Los 27 mejores vinos de 2021 con las puntuaciones más altas de la revista Decanter

Every year, the major specialist publications release their lists of the best wines, and few carry as much weight as Decanter's. It is worth knowing how to read them with a critical eye.

What these scores are

Magazines like Decanter bring together expert tasters who evaluate thousands of wines and award a score, usually out of 100. The bottles that reach the highest marks -above 95 or 96 points- join a very select club. These are wines that, in the panel's judgement, stand out for their balance, complexity and ability to move you. A recognition like this can send demand, and even the price of a label, soaring.

Why they generate so much interest

The lists serve several purposes for the enthusiast:

• They provide guidance in the face of an enormous and hard-to-grasp offer.
• They help you discover regions and wineries that may not have been on your radar.
• They act as a reference for collectors and for anyone seeking wines to lay down.

That a country or a region places several wines at the very top is also a sign of the good moment its viticulture is enjoying.

Spain's role

Spanish wines have been gaining ground in this kind of international ranking for years. Reds from established regions and also proposals from less high-profile areas have shown that we produce at the very highest level here. Seeing national labels sharing a list with French or Italian classics is a joy, and proof of the growing value of our offer.

How to take the lists

That said, it is worth keeping perspective. A high score reflects the opinion of a group of tasters at a specific moment, with their own style and criteria. It does not guarantee that a wine will be the one you like most. Taste is personal, and a modestly rated wine may give you more pleasure than an award-winner if it connects with your palate and the occasion.

From the ranking to your glass

The lists are a good starting point, but the real learning lies in tasting, comparing and forming your own judgement. Jot down a couple of references that catch your eye, but never stop exploring on your own.

The best way to understand what lies behind an award-winning wine is to visit it at source. Check out the Spanish denominations of origin and plan a visit to discover, glass in hand, why some wines win over the experts.