Some amazing Spanish wines from Rioja and Sherry: tasting some of the winners from the International Wine Challenge
These are gold medal and trophy winners from the 2025 edition of the International Wine Challenge, which I tasted live
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Rioja
Finca Allende: the bold Rioja project of teacher-turned-vigneron Miguel Ángel de Gregorio
Website: http://www.finca-allende.com/en/ Finca Allende is a top Rioja winery with a single-vineyard focus. Miguel Ángel de Gregorio was in town
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MacRobert & Canals, new wave Rioja with a terroir focus
What happens when a winemaker from the Swartland marries a winemaker from Rioja? Well, he moves there and starts making
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The remarkable wines of Arizcuren, Rioja, Spain
Website: https://www.arizcurenvinos.com/en/ Javier Arizcuren (pictured above) is producing some of Rioja’s most interesting wines, from vineyards owned by his family.
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Gallery: in the vineyards of Rioja (2) in the Los Valles vineyard of Bodegas Vinícola Real
Los Valles is a beautiful old vineyard owned by Bodegas Vinícola Real. It has distinctive pink sandy soils, and is
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Gallery: in the vineyards of Rioja (1) San Vicente, Rioja Alavesa
I’ve just been filming an episode of Wine Science (due to be released early next year) in the Rioja region,
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The remarkable wines of Álvaro Palacios: Rioja, Bierzo and Priorat
Álvaro Palacios was in town with his daughter Lola, showing off his impressive portolio, which includes Palacios Remondo (Alfaro, Rioja),
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Alegre Valagñón, a new wave Rioja star
Website: https://alegrevalganon.com/ Very impressed by these wines from Alegre Valagñón. Husband and wife team Oscar Alegre and Eva Valagñón started
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Sandra Bravo is making some of Rioja’s most interesting wines at her project Sierra de Toloño
Website: https://www.sierradetolono.com/en/ Sandra Bravo is making some of Rioja’s most interesting wines, with a focus firmly on the vineyard. She
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Highlights: La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2016
Classic, ageworthy and really good. It’s not bad value, either at around £40. La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Gran Reserva
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