TIM ATKIN consagra Bodegas José Pariente como referente de Rueda y le concede dos de sus premios más relevantes

Tim Atkin names José Pariente Verdejo White Wine of the Year and crowns Dorado 25 Años as Fortified Wine Discovery of the Year
The report “Rueda 2026 Top 100” was unveiled at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, where DO Rueda took part for the first time
Martina Prieto Pariente, the winery’s Technical Director, received the awards in the French capital

Paris has witnessed the coronation of some of history’s greatest kings, such as Clovis, and as of today, Bodegas José Pariente stands as one of the leading references of DO Rueda after receiving two of the most important distinctions from the “Rueda 2026 Top 100” report, presented at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris (February 9–11), one of the wine industry’s most significant international events.

This global gathering, which brings together thousands of exhibitors and visitors, hosted the presentation of Tim Atkin MW’s “Rueda 2026 Top 100” report. The renowned British Master of Wine and critic granted Bodegas José Pariente two especially noteworthy awards. José Pariente Verdejo was proclaimed White Wine of the Year, while the historic 25 Años de José Pariente was distinguished as Fortified Wine Discovery of the Year, a recognition reserved for exceptional, distinctive wines of outstanding oenological value.

During the opening day of this year’s edition — in which DO Rueda participated for the first time — Tim Atkin MW, one of the most influential wine critics worldwide, presented the “Rueda 2026 Top 100” report. For its preparation, one of his closest collaborators, Beth Willard, visited 56 wineries within the denomination and tasted 310 wines, selecting only the top 100. This highlights the strict standards, rigor, and prestige of these awards, which underscore José Pariente’s leadership. This is the third edition of the report, which has become an essential reference for both industry professionals and wine lovers alike.

Martina Prieto Pariente, enóloga y directora técnica de José Pariente, explicó desde París que «este doble reconocimiento es un orgullo enorme para todo el equipo y una confirmación de que el camino que seguimos, basado en el respeto por el viñedo, la precisión en bodega y la búsqueda constante de la excelencia, es el correcto. Es también un homenaje al legado de nuestra familia y a nuestra forma de entender el verdejo».

Two wines, one philosophy of excellence and craftsmanship

José Pariente Verdejo was awarded for its freshness, elegance, and complexity, the result of carefully selected family vineyards aged between 30 and 60 years, planted on pebble-rich soils. The winemaking process combines stainless steel, concrete, and oak, with aging on lees.

Meanwhile, 25 Años de José Pariente represents the ultimate expression of time and craftsmanship. Produced from a single vineyard planted in 1943 on the páramo of El Portugués, it undergoes an extraordinarily long oxidative aging in barrel, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth, complexity, and longevity. Its production is limited to just 411 bottles, reinforcing its exclusive, collectible character.

This double recognition places Bodegas José Pariente among the elite of Spanish white wine, strengthening its leadership within DO Rueda and its international projection.