5 españoles, entre los 50 mejores de Vinepair

Aquellos que más les han hecho disfrutar durante este año y que además crean tendencia. Así definen a los vinos que aparecen en la relación de los cincuenta mejores (a condición de que se compren fácilmente en Estados Unidos, destaquen por su favorable relación calidad-precio y se puedan beber ya) elaborada por el equipo de cata de Vinepair. 

Entre los 50 mejores hay cinco españoles. Los mejor puntuados son La Bruja de Rozas 2017 de Comando G y Cuveé de O 2017 de Bodegas Avancia. España es además el país más elogiado en el artículo que acompaña a la clasificación. 

As the months went on, we became increasingly excited about Spanish wines, especially those from less explored regions, grapes, and producers. Our staff, panelists, and wine director agree Spain is currently offering some of the best value for money, and most exciting drinking experiences right now.

Los precios están referidos a Estados Unidos y el número inicial expresa el puesto alcanzado en la lista. 

  1. COMANDO G ‘LA BRUJA DE ROZAS’ SIERRA DE GREDOS 2017 ($25)

Comando G La Bruja de Rozas Sierra de Gredos is one of the 50 best wines of 2019. Made from Garnacha grapes grown on high-altitude old vines in Spain’s Sierra de Gredos region, this wine’s aromas include dark cherries, cranberries, earth, pepper, raw meat, and star anise — to name just a few. The palate starts light, before the grape’s intense fruit character kicks in. And it’s not over there. Mouthwatering acidity and grippy, complex tannins quickly present themselves, prolonging the fiesta taking place in your mouth. If there’s a better wine being made at this price point in Spain or anywhere else in the world right now, we’ll be damned. La Bruja de Rozas will grab your senses with its depth of aromas and flavors and never let go, then leave you dazed knowing that you have tasted something truly special.

  1. BODEGAS AVANCIA ‘CUVEE DE O’ MENCíA 2017 ($16)

Bodegas Avancia Cuveé De O is one of the 50 best wines of 2019. While Mencía is best associated with Spain’s Bierzo D.O., when grown in the neighboring Valdeorras D.O., the wines take on a slightly lighter profile and offer more complexity. This bottle is a stunning example of that and shows further nuance from oak aging. Its aromas include wild berries, cracked pepper, and dried herbs. Blackberries and a savory vegetal note arrive on the palate, along with grippy tannins and a persisting finish.

  1. BODEGAS AGRO DE BAZÁN GRANBAZÁN ETIQUETA VERDE 2018 ($19)

Granbazán Etiqueta Verde is one of the 50 best wines of 2019. When Albariño is “done” right, the wine’s intense acidity is matched by concentrated fruit flavors. This bottle is one such success story, with mouthwatering acidity that seems to magnify flavors of lemon, ginger, dried apricots, and wet stones. It is an ideal pre-dinner bottle, pairing well with Spanish cheeses, almonds, and salty olives.

  1. BODEGAS NEKEAS ‘EL CHAPARRAL DE VEGA SINDOA’ OLD VINE GARNACHA 2018 ($26)

Bodegas Nekeas El Chapparral is one of the 50 best wines of 2019. Made from grapes grown on 70- to 100-year-old vines in Spain’s Navarra wine region, there’s a lot going on in this wine. Red fruit aromas are seasoned with hints of clove, mint, eucalyptus, and cracked pepper. The palate is lean, fruity, and structured. For just $14, this is outstanding winemaking.

  1. LAN GRAN RESERVA RIOJA 2010 ($23)

Lan Gran Reserva Rioja is one of the 50 best wines of 2019. A regional stalwart, LAN’s three-letter name is shorthand for wines of quality, balance, and exceptional value. Its 2010 Gran Reserva, the current release, is rich in tart red-fruit character, sweet and spicy oak notes, and the leathery, tobacco-leaf hallmarks of age.