Exploring Tim Atkin’s 2024 Rioja Wine Report: Artuke, Miguel Merino, and Tondonia Shine

The latest Tim Atkin report on Rioja wine has caused quite a stir in the oenophile community, and for good reason. In a historic first, Atkin has awarded three perfect scores of 100 points to wines from the Rioja region. Artuke’s La Condenada 2021, Miguel Merino’s La Loma 2021, and Viña Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva 2004 from López de Heredia have all received this prestigious accolade in the ‘Rioja 2024’ report, now available on his website.

Atkin meticulously sampled 1,332 wines during the past harvest for his report, with 128 wines scoring over 95 points and nearly a thousand wines earning 90 points or more. This extensive evaluation reaffirms Atkin’s belief that “Rioja is going through one of the greatest crises in its history, but at the same time producing better wines than ever.”

Let’s delve into some highlights from Atkin’s report:

The Podium

• Winemaker of the Year: Jesús Mendoza from Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza.
• Young Winemaker of the Year: Eduardo Eguren from Cuentaviñas.
• Legend: Manuel Ruiz Hernández.
• Cooperative of the Year: Bodegas Marqués de Reinosa.
• Viticulturist of the Year: Carmelo Espinosa Muga of Bodegas Muga.
• Wine Tourism: Vivanco.
• Red Wine of the Year: Artuke La Condenada and Miguel Merino La Loma 2021.
• Best White Wine: López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva 2004.
• Best Rosé: Quiroga de Pablo Abuelo Cayo Colección Familiar Rosado 2022.
• Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2017 Bodegas Urbina Valle del Ángel Brut.
• Sweet Wine: Vinícola Real 200 Monges Vendimia de Invierno Esencia.
• Red Discovery: Hermanos Hernáiz Guardacumbres 2022.
• White Discovery: Carlos Sánchez 1er Los Montes Bellos del Buradón 2021.
• Rosé Discovery: Bodegas Tierra, Tierra de Mármol 2022.
• Sparkling Discovery: Basilio Izquierdo Blanc de Noirs 2018.
• Best Value Red: José Basoco Basoco Finca Barronte Crianza 2021.
• Best Value White: Solana de Ramírez Blanco 2022.
• Best Value Rosé: Arriezu Vineyards, J. F. Arriezu Organic Rosédez 2022.

Notable Mentions

• Winemaker of the Year: Jesús Mendoza from Remírez de Ganuza, recognized for over two decades of extraordinary work.
• Young Winemaker: Eduardo Eguren, making waves with his personal project in San Vicente.
• Legend: The esteemed Manuel Ruiz Hernández, honored for his continued contributions.
• Rosé of the Year: The surprise winner is Quiroga de Pablo Abuelo Cayo 2022, part of a new collection.
• Sparkling Wine of the Year: Bodegas Urbina Valle del Ángel Brut 2017 impresses as the best sparkling wine.
• Sweet Wine: Vinícola Real shines with its spectacular 200 Monges Vendimia de Invierno Esencia.

Atkin’s Insights

Beyond the awards, Atkin’s report offers a profound analysis of the Rioja region. He advocates for significant changes in Rioja’s management, suggesting the removal of 10,000 hectares of vineyards and a revamp of the DOCa system. Atkin criticizes the current decision-making process as outdated and calls for fresh ideas to navigate through the challenges faced by the region.

As always, Atkin’s report is a must-read for wine enthusiasts, providing in-depth reviews and a comprehensive overview of Rioja. With its blend of celebration and critical analysis, Atkin’s report sets the stage for the future of Rioja wine.

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