Determining which is the best wine in Spain involves great difficulty, since at an objective level there is no single criterion or the sum of several that leads to determining which one deserves the honor of being considered as such.

If you have come this far, it is logical to presume that you are interested in knowing the list of the best Spanish wines, those that stand out for their aesthetics, their resonance and their cultural significance.

If so, you are in the right place because my purpose is to introduce you to the Spanish wines that cannot be missing from your winery. Here are my top 5:

 

The 20 best wines of Spain

The talent and courage of an innovative generation of winemaking artists allows us to affirm that Spanish wine has now become a world benchmark in quality.

The high level achieved by our wines explains the formidable scores obtained by a growing number of references among the most authoritative voices in the wine sector.

The one that I am going to present to you is a unique collection that brings together oenological treasures whose exclusive nuances are only likely to be appreciated by true connoisseurs in the field.

The Gourmet Wine Guide 2019 has issued a ruling and, although it is not in my mind to establish a list of numbers clausus …

The truth is that the 20 prestigious wines that have achieved the highest possible score (99/100) already have a first and last name, ranking as close as possible to “absolute perfection” in wines.

Will you come with me to their barrels?

1. Petit Verdot 2015 by Abuería Retuerta

Elegance, finesse and seduction are among the characteristic notes of this wine, a kindness from the land of Castilla León, which has great storage capacity.

Not surprisingly, the basis of its originality is none other than “La Petit Verdot”, or what is the same, the most exotic of Bordelais grapes.

Commonly used in small proportions to give nerve to a great variety of blends , Abadía Retuerta have opted to take advantage of the adaptability of this variety to its terroir, creating a unique red that is considered the best vintage to date.

2. Amontillado Napoleón from Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana

The elaboration of this Generoso from the most select Palomino fino musts aged through the traditional system of criaderas and soleras produces one of the best wines in Spain within the framework of the DO Jerez-Xérez-Sherry and Manzanilla-Sanlúcar of Barrameda.

In addition, the white albariza soils that the vines grow give these musts finesse and quality.

3. Artadi El Carretil 2016 by Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi

From La Rioja comes this red wine made by Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi from grapes of the Tempranillo variety vinified in accordance with the precepts of organic farming , also known as biological aging .

The most elegant of Artadi’s parcel wines boasts surprising complexity and unusual energy . Very fresh and intense, it is characterized by its great storage capacity, without neglecting its delicate and fine tannins.

4. Benjamín Romeo Collection Nº1 of Bodega Contador

Coming from a vineyard planted by D. Andrés, father of Benjamín Romeo in 1985, in the district of La Liendre in the San Vicente de la Sonsierra area, No. 1 boasts the character of pure Tempranillo , after viticulture based on respect to the earth and with minimal productions (each vine delivers just one kilo of grape).

To highlight its marked notes of ripe fruit and its tannic potential whose main virtue is centered on volume , in the words of Benjamin himself.

5. Cirsion 2016 of Bodegas Roda

The cuvée high – end Roda (Do Rioja) is made from a selection of strains of vineyards whose taste has little to do with the plants of their environment, as discovered in 1995.

Contrary to what happens with the majority of wines belonging to the Riojan elite, abundant in concentration and power, Cirsion seeks excellence from the notes of elegance, silkiness, fruit complexity, finesse and aromatic richness , revealed even at the stage of youth of this wine.

6. Clone of the 2014 Family of Bodegas Emilio Moro

Quality and expressiveness raised to the nth degree are derived from Clone de la Familia 2014, which represents the essence of the Emilio Moro do Ribera del Duero Wineries and whose production is limited to 1,000 bottles, being its most select and representative wine, whose aging has been made in exclusive barrels.

A wine with which a winery of the stature of Emilio Moro has fulfilled its expectations, apart from being a tribute to “El Clon de Tinto Fino” of the Tempranillo variety.

It represents the living expression of tradition, character and passion, a true reflection of respect for the aromas of fruit and its land of origin.

7. Clos Mogador 2017 by Clos Mogador

A reference in Priorat since its first vintage in 1989, Clos Mogador 2017 reveals the latest vintage of an essential wine to understand the unstoppable international rise of this Catalan production area.

The transmutation between the oak staves of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon , Syrah and Carignan takes place under the attentive care of René Barbier Jr., a viticulturist who makes them emerge at the optimum moment of maturity, red and exultant with emotion.

The result of such artisan production are a few bottles of a great red wine for aging, elegant and powerful , as befits a worthy representative of the Prioratic terroir .

8. Contino Viña del Olivo 2016 from Viñedos del Contino

Reserva Rioja cherry color, dense, with subtle hints of bluish, violet youth.

This is Contino Viña del Olivo 2016, the result of the manual selection of the best bunches from its olive plot (almost 700 years old) harvested in boxes with great care, to ferment in French oak vats.

On the nose, it suggests great freshness of fruits such as currant and blackberry with balsamic touches of liquorice and menthol and certain notes of almond.

On the palate it is structured, with certain tannins still to be polished but with a noble character , which suggest the aging capacity of this elegant wine.

9. Dalmau 2014 by Marqués de Murrieta

An emblematic wine from a vineyard of more than 100 years. This, together with its aging, give it a harmonious and intense character. Chosen best reserve 2009.
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The most modern profile of Marqués de Murrieta is a limited production wine from a centenary Rioja vineyard of very low production.

A surprising paid wine that shows the most modern face of the winery and that on the nose is complex, velvety, with an explosion of aromas of wild fruits, mineral notes and dark chocolate, in an accurate combination with creamy toasts, the result of its pass through the French barrel.

By exhaling elegance and distinction, it is striking in every way, for its harmony and body. Its unusual balance makes a wine characterized by power fluid .

10. Finca Dofí 2016 by Álvaro Palacios

Finca Dofí 2016 do Priorato is the younger brother of the great L`Ermita , managing to rise to the occasion, something not easy.

In fact, it meets expectations and manages not to clash with the mythical reserve. A new vintage from another of the great estate wines that tells us why Álvaro Palacios is the king of Priorat.

With 95% Garnacha, the star vine of the famous winegrower, Finca Dofí manages to intoxicate thanks to the purity of its aromas, seducing with a silkiness that seems irresistible .

Elegance and extreme softness on the nose, melts in the mouth, being dense, concentrated, rich and vital, while flowing without a hint of edges.

11. Gaudium 2015 of the Marquis of Cáceres

Considered “Premium” wine from one of the wineries in La Rioja with the most recognition by consumers: Marqués de Cáceres. Gadium 2015 is a limited-production red made from 6 small, ancient wine parcels and aged for 20 months in French oak.

Rich in nuances, complex and at the same time harmonious. Its own name from Latin, whose meaning is “joy” , points to the pure pleasure that is experienced when uncorking its bottles.

12. Enoteca 2004 brut nature de Gramona

The most emblematic cava of the winery (80% xarel.lo and Macabeo) makes a show in its bottles of the excellent vintage of 2004, for whose elaboration they have a raw material of height and careful work among which the manual harvest stands out, the selection table, the entry of the grapes by gravity and the pressing of the whole bunches.

Such an elaboration of one of their oldest cellars, in the darkness that characterizes them, is sealed with a cork stopper during the second fermentation.

Their upbringing in rhymes usually exceeds 12 years although, to the delight of the senses, some reach up to 20 years.

13. Noé by González Byass

The best Pedro Ximénez de González Byass is a limited edition Very Old Jerez wine whose aging process exceeds 30 years, during which it is subjected to a production process designed to leave its mark. The master blender and oenologist Gonzalez Byass, Antonio Flores, is the creator of this oenological gem.

With an intense ebony color with great density, its aromas of figs, coffee and spices on the nose, with a very sweet, silky and fresh flavor on the palate, make it a fine dessert perfect to take alone or with vanilla or chocolate ice cream. black.

14. El Picón 2015 Plot of Payment of the Chaplains

From vineyards located on a 2 ha plot. With a fine vat, with a unique microclimate and unbeatable ripening conditions, El Picón is a wine with an intense mouthfeel, with sweet tannins with exquisite roundness, which predicts a long life in the bottle .

Exceptional vintages of wines like this one, from the Ribera del Duero estate, result in a cherry color.

The wide range of sensations that give it complexity goes through detecting balsamic aromas, blackberries with spicy touches such as leather, cinnamon and black liquorice.

15. Pesus 2015 by Viña Sastre

The star wine of Bodegas Hermanos Sastre is a red from Ribera del Duero with a beautiful cherry color, with garnet rims.

Made with 80% of the Tempranillo grape variety, it contains a 20% percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that come from vineyards over 80 years old, located at 814 m above sea level, on the slopes of the Duero.

On the nose it is very powerful and complex , highlighting the maturity of the vine with fruity aromas and the toasted wood that hugs the wine, with a mineral background and spicy tones.

On the palate it is elegant, very fruity and tasty, well armed in body, consistent and with gentle power. A great wine to enjoy now and many years from now.

16. Sierra Cantabria CVC de Viñedos Sierra Cantabria

An excellent and renewed vision of the classic Riojan CVC that comes from the hand of a winery that has given ample proof of its worth, vintage by vintage.

There is no doubt that the brothers Marcos and Miguel Eguren, acclaimed winemakers of the Sonsierra, have known how to shape vineyard wines as few have.

Many things could be said about Sierra Cantabria, but they can all be summed up in that it is “the definition of a vineyard in time” , with an average aging of 70 months.

A wine made and aged to maintain the character, elegance, complexity and unique identity of the old vineyards from which it comes, exposed to the north, in order to provide the freshness and acidity essential for aging and aging. intense life.

17. Magical 2010 of Viñedos Sierra Cantabria

Sierra Cantabria Mágico is another of the wonderful wine productions of the Eguren family, owners of some of the best wineries in Cantabria, which in this case materializes in a wine with qualities that make it attractive and captivating , being extraordinary within those of its gender.

Coming from a vineyard planted and grafted after the phylloxera at the beginning of the 20th century, it has a wide varietal diversity that in 2010, exceptional where it exists, was elaborated with all the varieties as a whole to give rise to an extraordinary expression and exciting, in keeping with its surroundings . And from that first year the result was really surprising.

18. Valbuena 5th Year 2014 of Bodegas Vega Sicilia

The purest expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Vega Sicilia is Valbuena, a respectful Gran Reserva Agriculture with 42 months in French and American oak barrels and 18 months in bottle, produced by the Vega Sicilia do Ribera del Duero Wineries.

The magnificent blend of its grape varieties tempts the predominant and majority vine in the Tinto Fino, while the Merlot variety participates, depending on the vintage, to a greater or lesser extent.

The painstaking, long and complex process used to make it produces a great wine.

19. Vega Sicilia Unique 2009 from Bodegas Vega Sicilia

Vega Sicilia Único is “ a myth full of truth” . Precursor and patriarch of a line of extraordinary wines, forged over time, distinguished by their durability, which gives them an exceptional character.

As its name suggests, the taste of this Vega Sicilia is “unique” and timeless, with an inimitable, firm and solid style.

In it, the qualities of Tempranillo and Cabernet are perfectly assembled and in different proportions, after which it is subjected to what is possibly the longest aging process in the history of the red, with almost 10 years between wood and bottle.

20. Viña El Pisón 2016 by Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi

A unique wine that comes from a unique vineyard. Viña el Pisón is the purest expression of the symbiosis between the soil, the climate, the grape and man.

Perfect conjunction between pleasure and reflection, it flags the elegance and forcefulness, without neglecting the subtlety, complexity, balance, finesse, harmony and beauty that characterize it.

Pure energy that in the 2016 vintage reflects the know-how of Artadi’s ancestors and the passion of those who want to keep alive the spirit of a distinguished vineyard.

With subtle mineral characters, complex and delicate spicy sequences, fine fruits and tannins with caressing and enveloping volumes, it evokes the deepest changing sensations. 

Frequent questions

Anything to do with oenology is attractive to exhaustion for lovers of the best Spanish wine.

And it is that, for those who know how to appreciate its nuances, the field of wine becomes a way of life with an attractive environment , which offers such gratifying situations that there is no room for renunciation.

For this reason, I have thought it appropriate to ask a series of frequently asked questions about wine, with their respective answers, which will be of great interest to you in order to advance one more step in your commitment to viticulture.

What is the best Spanish wine?

I already mentioned it at the beginning of this post.

There is not a single “best Spanish wine” but a series of them whose lucky owners will enjoy the privilege of having the most precious jewels in the Spanish wine catalog in their cellar .

In the top positions of this select podium are the 20 best Spanish wines that I have just presented to you and that make up the “League 99”, reaching 99/100 points on its scale, which makes them “the maximum within the maximum” for the Gourmets Guide 2019.

Why are Spanish wines so good?

Because Spain is a land of wines and in our country we have almost   70 Flag Denominations of Origin , known and appreciated internationally by the gurus of the sector, made up of top quality wines.

The impressive Spanish landscapes where the vineyard creates an incredible symbiosis of nature and culture have a lot to do with it.

The Spanish vines are unparalleled and, from Bierzo to Lanzarote, there are vineyards that give birth to allegorical wines through which their terroir is savored.

The national wine tradition is an additional factor that must be added to the above, as Spain is the land of winemakers who have made a passion for wine and the land their philosophy of life.

To these masters we owe the demonstration that with a good soil, a wonderful microclimate and an outstanding respect for tradition and roots,  some of the best wines in the world can be made .

In Spain we celebrate the production of wines for all tastes, moments and companies: Pedro Ximénez, amontillados, cavas … But, above all, red wines that convey something special and different, an unusual harmony that places them at the forefront of world wines.

Where are the best wines in Spain?

The answer is very simple: spread throughout our geography. The great Spanish wines have their own Denomination of Origin . I leave them there so that you have the opportunity to judge which one you consider best:

  1. Jumilla (Castilla La Mancha and Murcia)
  2. Ribera del Duero (Castile and León)
  3. Rioja (Various communities)
  4. Toro (Castilla y León)
  5. Jerez (Andalusia)
  6. La Mancha (Castilla La Mancha)
  7. Rias Baixas (Galicia)
  8. Rueda (Castile and León)
  9. Bierzo (Castile and León)
  10. Ribeiro (Galicia)
  11. Valdepeñas (Castilla La Mancha)
  12. Somontano (Aragon)
  13. Utiel Requena (Valencian Community)
  14. Montilla Moriles (Andalusia)
  15. Ribeira Sacra (Galicia)
  16. Ribera Guadiana (Extremadura)
  17. Cigales (Castile and León)
  18. Cariñena (Aragon)
  19. Valdeorras (Galicia)
  20. Wines of Madrid (Community of Madrid)
  21. Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
  22. Orotava Valley (Canary Islands)
  23. Almansa (Castilla La Mancha)
  24. Malaga (Andalusia)
  25. Monterrey (Galicia)
  26. Mentrida (Castilla La Mancha)
  27. Land of León (Castilla y León)
  28. County of Huelva (Andalusia)
  29. Ribera del Júcar (Castilla La Mancha)
  30. Land Zamora
  31. Manchuela (Castilla La Mancha)
  32. Arribes (Castile and León)
  33. Bullas (Murcia)
  34. Tacoronte (Canary Islands)
  35. Guïmar Valley (Canary Islands)
  36. La Palma (Canary Islands)
  37. Arlanza (Castile and León)
  38. Abona (Canary Islands)
  39. Ycoden (Canary Islands)
  40. Alicante (Valencian Community)
  41. Sierras of Malaga
  42. Borja Field (Aragon)
  43. Valleys of Benavente (Castile and León)
  44. Calatayud (Aragon)
  45. Domain of Valdepusa (Castilla La Mancha)
  46. Pago Guijoso (Castilla La Mancha)
  47. Yecla (Murcia)
  48. Valencia (Valencian Community)
  49. Mondéjar (Mondéjar)
  50. Penedés (Catalonia)
  51. Priory (Catalonia)
  52. Navarra (Foral Community of Navarra)
  53. Cava (Various communities)
  54. Chacolí (Basque Country)
  55. Costers del Sedre (Catalonia)
  56. Terra Alta (Catalonia)
  57. Emporda (Catalonia)
  58. Conca de Barbera (Catalonia)
  59. Alella (Catalonia)
  60. Montsan (Catalonia)
  61. Catalonia (Catalonia)
  62. Tarragona (Catalonia)
  63. Plan I East (Balearic Islands)
  64. Binissalem (Balearic Islands)
  65. Pla Bages (Catañuña)
  66. Chacolí de Bizcaia (Basque Country)
  67. Alava (Basque Country)

Do you consider yourself sufficiently enlightened about the best wines of Spain?

Remember that our country is intrinsically related to the culture of wine, so the millions of tourists who visit us every year do not miss the opportunity to have a drink in bars, taverns and restaurants.

But what do you think of the pleasure of uncorking a Spanish wine in your own home?

Dr. Sofia Seccombe

My name is Dr. Sofia Seccombe, and in this small section, I want to tell you who I am and why I started this project. I don't want to bore you, but I consider that it is an important part of godlywine. It serves as an exercise in transparency so that the person who reads the articles can be sure that the information is reliable.

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