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Expert’s choice: White Rioja

If the whites of this famed region have escaped your attention, now is the time to explore. Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW has done just that and unearthed a selection of captivating wines.

Probably, the world’s least-known classic region for fine white wines is Rioja. But this is not due to the quality of the wines themselves. Rather, it’s simply because fine Spanish wines were, unlike their French or Italian equivalents, rarely seen abroad for most of the 20th century due to the country’s politics.

These are wines that have a distinctive character. With a bit of practice, it’s not difficult to spot a good white Rioja in a blind tasting: they can be nothing else. In today’s standardised world, uniqueness is a jewel.


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for 18 wonderful white Riojas



See the top white Rioja picks from Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW


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