Spain’s consistent delivery of high-quality wines is changing perceptions in the fine wine investment arena. With growing acclaim and success in competitions, not least the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the nation’s hidden gems are proving to have significant potential for appreciation.
Spain’s impressive DWWA 2024 results highlight exceptional quality and diversity in the awards’ highest price band (wines above £100 per bottle). Regions such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero, known for their robust reds, showcased their prowess with wines that balance power and elegance, making them worthy contenders for wine investment, managing to combine both immediate appeal and remarkable ageability.
Scroll down to discover 15 Spanish wines to enjoy and cellar
The structured tannins and balanced acidity in Spanish reds, particularly from Tempranillo and Garnacha, allow these wines to develop complex flavours over time, making them valuable assets in a wine collection. Then there are singular styles such as vintage sparkling wines (Cava, Corpinnat and more), elegantly aged white wines and standout fortifieds.
The ability of these wines to evolve beautifully in the bottle ensures that they remain appealing and can accrue value over the years.
On judging fine wines at DWWA, Co-Chair Michael Hill Smith AM MW said, ‘If you’re spending £15 on a wine, no one’s going to be hurt. Whereas if you go out and spend £150 on a bottle and it’s disappointing, you’ve got a greater reason to feel let down. As is always the case, Decanter leads the way in trying to give guidance to serious wine people about serious wines.’
Below find 15 seriously outstanding wines from the 2024 competition, with more to seek out at awards.decanter.com
Best in Show
Alta Alella, Mirgin Exeo Evolució Cava Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2004
97 Best in Show
altaalella.wine
Fresh and lifted nose with the wild grass and saffron notes of Xarel·lo (or Pansa Blanca) mingling with Chardonnay’s creamier orchard fruits. Long and fine-foamed, structure backing a fine-honed blade of flavour to great effect. Two decades of age has brought great harmony, yet it retains freshness. Alcohol 12%
Valduero, Reserva Blanco, Ribera del Duero 2016
97 Best in Show
£140 The Wine Treasury
No shortage of personality in this Albillo Mayor white. Aromatic exuberance of vanilla fudge, turmeric and Indian balsam. Broad and fleshy, with rich flavours of spiced vanilla and assorted dairy treats, leaving a sense of lurking mushroom and truffle. Lots to enjoy: little reason to wait. Alc 12.5%
Bodegas Frontaura, Aponte Plus Tempranillo, Toro 2018
97 Best in Show
bodegasnexusfrontaura.com
All but black in colour, sturdy aromas packed with black fruit, embers, pounded stone and sweet spices. Densely textured, ample tannins, wild plum fruits and some sloe-like acidity adding a wild-forest feel. Some might prefer to give it a few more calming years, others will love its youthful force. Alc 14.5%
Sparkling
The Sea Wine Club, CV 01 Cava Brut Reserva NV
95 Gold
theseawineclub.com
Exhilarating apple charlotte, key lime pie and juicy pear aromas with an enriching biscuit and toast depth. Zesty and verdant with wet-stone acidity and well-defined bubbles. Alc 11%
Red
Alilian, Camino del Abuelo, Ribera del Duero 2014
97 Platinum
bodegasalilian.com
Remarkable for its age, displaying Mediterranean dried herbs atop a plum-berry core. Concentrated and generous with luxuriant, velvet tannins, finely grained supportive oak and a verdant acidity that embraces the palate and endures. A masterpiece. Alc 14%
Clos d’Agon, Selección Especial, Catalonia 2021
97 Platinum
closdagon.com
Svelte blackcurrant and blueberry fruit cradled in a savoury black pepper and herbal fragrance, with shapely, velvet tannins and classy cedar oak nicely tucked in. Ambitious, generous and muscular, expressing its origins with true class. Alc 14%
Condado de Haza, Alenza Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2018
97 Platinum
Source : https://www.decanter.com/decanter-world-wine-awards/investing-in-spain-top-scoring-fine-wines-to-enjoy-and-cellar-534878/
