Spain's wine number 🥇 comes from Galicia

Galicia remains a true insider tip for many wine lovers. But according to Luis Gutiérrez 's latest report in the Robert Parker Wine Advocate of July 24, 2025, the region is well on its way to securing a permanent place among Spain's most exciting wine regions. More and more winemakers are demonstrating what their soils and vines are capable of—and that's really inspiring discovery. It's also not surprising that another well-known wine critic (James Suckling) has named Guímaro's Meixemán the number one wine of Spain of the year, marking the first time a smaller producer has received this prestigious award, beating out the larger wineries (James Suckling November 2024 list). We have maintained a relationship with Pedro, Spain's current No. 1 winemaker (see photo), for several years and are delighted with his wines year after year.

Pedro (Adegas Guímaro) during a barrel tasting with uncorkme-now!

We don't base our decisions on these rating lists ourselves. But they show that uncorkme - now! has clearly made a good choice with its selection of wine regions, producers, and wines , especially when renowned wine critics reach similar conclusions a few years later. This makes us a little proud and further confirms that we have made a careful selection in recent years. 😊

Freshness, elegance and diversity – the signature of the 2023 vintage

The latest Robert Parker report on the wines of Galicia is based primarily on tastings of the 2023 vintages , which form the clear focus of the analysis. These wines impress with their beautiful freshness, clarity, and balance. After the rather warm 2022, 2023 produced grapes with rich aromas and perfect ripeness thanks to cool nights and moderate temperatures. These were ideal conditions for varieties such as Albariño and Godello to display their full elegance and depth.

View from Cristosende over the Ribeira Sacra wine region and the Rio Sil

Regions in focus

Rias Baixas

This region is the home of Albariño and known for its aromatic, mineral white wines. It is also the region most internationally known as Galicia's wine region. According to Parker, the best wines from this area have tremendous precision and a clear expression of the Atlantic Ocean, which lies right on their doorstep.

Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro and Valdeorras

Not only are excellent white wines produced here from Godello and Treixadura, but also elegant, fine red wines from the indigenous grape varieties Mencía, Caiño, Sousón, Merenzao, Espadeiro, and Mouratón. The steep vineyards along the rivers give the wines a special minerality and complexity that is immediately noticeable. These three regions are currently enjoying high esteem in the wine world, and several well-known oenologists and wineries are implementing new projects in this area.

Monterrey

Monterrei is A (still) relatively unknown region, but one that's really starting to gain momentum. The wines are authentic, profound, and offer excellent value for money. It's worth keeping an eye on this region. We at uncorkme-now! are also currently working on finding the best wines from this region.

Small winemakers, big class

In his report, Luis Gutiérrez particularly highlights the work of small, family-run wineries – the so-called Colleiteiros . These winemakers usually work biodynamically or very naturally, allowing their wines plenty of freedom to develop their own character. The result is unique wines that clearly stand out from the crowd. One of them is Carlos Carballo, who produces incredibly natural wines and vinifies only a few hundred or thousand bottles per year in his micro-bodega. These are wonderful masterpieces, which Carlos vinifies with great conviction and passion.

View into the famous and steep vineyards of the sub-zone "Amandi" of the Ribeira Sacra

A look into the future

Although the Parker report primarily focuses on the 2023 vintage, it also takes a look into the future. Initial impressions from the 2024 vintage confirm that quality remains at a very high level. Gutiérrez sees Galicia as well-positioned for the coming years and also sees enormous potential for 2025, provided the weather cooperates in the final weeks before the harvest.

For us at uncorkme-now!, this is another reason why we love wines outside the mainstream—and why it's so worthwhile to discover these treasures. And this is also why we've placed a strong focus on this wine region. For years, we've been fascinated by the potential of Galician wines, which have long been neglected and are now increasingly gaining international recognition.

🍷 Fancy some Galician wines?

Check out our selection of Algueira , Attis , Coto de Gomariz , Carlos Carballo , Guímaro , Ronsel do Sil and Veigamoura – and find your new favorite wine!