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Top Rioja Gran Reservas Earn Global Recognition in 2026
Few wine styles capture time, tradition, and patience quite like Rioja Gran Reserva—and this year, the world is paying attention. Following one of the largest Rioja-only blind tastings in the UK, leading wine publication The Drinks Business released its Top 10 Gran Reserva Riojas, spotlighting the depth, longevity, and enduring appeal of the region’s most age-worthy wines.
Judged exclusively by Masters of Wine, the tasting brought together Gran Reservas spanning classic producers, modern standouts, and even a rare white Gran Reserva—proof that Rioja continues to evolve while staying rooted in tradition.
What Makes Gran Reserva Rioja So Special?
Gran Reserva wines represent Rioja at its most patient and precise. These wines are aged for years—both in barrel and bottle—before release, allowing layers of fruit, spice, and savory complexity to fully develop. The result is a style known for elegance, structure, and remarkable balance.
What stood out in this year’s results was not just quality, but range. The top-scoring Gran Reservas spanned approachable price points and collectible icons, reinforcing Rioja’s ability to deliver excellence across the spectrum.
A Region Built for Longevity
From historic vineyards to multi-generation winemaking families, Rioja’s Gran Reservas reflect decades of expertise and a deep understanding of terroir. Whether red or white, these wines showcase Rioja’s signature harmony of freshness, oak integration, and age-driven nuance.
For wine lovers looking to explore mature, expressive wines (or to invest in bottles that tell a story) Rioja Gran Reserva remains one of the world’s most compelling choices.
Top Rioja Gran Reservas to Know
| Wine | Producer | Vintage | Style | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Señorío de la Eralta Gran Reserva | Bodegas La Eralta | 2018 | Classic & Elegant | ~$25 |
| Muriel Viñas Viejas Gran Reserva | Muriel Wines | 2016 | Traditional Rioja | ~$30 |
| Arnegui Gran Reserva | Pagos del Rey | 2018 | Savory & Balanced | ~$34 |
| Viña Pomal Gran Reserva | Bodegas Bilbaínas | 2016 | Refined & Age-Worthy | ~$42 |
| Viña Albina Gran Reserva | Bodegas Riojanas | 2019 | Rich & Structured | ~$49 |
| Monte Real Gran Reserva | Bodegas Riojanas | 2019 | Bold & Powerful | ~$51 |
| Marqués de Vargas Gran Reserva | Bodega Marqués de Vargas | 2017 | Single-Vineyard Expression | ~$52 |
| Martínez Lacuesta Colección Familia | Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta | 2012 | Fully Mature | ~$68 |
| Montecillo 22 Barricas Gran Reserva | Bodegas Montecillo | 2017 | Complex & Intense | ~$75 |
| Remírez de Ganuza Gran Reserva | Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza | 2012 | Collector-Level | ~$274 |
Discover Gran Reserva Rioja
Experience why time is the region’s greatest ingredient.