Hello my dear friends! As promised, now that you know a little about how scoring systems work in the world of wine, we are going to follow up on our post from last week. Let's talk about those wines in our portfolio that scored the best during 2021. Just remember... scores are just a reference based on the opinion of those who judge, but still 75% of wine globally is not rated. That said, let's dive in...
As expected, Bodegas Vinícola Real has achieved excellent results this year. 200 Monges Gran Reserva (2005) and 200 Monges Reserva (2010) scored 94 and 92 points from Tim Atkin respectively. The latter also got 92 points from Peñín Guide. 200 Monges Selección Blanco (2007) got 94 points from Peñín Guide as well. Miguel Angel Rodriguez, owner of Bodegas Vinícola Real has a very special way to interpret his lands and their incredible potential. The winery focus on small productions, specializing in high-quality wines and 'estate wines'. Traditional, chemical-free viticulture is still practiced in 25 hectares of vineyards in 4 different zones. All grapes are harvested and processed by hand prior to crushing and fermentation. The vineyards sit on a clay soil, the same soil that a thousand years ago was worked for catholic hermits. The so well-preserved traditional practices in juxtaposition with the rich terroir, are the reason why these wines stand out as complex, elegant and perfectly balanced.
Vinícola Real, home of some of the greatest wines in Rioja.
In 1950 Avelino Vegas and his wife began producing wines with Verdejo grapes in their winery in Santiuste (Segovia - DO Rueda). His commitment to quality wines led him to create Bodegas Fuentespina in 1993 in the DO Ribera del Duero, reforming the old winery of Fuentespina (Burgos). The philosophy of this family winery is 'look to the future, working in the present, but without forgetting its roots'. The quality of Fuentespina's wines has been endorsed in countless competitions and publications, both national and international, and the World Association of Wine Writers and Journalists has included Bodegas Fuentespina among the 100 best wineries in the world.
The amazing F de Fuentespina. Ideal for red meats in general, particularly great for rich lamb or pork dishes and aged cheeses.
This year, Fuentespina's top wine, F de Fuentespina scored 91 points with Tim Atkin and 90 points with Peñín Guide. This is a truly unique wine, made with a selection of grapes from the oldest vineyards from Ribera del Duero and calmly fermented in the soul of the best French oak barrels. F is presented in a replica of the original Burgundy bottle, blown in 1859. F is only made when the harvest is excellent and ready to express something special. Avelino Vegas 100 Anniversary (2016) also scored 93 points with Tim Atkin and 91 with Peñín Guide. This is also the only Spanish wine that has obtained the Platinum Medal at the prestigious International Wine Awards organized in Dallas. This red wine is the perfect expression of more than 80 year old vineyards located in La Aguilera ( Burgos), definitely one of our best!
KWV is a leading South African wine and spirits producer with a distinguished heritage. KWV is celebrated around the globe for its product innovation and exceptional brands, which include Roodeberg, The Mentors, KWV Brandy, Laborie, Cathedral Cellar and their 'Classic Collection'. It is no surprise that this winery, with such worldwide reputation, had three labels included in the very best of 2021. KWV Mentors Cabernet Franc (2017) scored 93 points from Decanter. KWV Mentors Petit Verdot (2016) also scored 92 points with Decanter and received 95 points from Tim Atkin! Last but not least, KWV Mentors Orchestra (2017) scored 91 with Decanter and 94 from Atkin too. The new Mentors Orchestra (2019) also won Gold Medal at the 2021 Veritas Awards -the longest running and most prestigious wine and brandy competition in South Africa- held on November 6th. The Mentors is a series that celebrates the mastery of both nature and Abraham Perold, recognized as the father of Pinotage and considered the pioneer of modern South African viticulture. His genius and legacy as a veritable winemaker influenced every aspect of this series production.
A special shout-out also for Monte Quieto Bodega de Familia since their Alegre Gran Corte Cabernet Franc scored 90 points from Tim Atkin. The grapes for this wine come from different estates all located 900 meters above sea level. That, coupled with the expertise of the winemakers, produces one of the best Bordeaux-style wines in the region.
Two of our newest portfolio additions, also were internationally acknowledged. First, Patricius Aszu 6 Puttonyos, from Hungary, which scored 95 points on Wine Enthusiast. This is a breathtaking wine with glorious golden hue, flavors of apricots, hints of tropical notes integrate in a subtle dance of flavor. This wine was the editor's choice, who wrote: 'One of the hallmarks of this delicious 6 Puttonyos Tokaj is a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness on the palate. This wine hits that mark with accuracy and has tantalizing apricot, Bananas Foster, beeswax and caramelized pineapple aromas, which follow through seamlessly to the palate. As it opens, more pronounced lemon meringue and acacia honey flavors emerge. The texture is luxurious and silky.' Second, Vicius Barrica Albariño (2018), from Rías Baixas. This wine won Acio Prata Catas De Galicia 2020 in the category of best Albariño D.O. Rías Baixas in barrel. This is a highly competitive tasting fair that takes place in Galicia (Spain) every year.
The incomparable Patricius of 6 Puttonyos.
Anecoop Bodegas, was recognized as the best producer of Spain in Mundus Vini, the grand international wine award in September of 2020. Mundus Vini has been one of the world’s most renowned wine competitions for 20 years. The wine competition with international judges is held twice a year in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse and, for some time now, has been complemented by themed and country tastings such as Mundus Vini Biofach and Mundus Vini Nordic. The more than 12,000 wines that are now registered every year are a proof to just how important this competition has become. Wines that have received MUNDUS VINI awards and bear a medal on the bottle can now be found in shops and at restaurants all over the world. A reliable seal of quality. Reymos, Anecoop's elegant Muscat stands as one of their most awarded wines over the years: Gold Medal: Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – Belgium (2015), Gold Medal: Effervescents du Monde – France (2016, 2017), Gold Medal: Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards (2017, 2018, 2019), Gold Medal: MonoVino Awards – Spain (2017, 2018), Gold Medal: PROAVA Contest – Spain (2016, 2017). This year Reymos won Silver Medal at the 50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World's Awards in which it scored 94 points.
And that's a wrap for today my friends! Let's meet here next Wednesday for our last 2021 blog post! Where did all this time go? See you soon!
Comments