Here we are again, reflecting on the highs, lows, and outstanding moments in my glass over the past year. As promised in last year's article - 'The wines that stole my heart in 2023' - I made a conscious effort to take more photos of the wines I tried in 2024. And while the year had its fair share of hits and misses, the following selection represents the highlights.
This latest list of wine discoveries isn’t just about incredible wines - it also shines a spotlight on styles and regions we’ve been exploring, and that we believe deserve your attention.
Veronica Ortega Cobrana 2021
Despite being a rare and admittedly pricey gem, I’ve had the privilege of tasting this wine twice and both experiences were an eye opener. It’s the kind of wine that stops you in your tracks and makes your heart skip a beat, leaving you with the realization that when a vineyard is ancient and perfectly adapted to its environment, the grape variety - Mencía, in this case - becomes secondary. This wine transcends its Bierzo origins, telling the unique story of the Cobrana vineyard. To me, it’s a vivid snapshot of a place in time - imagine wet stones, a forested landscape, fresh red fruit, and the crisp air of the region. Drink it to believe it.
Muscadet
This one might seem a bit confusing at first. Is it a region? A wine? A style? It is a yes, to all of these questions. Muscadet is a wine region near Nantes known for its affordable, fresh white wines made predominantly from the Melon grape. Often produced using the “Sur Lie” method, which enhances aroma and flavour, these wines are crisp, zesty, and full of character. We tried a few bottles, none costing more than €12, and every single one was a winner.
Anna Serra, La Noia del Bosc 2021
With the hype around natural wines finally settling down, and consumers becoming more informed, visiting a natural wine bar in Barcelona felt like a bit of a gamble. But to our delight, the professional sommelier listened to our preferences and recommended this sparkling beauty. Fresh, citrusy, approachable, and free of funky, off-putting aromas, La Noia del Bosc delivered everything we asked for. A true work of art in a bottle - though sadly, not on the label.
Viña Mein O Gran Mein Tinto 2020
I love Galician wines - not just the refreshing, crisp whites of Rías Baixas, but also the reds from the region’s interior. Decades ago, Galician winemakers bet on local grape varieties, and today that gamble is paying off. Although the red wines are not the most popular, I believe they are incredibly original and off high quality. This O Gran Mein Tinto from Ribeiro is a testament to their vision. Elegant and refreshing, it bursts with red fruit, herbal notes, and a touch of balsamic. It is a classy, highly polished wine.
Aurelio García La Infanta Bobal
Bobal isn’t a grape that typically gets a lot of love in Spain, but winemaker Aurelio García sees its enormous potential. Crafted from a single plot of old vines in Cuenca - a region not historically associated with fine wines - La Infanta Bobal is a revelation. Technically perfect, subtle, and utterly unique, it’s a wine that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice. It’s an understated masterpiece that absolutely belongs on this list.
Bonus Track: Sherry
This year, I took a deep dive into the Sherry region. My studies in 2023, through both the WSET course and an online course, gave me a newfound appreciation for these underappreciated wines. Sherry’s vast range of styles, strong personality, and versatility make it one of Spain’s hidden gems. It doesn’t take much to start exploring either - some (shocking) options can be found in supermarkets for as little as €7. But, if you’re ready to delve deeper, you’ll find aged treasures (40 or 50 years old!) that will challenge your palate and elevate your wine game.
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