Respected wine specialist magazine Decanter has just released their 2026 January issue centred around the ‘WINES of the YEAR – editors’ highlights from the past 12 months.
While the wines chosen all rate between 95 and 100 points they are not necessarily the highest scoring in their location category, but, as Decanter puts it, regional highlights and favourites of its editors.
The wines were all featured in the magazine the past 12 months of 2025, but this new condensed list is what the magazine suggests “a starting point for your own voyage of discovery for 2026″.
Assigning 5 wines to each main wine producing country or region – thus bringing the total to 65, including France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California, South America and Portugal and more – the editors picked a total of 8 for Spain: 5 for Rioja and a further 3 in the rest of Spain.
Rioja got a glowing review, with the decanter’s editors stating that their extensive tasting for the inaugural Decanter Rioja report back in May last year exceeding their best expectations. Top scorers included the established icons but also young newcomers and it was noted that especially Rioja whites did very well. Below are the wines chosen for Spain with the magazine’s notes.
Rioja
CVNE, Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva Blanco Seco 2018
Amber in colour, this is a beautiful interpretation of aged white Rioja with a really extended ageing period. There is a wonderful sweetness from the oak that captivates but is very fresh and lifted, even after all its time in barrel and bottle – the wine is matured for a period of 60 months in a mix of used Rioja barrels and an older, large bota cask. Lemon curd, apple and baking spice create a luscious mouthfeel with a slightly waxy finish. cvne.com
Viñedos El Pacto, Jesús Acha Senda de Haro Blanco 2018
While it is reminiscent of top Burgundy, I’m hesitant to make that comparison, because this is a stunning wine in its own right. Struck-match aromas add the complexity of subtle reduction on the nose. The palate is saline and possesses a fabulous texture. Mouthfilling, but supported by impressive acidity, this is a fantastic Viura (blended with small proportions of Malvasía, Jaina, Garnacha Blanca and other varieties), reinterpreted for modern times. vinedoselpacto.com
Carlos Sánchez, La Bendecida 2022
Bright and lively with beautiful floral notes and a broody, inviting, seductive nature. It offers a lightness of touch with a strong, muscular structure. A touch of sour fruit, with rhubarb and pomegranate, but underpinned with earthy tones of beetroot. There is grip on the finish but it is somewhat ethereal and incredibly moreish. Farmed according to biodynamic principles and made using minimal intervention. carlossanchezvinos.com
Miguel Merino, La Quinta Cruz Mazuelo 2022
Immediately inviting, this Mazuelo offers intense varietal characteristics with wild strawberry and mint aromas, opening into a silky, velvety palate that has just the right amount of tannic lift. The texture of this wine is wonderfully appealing, with a touch of stony grip. It is poised, refined and is a unique take on a cooler zone of Rioja, while also showcasing this less-typical variety. miguelmerino.com
Remírez de Ganuza, UV 2022
Remírez de Ganuza’s only single-variety Tempranillo delivers another pure, transparent expression of the variety. Lifted by fragrant violets, crushed rose petals and wild strawberry, the flavours are moreish and juicy, with tomato compote, red cherry jam, pomegranate and cranberry. Lively and frank, this is dangerously drinkable, gliding through the palate and leaving a mouthwatering, zesty trail. remirezdeganuza.com
Rest of Spain (beyond Rioja)
Juvé y Camps, La Capella Cava Paraje Calificado Brut Nature, Catalonia 2011
The potential of Xarel lo to produce world-class sparkling wines is on show in this cuvée. The silky mousse carries the rich flavours of honey, candied lemon, ripe pear, yellow apple and guava, while the wide mid-palate is fleshed out by frangipane, buttered toast and apple strudel. Herbal nuances of wild fennel and oregano, spiced with white pepper. juveycamps.com
Francisco Barona, Finca Las Dueñas Reserva, Ribera del Duero
An alluring nose of graphite, leather and liquorice, with fragrant mountain herbs. The palate follows with juicy plum, red cherry and roasted peppers topped with cocoa nibs and salty liquorice. Tomato leaf and Earl Grey tea add intrigue and depth. Vibrant, with a finely honed structure. Mineral freshness carries it through to a long finish. franciscobarona.com
Raúl Moreno, La Pretension Vino de Pasto, Jerez, Andalucia 2022
Skin-macerated for three weeks and aged in Cognac barrels, this is a Moscatel like no other, with outstanding complexity and aromatic detail. Oily unctuosity wraps the nectarine, red apple, kumquat, loquat and peach fruit, with jasmine and orange blossom hovering and nutmeg, lavender and cherry leaf lining the seams. Saline and mouthwatering, with a pleasant lingering bitterness of orange pith and cherry pits. raulmorenoyague.com
If you would like to read the whole article you can find it in Decanter’s January 2026 Issue. www.decanter.com