Bodegas Valdemar is once again at the top of the international scene. Its estate wine Valdemar Balcón de Pilatos 2022 has been chosen as one of the 10 best wines in Spain and Portugal in the prestigious “Top 100” ranking of the European magazine Vinum, one of the most influential wine publications in Central Europe.
This recognition did not come alone. The wine also won first prize in its category in the “Best of Rioja 2025” competition, obtaining an outstanding score of 95 points.
A double milestone that consolidates the trajectory of a family with more than 135 years of winemaking history and five generations dedicated to wine.
A wine born from the revival of a historic variety
Balcón de Pilatos 2022 is made from Maturana, a native Rioja variety that was on the verge of extinction. In 2001, the Valdemar family made a courageous decision: to revive this historic grape from just 35 century-old vines.
This venture gave rise to a unique vineyard, planted on terraces at an altitude of 500 meters, with spectacular views of Oyón, Logroño, and the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. An environment that brings freshness, structure, and a unique identity to the wine.
The result is an intense, elegant red wine with its own personality, reflecting the expressiveness of a living land and the history of a variety rescued from oblivion.
95 points and European recognition: what does it really mean?
Being selected in Vinum’s Top 100 means competing with hundreds of wines from across the Iberian Peninsula. It is not just about a high score, but also editorial recognition that positions the wine among the most important of the year in Europe.
In addition, the First Prize in “Best of Rioja 2025” reinforces its value within the appellation itself, positioning it as a benchmark in its category.
For a family winery, these awards mean more than just a medal: they are confirmation that the commitment to quality, innovation, and respect for origin is the right path to take.
Wine undergoing a transformation: less quantity, more identity
The global wine landscape is changing. Today’s consumers are looking for less volume and more authenticity. They prefer wines with history, origin, and purpose.
In this scenario, Bodegas Valdemar has managed to consolidate its position by focusing on unique, sustainable wines with soul. In fact, the winery has experienced an 8% growth in sales in the domestic market during 2025, proving that quality and differentiation remain the best selling points.
Balcón de Pilatos 2022 is a clear example of this philosophy: a wine born from recovery, innovation, and the conviction that the future of wine lies in looking to its roots.
Valdemar Balcón de Pilatos 2022 in the media
The impact of this recognition was immediate. During December, the news was picked up by various specialized and general media outlets, significantly expanding its reach.
Wine industry publications such as Vinetur and Lo Mejor del Vino de Rioja, as well as leading regional newspapers such as Noticias de Álava and NueveCuatroUno, have reported on the double award. This media coverage reinforces the positioning of Valdemar Balcón de Pilatos 2022 as one of the most outstanding wines of the year and consolidates the national and international profile of the project.
Awards such as this not only celebrate a specific wine, but also a way of understanding viticulture: with respect for its origins, courage to innovate, and commitment to the future.
Balcón de Pilatos 2022 is, in short, proof that when tradition and vision go hand in hand, the result transcends borders.