In a country where red wine still commands much of the spotlight, Spanish white wine continues its quiet but confident ascent. After years of playing a supporting role, today’s whites are coming into their own, offering some of the most characterful and compelling bottles from across Spain.
From the windswept Atlantic coast of Galicia, down through the high plateaus of Castilla y León, Spain’s whites span a remarkable variety of styles. Each region brings its own identity, from mineral-driven freshness to richer, softly textured expressions.
White Rioja, in particular, has shed its reputation for heavy-handed oak. Modern producers are instead showcasing Viura’s natural charm, relying on floral notes, bright citrus and a supple structure that rewards both early drinking and cellaring. One standout from this year’s IWSC was Eguren Ugarte Reserva 2022, a white Rioja that impressed judges with its balance and complexity. Scoring 92 points, it was praised for its vibrant palate and bright acidity, a clear reminder of how impressive contemporary white Rioja can be.
Galicia, unsurprisingly, delivered some of the year’s top performances. Paco & Lola’s Prime Lías Albariño 2021 earned a coveted Gold, highlighted by IWSC expert judges for its precision and depth, while Bodegas Santiago Ruiz 2024 offered the region’s hallmark wet-stone freshness and citrus drive. Even supermarket own-label wines shone: Asda’s Extra Special Albariño 2024 picked up Silver with its notes of lemon and a touch of prickly pear.
In Castilla y León, Godello continues to show why it’s one of Spain’s most exciting white grapes. Bodegas Los Aljibes’ Gloria Godello 2023 won Silver for its delicate floral nose and chalky texture, proof that the region’s whites are every bit as deserving of attention as their reds.
All of this year’s leading Spanish white wines were tasted blind by an experienced IWSC judging panel. The results show that Spanish white wines have never been better, offering freshness, personality and exceptional flavour across every style.
HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE WINES?
We run a tightly structured, rigorous wine tasting process. That means that each wine sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC wine judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the wine industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.
HOW DO WE SCORE THESE WINES?
Only the best wines sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, wines have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.
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12 top Spanish white wines from the IWSC 2025
