For the third consecutive time, the Herederos del Marqués de Riscal winery from Rioja has been distinguished as the second best in the world by the World's Best Vineyards. These international awards have been announced for the first time in Spain, thanks to the acceptance of the DO Calificada Rioja, its list of the 50 most relevant wine tourism destinations.
The president of Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, Alejandro Aznar Sainz, told the Comer La Vanguardia channel that this third second place is "of course, a recognition of the work done over the years." In addition, this winery founded in 1858 in Elciego (Álava) has been established this year as the best in Europe.
The World's Best Vineyards gala has stopped at the Beronia winery, in Ollauri (La Rioja), and has been presented by the British Master of Wine Tim Atkin. Three other Spanish wineries have also been placed on the Top 50 list. Bodegas Tío Pepe from Jerez de la Frontera (like Beronia, from the González Byass group) has achieved 21st place for its “unique” wine tourism proposal.
Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta, from Sardón de Duero (Valladolid), has risen to number 27. Enrique Valero, general manager of this Novartis group winery, highlights that they have risen two positions compared to last year, and affirms that this recognition "is an impulse that motivates us to continue working to give voice and image to Spanish excellence in the panorama international". And the Spanish presence among the 50 best world destinations has been closed by Bodegas Muga de Haro from La Rioja, with position number 49.
The Argentine winery Catena Zapata has been declared the best in the world. Laura Catena, the director of this Mendoza winery, has acknowledged that the recognition was not expected. During the gala, it was possible to taste wines awarded with a gold medal by the International Wine Challenge competition, from the Rioja wineries Viña Salceda (Castell de Perelada), Valdemar, Campillo and Baigorri.
