Description

At 218 pages and over 70,000 words, this is my most comprehensive overview yet of Spain’s most famous wine region. All in all, I tasted 1,493 wines over a period of nearly three weeks in Rioja last October. Of those wines, 124 scored more than 95 points – 89 reds, 32 whites and three sweet wines – and one received 100 points. The 2020 Artuke La Condenada is only the second Rioja (and the first red) to achieve perfection in my book.

The report contains 975 tasting notes (for the wines that scored over 90 points), a lengthy introduction to the region and its current situation, my annual classification of Rioja’s best 200 bodegas and co-operatives, my winemakers and viticulturist of the year, tips on where to eat, drink and stay, a selection of my photographs and suggestions for further reading.