Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences, with its radiant sun and its cultural heritage, has always had a special place in the hearts of travelers. Now, in the 20th edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 (DWWA), it has added another achievement to its list: its excellence in the production of wines with the Valencia Designation of Origin.
The Decanter World Wine Awards, established two decades ago, have emerged as one of the most significant and influential contests in the global wine arena. This year the competition has been particularly notable, with 236 judges, including 16 Master Sommeliers and 53 Masters of Wine from 30 different countries, judging 18,250 wines from 57 nations over a two-week period in April and May.
This year, Valencian wines have been made with a total of 30 medals, including one gold, 10 silver and 19 bronze medals, conclusively demonstrating the expertise and skill of this region’s winemakers. DWWA Co-Chair Sarah Jane Evans MW stated that Spain is one of the most intriguing countries in terms of wine production in Europe and highlighted the Mediterranean coast as one of the nation’s most prominent wine-making areas.
The wine that rose as a star among stars was the red Casa las Monjas 2019 by Clos de Lôm, which received a gold medal after reaching a score of 95 points. This wine, made with Monastrell grapes from the old plots of his Don Vicent estate, has been praised for its delicious style, pleasant texture, hints of chocolate and crisp acidity.
Another wine that received special recognition was the Mala Vida Edición Limitada 2020 from Bodegas Arráez, which was awarded a silver medal and 93 points. With a blend of Monastrell and Garnacha Tintorera, this wine reflects the distinctive character of the region and has been described as a fun and fruity wine with light toasted hints that give it an added dimension.
The red Alma Sana 2021 by Toni Beneito also stood out, which received a silver medal and 92 points. Made with native Bonicaire and Tempranillo grapes, its intense and fresh style, acidity that invites more, ripe and delicate tannins, and a smoky touch impressed the jury.
The list continues with other red and white wines that were also medal winners. Some of the wines that received silver medals include Cellar Door Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 from Anecoop Bodegas-Bodega La Viña, Esencia de Garnacha-Syrah 2020, and Vegamar Crianza 2020 from Vegamar Bodegas, among others. White wines, such as Cañada La Torre Malvasía 2021 from Bodegas Murviedro and Cimera 2020 from Clos Cor Vi, were also awarded.
Bronze medals were awarded to a variety of wines, including Bodegas Valsangiacomo with their Calafia Moscatel and Malvasía de Sant Jaume, Bodegas Murviedro with CV05, and Anecoop Bodegas-Bodegas Reymos with Amatista Rosado and L’Bella, to name a few.
This triumph for DO Valencia wines shows that the region continues to consolidate itself as an epicenter of high-quality wine production.
