Another year. Many wines enjoyed and great moments lived—and drunk. In the past twelve months, I participated in four competitions. Neither in the pair tasting at Vila Viniteca, nor in the Spanish Championship, nor in the Canarias Wine Challenge did we hit the mark; however, we came second in the contest “El Código del Champagne,” organized by Mibil Distribuciones and Arrabal 18. With the excellent level of tasters in our country, I can only feel satisfied.
These are the twelve wines of the year that, for one reason or another, moved me.
1) LE PERGOLE TORTE 2020 – MONTEVERTINE
Every day I like Tuscan wines more, whether they are Chiantis, Brunellos, Rossos, or Super Tuscans. This year I drank quite a few, and of all of them, Le Pergole Torte 2020 seemed fantastic. The best part? I have one saved! Drunk with my friends from Terroir a Ciegas.
2) BAYNOS 2021 – MAURO
What a delightful surprise! I drank it at the Verema space. One of those wines that touches the heart unexpectedly.
3) BLANC D’ARGILE – VOUETTE&SORBÉE
Fortunately, I drank quite a lot of Champagne this year, though it’s never enough. The wines of Vouette&Sorbée always amaze me. Drunk with my friends from Terroir a Ciegas.
4) IN SOMMENCHEIN 2010 – ÖKONOMIERAT REBHOLZ
I believe I drank this incredible wine a couple of times this year, the first thanks to my friend David Carril. I hope that, for many reasons, we share many more.
5) WEHLENER SONNENUHR AUSLESE 2017 – STUDERT PTÜM
I have no words to describe the afternoon I spent with my friends Rafa Boluda, Paco Pastor, and Andrés Candela in the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, enjoying this wine while talking about everything and nothing. At our feet, the legendary vineyard and the Moselle River.
6) RESERVA 2002 – REMÍREZ DE GANUZA
An incredible wine. Enjoyed with Terroir a Ciegas at our friend Paco Jiménez’s home. A truly amazing day.
7) BATARD MONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2022 – JC GUYAUX
A spectacular wine that perfectly symbolizes my reunion with my dear Juan Ferrer. A great night with my friends from the Benageber Council. I hope there are many more like this.
8) MONPRIVATO 2004 – GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO
One of those wines that should be written in capital letters. A legend that justifies the legend. Enjoyed the same night as the previous one.
9) BRUT RESERVE – BÉRÊCHE&FILS
It may not be the best Champagne I drank this year—in fact, it’s their basic cuvée—but that night it seemed exceptional to me.
10) BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ & LADOIX 2023 – CHANTERÊVES
I know these are two wines, not one, but I drank them on the same day while dining at a Japanese restaurant with our friends Vicente and Cruz. Chanterêves captivates me.
11) CUVÉE MARIE BEURRIER 2013 – HENRI BONNEAU
Another unexpected surprise, enjoyed with my friends from the Benagéber Council. Those wines you don’t expect that, in this case, reconciled me with Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
12) ÚNICO RESERVA ESPECIAL 2024 – VEGA SICILIA & CASTILLO DE YGAY 2011 – MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA
This duo is a tribute to the excellent wines of Ribera del Duero and Rioja. It’s not a matter of choosing, just enjoying. Sublime. Shared with my brother and Vicente.
Selecting the twelve wines of the year is never easy, as there were so many great moments shared with different friends. So, thank you to everyone with whom I shared a wine in 2025, because I’m sure it was a happy moment.