Two award-winning Rioja wines in 2024 you can't miss
Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017 and Barón de Ley Reserva 2020 have become two standout references in the Spanish wine industry this year. Here is everything you need to know about these award-winning wines from 2024—their unique characteristics, tasting notes, and ideal pairings. Perfect for gifting this holiday season or to accompany your festive meals! Keep reading to discover more about these two must-try Rioja wines celebrated in 2024!
An Internationally Acclaimed Winery
Named Best Spanish Winery by the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2004 and 2007, Barón de Ley has been elaborating premium wines under the D.O. Ca Rioja since 1985. Our winemaking tradition has brought us into countless homes, and our greatest pride is the loyalty of our customers to our “Vinos de Ley.”
Combining traditional techniques with innovation in wine elaboration, Barón de Ley has earned recognition in prestigious international competitions. 2024 has been another year of success, and we are excited to highlight two of our most celebrated wines.
Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017
A gold medal and 95 points at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) for one of our most iconic wines! Elaborated from Tempranillo and Graciano varieties, Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017 stood out in this renowned competition, judged by over 500 international experts in blind tastings.
This Gran Reserva is aged for at least 24 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by over 36 months in the bottle. The 2017 vintage, marked by an early harvest and low yields, resulted in well-structured, concentrated wines with excellent aging potential.
The result is a medium-bodied wine with a brilliant ruby-red colour and hints of garnet. Its bouquet is complex and elegant, featuring ripe red fruit, saffron, tobacco, and a subtle balsamic note. The persistent finish reveals toasted nuances, dried fruits, and forest floor. For pairing, Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017 is perfect with red meats or a fine cheese platter.
Barón de Ley Reserva 2020
Made from Tempranillo, Graciano, and Maturana varieties, the 2020 vintage stands out for its balance in both production and wine quality. This was recognized by the judges at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), comprising over 300 industry experts, including winemakers, distributors, retailers, Master Sommeliers, and Masters of Wine.
“A bouquet of aromas blending leather with delicate notes, exotic spices, and the sweetness of cinnamon. On the palate, it reveals impeccable structure that enhances every nuance,” noted the judges. This exceptional quality earned Barón de Ley Reserva 2020 a silver medal and 94 points at one of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions.
Interested in our Reserva? Aging for a minimum of 18 months in oak barrels, followed by additional time in the bottle, allows this wine to reach its full expression. The result is a medium-bodied wine with an attractive ruby-red colour. On the nose, it impresses with its depth and richness, showcasing aromas of red fruits and sweet spices, complemented by a subtle balsamic touch.
Perfect Pairings: Barón de Ley Reserva pairs beautifully with patatas a la riojana, a signature dish of our region. It also complements white meats, mushrooms, or hearty stews. During the colder months, we recommend pairing it with a hearty legume stew, served with a glass of this wine at 15–18 °C.
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