In this year’s annual report on Spain, we highlighted the dynamic evolution of Spanish wines away from excessive extraction and overripeness toward lightness, purity and delicacy. The result has been more expressive, balanced and drinkable wines that embody the contemporary ethos of terroir-specific winemaking, often showcasing the alluring freshness of the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions the wines come from.
While “balance” is always crucial when assessing a wine’s drinkability, we also place great importance on sensory parameters such as purity, texture, acidity and fruit freshness. Wines that exhibit minerality, linearity, fluidity, succulence, and a fresh crunch on the palate are highly regarded, but it is essential to note that the lighter body of some of these wines should not be mistaken for a lack of flavor concentration.