The US monthly Wine Spectator has included 25 Spanish wines in its most recent guide to the best buys in the world, published in their February edition. The brands chosen have at least 93 points and some have up to 96, such as the Termanthia 2002 (Toro), Amancio 2001 (Rioja) and Vega Sicilia Único Gran Reserva 1994 (Ribera del Duero).

Specialist journalist Thomas Matthews says that “few countries in the world have a wine industry that has changed as significantly as Spain’s. New wines, new winemakers and new regions are constantly emerging and making an impression”.

“While Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorato have led the way”, adds Matthews, “Toro, Bierzo, Montsant and Jumilla are the new discoveries”.

The journalist believes 2001 is the best vintage available for its “maturity and balance”. The magazine highlights the high quality of “original and unique” Spanish reds, comprising the tempranillo from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, old garnachas and cariñena combined with cabernet sauvignon and syrah in Priorato, mencía in Bierzo and monastrell in Jumilla. Matthews draws attention to the new generation of whites, “especially the albariños and godellos from Galicia and the fruity verdejos from Rueda. They are refreshing, drinkable and reasonably priced”.