Rioja's Big Win: Two 100-Point Wines

Two Rioja wines have secured 100-point ratings in the latest edition of the renowned report from The Wine Advocate, commonly referred to as the Parker list in honor of its founder.

Quiñón de Valmira 2023 by Álvaro Palacios and Las Beatas 2021 by Telmo Rodríguez stand at the top this year, underscoring Rioja's global reputation. Another noteworthy entrant is Kalamity 2023 by Oxer Bastegieta, which earned 99 points.

In total, 77 Rioja wines have received 95 points or higher, covering reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, a testament to the region's capacity to adapt to different styles and market trends.

Luis Gutiérrez, the critic responsible for evaluating Rioja wines in The Wine Advocate, praises not only the quality of the top-rated labels but also the development of new vineyard designation tools to distinguish wines by their origin.

He points to the importance of "Viñedo En," introduced alongside the "Vinos de Pueblo" classification, which highlights the role of specific vineyard sites in shaping each wine's uniqueness.

The report additionally draws attention to the technical and regulatory efforts aimed at preserving Old and Centenary Vineyards in Rioja, a process that has reviewed nearly all of these historic plantings to ensure future conservation.

Several labels followed closely behind the top-rated wines, reaching 98 and 98+ points and enhancing Rioja's prominence in the international wine landscape. Among them are Tabuerniga 2021 by Telmo Rodríguez, Abel Mendoza Grano a Grano Graciano 2021, Sierra Cantabria Mágico 2021, Camino de Ribas (José Gil) 2023, and Yjar (Remélluri) 2021. These accolades confirm the depth, diversity, and enduring appeal of wines from this iconic Spanish region.