A Celebration of Spain’s Finest Wines in London
On March 9, wine lovers and industry insiders gathered in London for an exceptional tasting event: The Best of Rioja with Tim Atkin MW. The event offered an opportunity to explore the very best of Rioja winemaking, curated by one of the world’s foremost authorities on Spanish wine.
Each year, Atkin releases his highly anticipated Special Rioja Report, an in-depth guide that has become a benchmark for quality and innovation in the region. His classification system; loosely inspired by Bordeaux; ranks producers into First, Second, and Third Growths, alongside a dynamic category of “Rising Stars.” The event featured 300+ wines from 39 producers, many scoring 93+ points in Atkin’s report, underscoring the exceptional standard on display.
Visitors were guided through a carefully selected lineup of wines representing the diversity and evolution of Rioja. From elegant, terroir-driven reds to fresher, more experimental styles, the tasting highlighted how the region continues to balance tradition with modern precision.
The First Growth wines stood out for their complexity and age-worthiness; layered with dark fruit, spice, and finely integrated oak. Second and Third Growth producers demonstrated remarkable consistency and value, while the Rising Stars impressed with innovative approaches, including single-vineyard bottlings and minimal-intervention techniques.
Rising Stars: The Future of Rioja
Particularly interesting was the spotlight on Rising Stars; producers identified by Atkin as the ones to watch. These winemakers are redefining Rioja’s identity, often focusing on sustainability, indigenous grape expressions, and site-specific wines that challenge conventions. Their presence at the tasting offered an insight into Rioja’s future: one that embraces both heritage and innovation.
More than just a tasting, the event was a celebration of Rioja’s diversity and excellence. A reminder of why Rioja remains one of the world’s most compelling wine regions, and why Tim Atkin MW’s annual report continues to shape its global reputation. We noticed a shift toward terroir-driven, fresher, and more diverse Rioja styles and a strong showing from white wines and “new wave” producers stood out as a defining theme.
Notable white wines (standout category)
> Monopole Rioja Reserva Blanco Seco 2021
- Dry but layered with freshness and complexity
Style: Rich, saline, textured white
Notes: Pear, apple, white flowers, nuts, spice
> Muga Blanco (2025)
- Lovely and intense with balanced oak and freshness
Style: Classic modern white Rioja
Notes: Citrus, pear, smooth rounded texture
> Conde Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria 2023
- Praised for refinement and length
Style: Old-vine Viura, oak-influenced
Notes: Vanilla spice, citrus peel, long finish
Reds & innovative styles
> Bhilar Phincas Thousand Mils Blanco 2020 (skin-contact white)
- Grippy, textural, bitey and moreish
Style: Biodynamic, textured, skin-contact
Notes: Honey, almond, ginger, pear, white plum
> Phinca Hapa Blanco 2021 (Etérea Kripan)
- Layered… unforgettably tangy
Style: High-altitude, biodynamic
Notes: Chalky texture, vibrant acidity
Rosé & lighter styles
> Lagar de Cayo Clarete Rosado
- Unexpected concentration and flavour depth
Style: Clarete (traditional Rioja rosé blend)
Notes: Intense multi-fruit character, depth
Producers that stood out
- Bodegas Bhilar – innovative, biodynamic wines
- Velencisco – precision and structure
- Artuke – terroir-driven modern Rioja
- Pujanza – elegant, site-specific wines
- Sierra de Toloño – expressive, minimal-intervention wines
To sum up the day:
- Rioja is evolving fast. It is less about ageing categories (Crianza/Reserva) and more about origin, vineyard, and winemaker identity.
- White Rioja is having a moment. We found many complex, age-worthy whites that surprised us. They were more textural, saline, and layered.
- Rising Stars are reshaping the region by offering organic, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention wines. We also noted greater use of Garnacha and field blends.
- Rioja is still offering excellent value, but top wines are increasingly priced alongside Burgundy and Barolo.
