontillado displays an intense mahogany colour with coppery hints.
On the nose, it reveals complexity and depth, showing remarkable frankness with prominent aromas of nuts such as hazelnut, complemented by subtle saline and smoky notes. Aldehydic reminiscences elegantly intertwine.
On the palate, it is powerful yet elegant, with a rich aromatic expression and balanced acidity. It is dry, expansive on the palate, and finishes with a long persistence.
Perfect to pair with dishes such as pickled partridge, beef ragout, or vinegar-marinated anchovies.
Bodegas Montecillo, Viña Monty Graciano, Reserva 2016 (Rioja)
Founded in 1874, Bodegas Montecillo is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja. Its Viña Monty Graciano Reserva 2016 pays tribute to tradition and innovation.
The grapes come from two different vineyards. One is located in Cenicero, in Rioja Alta, at an altitude of 440 meters with calcareous soil. The other vineyard is in Rioja Oriental, near the meander of the Ebro River, at an altitude of 360 meters. Here, the climate is more Mediterranean compared to Rioja Alta, and the soils are much more clayey.
With a very intense cherry red color, this wine presents an aroma characterized by elegant notes of graphite, pencil lead, licorice, and blackberries, with a subtle hint of menthol. Full-bodied on the palate, firm, and very well balanced, it exhibits spicy oak and ripe black fruit lingering in the aftertaste.
Valduero Blanco, Reserva 2016 (Ribera del Duero)
Bodegas Valduero, located in the prestigious Ribera del Duero region, is renowned for its focus on quality and terroir expression.
The Valduero Blanco Reserva 2016 stands out for its elegance and freshness.
It has a very light straw colour, resulting from its resistance to oxidative processes. On the nose, it displays fruity aromas with hints of pineapple and grapefruit, characteristic and genuine of the Albillo variety.
On the palate, it exhibits remarkable balance, combining its body with a slight acidity that brings freshness and liveliness to the palate.
Alta Alella, Mirgin Exeo Evolució Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2004 (Cava)
Alta Alella is a family-owned winery located in the Penedès region, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and biodynamics.
Their Mirgin Exeo Evolució Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2004 is a true treasure.
The Alta Alella Mirgin Exeo Evolució+ is an organic vintage cava, meticulously crafted from a selection of Pansa Blanca and Chardonnay grapes from the finest vines of Paraje Vallcirera. This special cuvée represents the first vineyard planted by the family at Can Genís in 1991. The vines thrive in Sauló soil, decomposed granite located less than 2 km from the Mediterranean Sea. These conditions impart the grapes with a natural acidity crucial for the production of long-aged cavas.
Alicia I Josep Viticultors Perer, Priorat 2021 (Priorat)
Nestled in the heart of Priorat, Alicia I Josep Viticultors is a small family winery dedicated to crafting high-end wines that reflect the authenticity of the terroir.
Their Priorat 2021 is a sublime expression of this mountainous region.
Perer captures the pure essence of the eponymous site located in the village of Porrera, within the prestigious DOQ Priorat. This wine is named in honor of its origin, reflecting its place with precision.
The Village Wine category elevates the concept in pursuit of an even more authentic essence, closely linked to the most defined topography, geology, and microclimate. It is a hedonistic wine that embodies pleasure, satisfaction, and desire.
It displays a high intensity of colour, with cherry red tones and violet highlights that denote its youth and vitality.
On the nose, it is highly expressive and aromatic, featuring notes of very ripe and candied fruit that harmoniously intertwine with delicate spicy nuances. The influence of the barrel imparts a slight creaminess that complements the whole, while a subtle fresh vegetal touch underscores its authentic origin.
The entry on the palate is exquisite and pleasurable, revealing ample volume and a well-defined structure. The tannins, mostly silky, coexist with a lively touch that ensures favourable evolution in the bottle, granting the wine prolonged longevity. It stands out for its freshness and perfectly balanced acidity, culminating in a long and persistent finish that highlights both its aromas and flavours.
Hacienda El Ternero, Rioja Gran Reserva 2015 (Rioja)
Located in the Rioja Alta region, Hacienda El Ternero is distinguished by its commitment to tradition and quality.
Their Rioja Gran Reserva 2015 is a masterful example of the elegance and longevity of wines from this appellation. Crafted from a meticulous selection of Tempranillo grapes, this wine offers aromatic complexity that combines ripe red fruits, balsamic notes, and a hint of spices. With a solid structure and a long finish, it pays tribute to craftsmanship and excellence in Rioja.
The wine displays a high intensity of colour, with cherry red tones and violet highlights. On the nose, it is intensely aromatic, featuring notes of very ripe and candied fruits in perfect harmony with spicy nuances and a slight creaminess imparted by the barrel. There is also a characteristic freshness of Carignan evident.
On the palate, the entry is delightful and succulent, with ample volume and structure. The tannins, predominantly silky, coexist with a robust tannin that ensures promising evolution in the bottle. It is fresh, with very balanced acidity and a long persistence both aromatically and on the palate.
Bodegas Frontaura, Aponte Plus Tempranillo 2018 (Toro)
Bodegas Frontaura, located in the Toro Designation of Origin, is renowned for its powerful and structured wines that capture the essence of the terroir.
Aponte Plus is crafted from grapes sourced from old vines situated in Villabuena del Puente, Toro, in the province of Zamora, within the Castilla y León wine region. These vines grow in clay-loam soils that impart unique characteristics to the wine, and they are harvested at the optimal ripeness to ensure maximum varietal expression.
It presents a floral and spicy perfume, with hints of red fruits, tobacco, and roasted coffee, complemented by delicate notes of chocolate and mint. The vinification of Aponte Plus adheres to traditional methods that respect the authenticity of Toro’s terroir. After fermentation, the wine ages for 24 months in new French oak barrels, adding complexity and elegance to the final result.
Aponte Plus is a profound and elegant expression of the Toro region. It reflects the robust character and personality of its century-old vines. In the glass, it presents a deep and attractive colour, while on the nose it unfolds intense aromas of ripe fruits and spicy notes that harmoniously intertwine with elegant hints of barrel aging. On the palate, it offers a well-defined structure and a notable balance between power and finesse. The tannins are firm yet silky, with integrated acidity that provides freshness and liveliness. Its finish is long and persistent, leaving memories of its unique character and the richness of Toro’s red earth landscape.
This wine captures the essence of its place and the history of its old vines, providing a memorable sensory experience that stands out for its sensuality and exceptional balance.
Additionally, sixteen other wines were awarded the platinum medal, all scoring 97 points, reflecting the excellence and diversity of the Spanish wine landscape at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024.
- Bodegues Sumarroca, Núria Claverol Homenatge Gran Reserva, Brut, 97, Cava, 2016, White
- Bodegas Condado de Haza, Alenza, 97, Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva, 2018, Red
- Alejandro Fernandez, Tinto Pesquera, Albillo Mayor, 97, Ribera del Duero, 2022, White
- Harveys, 30 Years, 97, Sherry, Amontillado, NV, White
- Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, Tapias, 97, Rioja , 2021 Red
- Bodega Brotons, Gran Fondillón Reserva, 97, Alicante, 1964
- Bodega Hacienda López de Haro Classica Gran Reserva, 97, Rioja, Gran Reserva, 2012, Rosé
- Viticultors Costers Del Priorat, Memòries Cal Marcelino, 97, Priorat, NV, Red
- Clos D’agon Selección Especial, 97, Catalunya, 2021, Red
- Bodegas Fernando de Castilla Antique, 97, Sherry, Fino, NV,
- Perinet, Vinya Pendents Carinyena, 97, Priorat, 2018, Red
- Bodegas Lan, Culmen, 97, Rioja, Reserva 2019 Red
- Pago del Cielo Celeste, 97, Ribera del Duero Reserva, 2019, Red,
- Hijos de Alberto Gutiérrez, De Alberto Dorado, 97, Rueda, NV White
- Ramón Bilbao, Lalomba Finca Ladero , 97, Rioja, 2018, Red
- Bodegas Loeda, Catro Parroquias Godello, 97, Ribeiro, 2023, White
