With more acres of vineyards than any other wine-producing nation in the world, Spain offers an incredibly diverse selection of styles from which to choose. Want a classic red to age for a special occasion two decades from now? Check. Are you looking for something with funk made with a rare grape sourced from a place of which you’ve never heard? You got it. How about a fresh white to enjoy with conservas at a beachside picnic (or just on your couch)? Also covered. Or are you looking for an affordable bottle of bubbles to get the party started this New Year’s? There’s an excellent Cava for that.
From the gently rolling hills of Rioja and the rocky mountains of Valdeorras in Galicia, down toward the Catalonian coast, there’s a Spanish wine for every kind of drinker and occasion. This year, our tasters sipped through countless of these diverse bottles. The best of the lot—not just the highest scoring or most expensive (we’ve found some fantastic budget bottles, too!)—captured our reviewers’ curiosity and inspired a sense of fascination.
Here are the Spanish bottles that made the cut for the Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2023.
Best Sparkling
Llopart 2011 Original 1887 Brut Nature Sparkling
Deep straw in color and with a steady column of bubbles, this sparkler features a bouquet of dried apricot, caramelized pineapple and roasted almonds. A strong vein of acidity backs yellow currant, caramelized pineapple, croissant, toffee and lemon-blossom flavors that coalesce in a surprisingly vivid, lingering finish. Editor’s Choice. 95 Points — Mike DeSimone
Naveran 2021 Perles d’Or Sparkling (Cava)
This light-yellow-colored sparkling wine has forceful effervescence and aromas of golden currant, vanilla and honeysuckle. It is bright at first sip, with Granny Smith apple and lemon flavors that are joined by notes of brioche and toasted almond. The finish is laced with notes of citrus zest and salinity. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — M.D.
Best White
Bodegas Godeval 2022 Godello Godello (Valdeorras)
Pale yellow to the eye, this wine has honeydew melon, apricot and smoke aromas. Vivid peach and yellow-plum flavors are joined by vanilla-bean, bergamot-flower and river rock notes. The vibrant finish is marked with a splash of lemon-lime sorbet. 92 Points — M.D.
Best Red
Beronia 2015 Gran Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja)
Dark violet-red in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of blackberry, milk chocolate and butterscotch. Spicy clove and eucalyptus (with touches of dark chocolate) open on the palate and are joined by dark- and red-berry flavors. The whole package is wrapped up in polished tannins and well-moderated acidity that linger on the tongue and gums. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — M.D.
Manzanos 2021 111 Graciano (Rioja)
In this wine, aromas of black cherry, black currant and licorice prepare the palate for flavors of Chambord, cherry preserves, anisette and violet. Silky tannins dissolve into a long, spicy finish. 91 Points — M.D.
Why You Should Trust Us
All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Source : Wine Enthusiast
