Spanish wine scoops first ever ‘Wine of the Year’ gong

A Spanish wine has claimed the top spot for the first time ever in the Wine Spectator‘s annual Top 100 list of the most exciting wines of the year.

Cune Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 2004 beat off competition from Château Canon-La-Gaffelière 2010 and Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2010 to be voted Wine of the Year by the US magazine.

Made by one of Rioja’s oldest and most important producers, according to the WS, the 2004 vintage of Cune Imperial: “reflects the revolution in style and character that has occurred in Rioja over the past 20 years.”

The wines in the Top 100 list are chosen by the magazine’s editors on the basis of quality, value, availability and an X-factor defined as “excitement”.

Aged for three years in oak and an additional two years in bottle before release, Cune Imperial Gran Reserva 2004 was given 95 points out of a potential 100 by the magazine, taking into account its US$63 price tag and 4,000 case production.

The editors crowned the wine number one “for its ability to balance Rioja’s tradition and modern innovation in delicious harmony.”

It is five years since a non-American wine has scooped the top spot on the list.

An in-depth look at Rioja’s impressive quality to price offering, particularly concerning older vintages, will appear in the December issue of the drinks business.